ABSOLUTION

I believe that this album is ESSENTIAL, to anyone looking for a modern band with progressive tendencies. The only reason that it does not merit a five star rating, is that it's simply not progressive in the way that "Close to the Edge," or "Larks Tongues in Aspic," or "Foxtrot" are. However, you can hear the influences of many of the essential prog bands here, and in my opinion, this album...no, this BAND, is more progressive in spirit, than the majority of other new bands regaurded as prog.

This album is equal to it's predecessor Origin of Symmetry, however, it showcases a more experimental and more mature band. It serves as the best introduction to the band.

Every song on this album is played with passion and intensity. The songwriting is fantastic, and the musicianship, while not comparable to the likes of Yes, or King Crimson, is still of high quality. Matt Bellamy is perhaps the most powerful and most talented vocalist right now, and his guitar work is simple, but what he lacks in virtousity is more than made up in the sheer passion of his guitar playing. Chris Wolstenhome's distorted and agressive basslines are similiar in intensity to John Wetton, and add tremendous power to the overall sound. Dominic Howard's drums are interesting, and he shows that he is a fantastic drummer, but never takes the spotlight, similiar to Alan White of Yes.

The music is epic, and has the power to bring you to your knees. The piano arpeggio's remind the listener of Rick Wakemen or Tony Banks. However, the music has the heavyness of Bruford-Wetton-era King Crimson.

This album is recommended for any fan of rock, and it showcases the epic nature of prog rock, in a very concise and focused manner. Give it a chance. You'll probably like it, a lot. Standout tracks: "hysteria," "stockholm syndrome," "butterflies and hurricanes," but those are just a few. They're all incredible.