IF

This album is certainly a grower. It is great revival from the disappointing "Three Cheers for the Broken Hearted". The album is a very friendly and very heartfelt album. It is an easier listen than any of the albums before it (perhaps with the exception of "Shadowlands") except for the second track, the arty and dissonant "Behold the Ziddle".

"If" is yet another concept album from Glass Hammer, but what's different here, is that the story is mainly open to interpretation. It is based upon one's search for self meaning, a common theme of prog concept albums. The lyric's are beautifully written, and much more subtle then their previous efforts. Jon Davidson's voice communicate the story rather nicely. There are no tracks that stick out as the "standout", but that is not a bad thing, in fact it makes the album more consistent. What I love about this album, is that the themes are often repeated. Quite often in progressive rock and metal, the themes get lost in the strive for technical showcasing. At times Glass Hammer have been guilty of this (not always) but this album is very consistent due to the emphasis on melodic and rhythmic themes.

Last of all, I want to express my annoyance at the constant comparisons to Yes, no matter how deserving. Yes is to Symphonic Prog as Dream Theatre is to Prog Metal - pioneers of their genre, and it is only natural for a band to acknowledge their influences.

I recommend this album to any fan of any type of progressive music, particularly to fan's of Yes and classic Glass Hammer. Peace!