CROSSFIRE

Crossfire, Turkish semi prog thrash metal band, was formed by guitarist Kaya Sevinc in 1999. It took them 3 years to finally form their original line up and unique sound. Ever since they have been one of the most popular bands in the Turkish Heavy Metal scene. Crossfire honed their sound by combining power and thrash metal with the classical metal approach. Their "Decisions of Hate" (2002) demo was an underground favorite that lead them to hit the road for a massive tour including 2003 Metal Bash Festival in Hamburg, Germany... more

BRYAN BELLER (Steve Vai, Mike Keneally, Dethklok)

Bryan Beller has maintained a frenetic, multi-faceted career as a bassist, composer, writer and clinician for over fourteen years. On his own, Beller released his debut solo album, the jazz/rock-flavored VIEW, in late 2003. His second album "Thanks In Advance", a deeply personal narrative set to advanced jazz/rock compositional confidence, came out a few weeks ago. more

New Grass Revival / On The Boulevard

New Grass Revival are one of the pioneers of progressive bluegrass. Formed in 1971 by Sam Bush (mandolin/vocals), Curtis Burch (guitar), Ebo Walker (bass) and Courtney Johnson (banjo), they immediately got the attention from the industry both in a good and bad way. First of all, they were often told that their music was not bluegrass, and they knew it wasn’t “bluegrass” in its traditional sense, and it wasn’t what they were trying to achieve anyways. They were blending rock, soul and blues rhythms with the traditional bluegrass music. They were not wearing suites, but instead they had a more casual style along with long hair... more

NEAL MORSE / LIFELINE (2008)

Let's just get this out of the way... Hands down, nobody in the industry does prog better than Neal Morse. Sure, that can be argued. Certainly everyone has a favorite and would submit their reasons for saying the contrary. However, consider evidence for this case: complicated arrangements, odd time signatures, tight & precise breaks, climactic build ups and emotional swoops. Neal's got it all, and the man knowns how to pull a band together and do it right.

Let's get something else out of the way... One might think, especially based on my last review for a Neal Morse album, that I think everything the man touches turns to gold. That's simply not true. I think he should've stayed home that day he thought it would be fun to record "Cover To Cover". I think that "Testimony" was a bit on the bland side. I also think (as I duck for cover), that his work in Spocks Beard was unrealized in contrast to what he bestows upon our awaiting ears presently.

If you haven't heard, Mike Portnoy plays on this album. Of course Neal and Mike have a history going back to Transatlantic, but this album seems divinely designed for Mike's participation. I'll join the ranks of drummer admirers everywhere and say what everyone else on the band wagon is saying: Mike Portnoy is a living legend. I saw some of the You Tube videos posted for the recording sessions on this album, and you and I are not alone in our jaw dropping bewilderment when we listen to the Dream Theater stick man do his stuff. It was amusing to watch Neal himself unable to draw his eyes away from Mike as he laid down these tracks flawlessly. I realize that the videos are edited, but it makes one wonder if Mike was able to nail out these parts in an afternoon with no overdubs. Mike's rolls and double kicks fill the spaces like a difficult jig saw puzzle, painting an astonishing picture that makes perfect sense when you step back and just listen to what he did. Especially the 13 minute opening track "Lifeline", it's a bombardment of heart pounding time-keeping.

Randy George of Ajalon is back in action on this album. He has an uncanny ability to catch Neal's vision and carry it out through his instrument. This can't be emphasized enough. Somewhere in the genius mind of Morse lurks ideas and compositions constantly brewing - and who will help Neal carry out these musical brainstorms? Enter Randy George. He plays the parts like he owns them and leaves you sensing that without a doubt, this album would be a lot different without him... I'm glad we'll never know how different it would be.

"Leviathan" will blow your mind. Neal has never sounded as heavy. He seems to be dabbling in some conceptual comedy as expressed in the dark opening chords but interjecting lines like "...he sneezes and bright light comes out". Morse is deliciously close to being a balls out metal vocalist on this track - grit and all. This is the must hear track live.

Speaking of which, Neal does plan to support this latest disc with an extensive tour that begins in Europe. When it comes full circle back to the States, you will see The Prog Files staff front and center.

five glowing stars

Dale JUDAY