SMPT:E

Right off the bat I'd like to admit that this album did nothing for me. The opening 30 minute track was so overlong and guideless, I practically fell asleep. Only 'Mystery Train' held my interest. And to top it off, the CD was given to me for free. But a funny thing happened. I threw it on again after a few weeks, and lo and behold, the melodies were stuck in my head even tho I had thought them in one eye and out the other. Now after a few years since its debut, I can say with all cliche's attached, it took me a few listens but it's now one of my favorites post 2000. And the first track, (which is an album in and of itself) is my favorite epic of the past 10 or more years. It just has so much going on all throughout its 30 minutes, I never get tired of hearing it. It is absolute glory! 'We All Need Light' is a typical Morse ballad-like track and just doesn't do anything for me. 'Mystery Train' is a solid rocker, ala Deep Purple and Uriah Heep. Stoner rock, man! 'My New World' has to be Stolt's best song since the early days of The Flower Kings. It's got his awesome guitar picking, ala Mr Howe. My second favorite track almost rivaling the opener. "In Held (twas) In I' is a super solid remake of the old Procal Harum track from 1968, (early long prog track, BTW), Trewavas's flat singing in spots is its only drawback for me. A stunner, nonetheless. A powerful album that is amazing given it took them less than two weeks to record, and I must mention Portnoy's fantastic drum work. It's remarkable, and I'm not a Dream Theatre fan at all. get this classic album for modern prog done stunningly right! 4.5 stars.