THE ROBBERY OF MURDER

4 stars, solid! This is one of the best concept albums ever. I think it would make a great stage or movie production. A kids father is killed by a drunk driver. The kid seeks vengence, while the killer searches for peace, even wishing for togetherness in the afterlife. I'm not a religious person, not even close, but this disc moves me. Something about rising above the hate that brings a sense of self-awareness seldom explored in music. Powerful, emotional, expressive? Yeah, that and more. Salem Hill has never disguised their beliefs, but they've never shoved them down your throat either. They raise awareness and do it in a way that comes from the heart.

There are many strong tracks here, vocally, technically... So versatile. The Dream as some world beat tones that I found inspiring. Interlude is a short acoustic piece that Steve Howe would have liked to have written. Kansas in sections, partly Ragsdales bits, but more collective. Roger Waters delivery, with a better voice, in many sections. Even some Blue Oyster Cult and Uriah Heep in sections. Overall, it's an amalgam of styles and influences that make this a standout.

Who would like this? Echolyn fans would enjoy the strong harmonies, Floyd fans could appreciate the lyrical content. Kansas fans could relate to the music, powerful, but not metal. Proggers on the whole could wallow in the concept, a concept well thought, well played and complete. No missing pieces.

Check out the download, it is only a small piece, but it illustrates the tone of the recording quite accurately. The recording is somewhat hard to come by, I've seen it going for 79.99 on e-bay, because Cyclops no loonger carries it, but go to Salem Hills website and order it there.

Remember.... Don't Drink And Drive.