### Neal Morse: Sola scriptura

#### 21/06/07 || Euthanatos

Neal Morse is the former mastermind behind Spock’s Beard, a progressive rock/metal band which has influenced quite a number of renowned artists. Therefore, it should be no surprise that this new solo effort features Mike Portnoy on drums and Paul Gilbert on guitar. Even if you’re not that much into progressive metal, which is my case, it’s enough to make one curious.

The four songs presented here (yes, only four, but they’re huge) aren’t that similar to Spock’s Beard. Progressive couldn’t be more apt to define the sound here. Influences from everything like Yes to Dream Theater can be heard, and for the most part of the tracks, it’s basically instrumental jerkoffery. The surprising thing, though, is that it’s actually really good.

And when vocals kick in every now and then, Morse truly shines. His vocal lines are all perfectly inserted and the backing vocals are a plus.

Obviously there isn’t much need to praise Portnoy or Gilbert, after all, love them or hate them, these two gentlemen are certainly at the top of their game and among the best in the business. Gilbert is particularly inspired here and throws about some memorable stuff.

There’s an uncanny balance between heavy parts and acoustic mellow ones that are closer to Morse’s former band, which makes this pretty much a must-have for those who are into the style. Sure, there’s an obvious link to Neal’s religion here, but like I stated on another review, it’s not preaching, just a preference of subject, and it certainly doesn’t take anything at all from the album’s brilliance.

I wish I could speak nasty things about this, I really do, but I wouldn’t be fair. This is good stuff and totally worth checking out.

The Cover: It’s a monk with a broom cleaning the floor. Yeah, it does sound lame, but it’s actually one of the coolest covers I’ve seen this year.

9 Born-again Christians out of 10.

- Information
- Released: 2007
- Label: Radiant Records
- Website: www.nealmorse.com
- Band
- Neal Morse: vocals, guitars, keyboards, praising Jesus
- Paul Gilbert: guitars
- Randy George: bass
- Mike Portnoy: drums

- Tracklist
- 01.The Door
- 02. The Conflict
- 03. Heaven in my Heart
- 04. The Conclusion