Search - Transatlantic :: The Whirlwind

Back and Better Than Ever

John P. Bowman | Lancaster, PA | 06/11/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There are so many reviews on "The Whirlwind" that I'll make this short and sweet. Buy it!

If you liked Transatlantic's prior works, be forwarned that this is different. It is less relaxed and more serious in topic. Still, it is Transatlantic and therefore, it is good music. In fact, I like this better by a hair than their other discs. Also, do not worry about Neal's spiritual side coming through too strongly. The lyrics, for the most part, are vague enough to be unoffensive.

Buy it, buy it, buy it!"

A Satisfying Package

Kurt Harding | Boerne TX | 07/04/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is my perpetual advice: When musicians of this caliber offer a bonus disc in a special edition with a new recording, always buy it. Especially if the additional cost is only a couple of dollars. In the case of Transatlantic, you already know that what they choose to record is going to be worthwhile, and in the case of The Whirlwind, it certainly is!

Fans of the supergroup have waited many years for this album. Now that its here, its time to rejoice. Most fans already know that Neal Morse and Roine Stolt are openly Christian. It is quite likely that Mike Portnoy and Pete Trewavas are as well. Despite some sniveling about Christian references by those inclined to look for them like censors parsing every phrase for any hint of what they so detest, Transatlantic manages to steer clear of any overt declarations of Christian faith. But the lyrics do reflect the moral sensibilities of the musicians who comprise the band and are both vaguely reverent and positively joyous in tone.

The Whirlwind is a glorious twelve-part progressive opus that is spectacular in scope and quite stupendous musically. It certainly covers a lot of musical territory in its more than an hour and a quarter in length. The more times you listen, the more you will hear something you missed the last time around. One thing you'll hear is that each musician has an equal voice in shaping the music. What each brings to Transatlantic from their "day jobs" makes this an unforgettable album and easily one of the best progressive albums of the new millenium.

The second disc is a treat you shouldn't miss just to save a couple of dollars. On it, Transatlantic covers four songs written by members of the group, one Genesis tune, one from Procol Harum, one from Santana, and an America/Beatles medley. Additionally, there is a short "secret" song at the end not mentioned in the package. Of these, my favorites are the covers of Procol Harum's A Salty Dog and Santana's Soul Sacrifice.

This satisfying package includes an attractive booklet containing the lyrics and a picture and statement from each of the group's members. More pictures and album information are included on the six-panel digipak that houses the booklet and the two discs. If you like progressive rock, this is a mandatory acquisition. Get this special edition while its still reasonable and still available."

When Egos collide...

Kramer Drummer | Mill Creeek, WA United States | 10/17/2010

(2 out of 5 stars)

"...what happens is an endless repetition of verses, pre-verses, choruses and bridges. Lets play this bridge 8 times in a row so I can show you how many ways it can be played on the drums. Please. I am a big DT fan and Transatlantic fan too (see my other reviews) but this issue of their work gives me a perceived silent conflict of Egos. I believe Mike has some kind of urgency to be the louder voice, or to try to prove himself to the world, I really don't know what's up with the man. I am a drummer, and I can play DT songs fine, but please... can you play for the song and not for the Ego? Don't take me wrong, the performances are top notch. The songs aren't. Mike, you need to relax. You already have your spot in the drumming world as one of the greats. Now it's time to play for the song. Less "me", more "we"."