Transatlantic - The Absolute Universe: Forevermore (Extended Version) (2021) CD-Rip

After six years away from studio recording, Transatlantic's Neal Morse, Mike Portnoy, Roine Stolt, and Pete Trewavas met in Sweden over four days in 2019. They cut enough material to fill two albums. Plans to complete and tour the set in 2020 were scuttled by the COVID-19 pandemic. Morse wanted a single-disc release, but his bandmates disagreed. Portnoy offered an unprecedented solution: to issue two musically distinct versions of the record simultaneously. Stolt shepherded the 90-minute double disc -- subtitled "Forevermore" -- to completion. For his part, Morse went further than editing for the abridged disc, subtitled "The Breath of Life." He rearranged, reorchestrated, and re-recorded songs using different singers; he also penned some new lyrics and an exclusive song. While 13 of the original 18 tracks cut for The Absolute Universe are shared, some are radically different musically, and some employ different titles. Both versions of the record unfold as single sprawling compositions divided into multifaceted chapters (à la 2009's Whirlwind). Not a concept recording per se, the album meditates on the concurrent crises facing humanity at this historical juncture. Transatlantic respond creatively in song by offering accounts of, and exhortations to, inner personal transformation as a redress to existential change.

The Absolute Universe: Forevermore should resonate with Stolt fans. Its abundant guitar solos, complex keyboard interludes, chimes, bells, and other orchestral production techniques often recall his Flower Kings. The five-note motif in "Overture" recurs throughout, altering itself continually to inform respective segments. "Heart Like a Whirlwind" sung by Trewavas, Portnoy, and Morse, soars. Stolt adds sharp-edged solos and fills to frame the winding melody as the singers' powerful lyrics propel it as an anthem. A darkly modal Middle Eastern theme in "The Darkness in the Light" highlights East/West tensions as Trewavas' rumbling bass line governs the instrumental flow under a recitative-like lyric presentation. A sweeping refrain cracks the melody wide open to embrace it all. "Looking for the Light" is a prog and metal collision complete with bluesy guitar breaks and declarative lyrics as a staggered chorus adds dimension. "Higher Than the Morning" contains an infectious, hooky melody, borne by layered four-part harmonies that strongly recall CSN&Y. "Love Made a Way" is the set's raison d'être. Rendered in waltz time, its acoustic balladry juxtaposes weighty melodic prog and benevolent lyrics. Gritty, taut, and knotty, "The Owl Howl" is redolent with massive, filthy guitars, spiky keyboards, and syncopated drumming. The sweeping "The Greatest Story Never Ends" offers selfless love and compassion as the inflection point for individuals to transform themselves and society. Morse's a cappella Gentle Giant-esque breakdown prepares the way for Stolt's stinging lead lines and Portnoy's cymbals and kick drums to buoy melody and singer into the stratosphere. The Absolute Universe: Forevermore showcases Transatlantic's consummate composing, production, and arrangement skills in near-perfect balance with emotional intelligence, and keen psychological and spiritual insight. They navigate these songs with compassionate empathy, openness, and a consummate sense of musical possibility. You really can't ask for more from popular art.

~ Thom Jurek, All Music