Neal Morse is joined by Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater for this epic concept album surrounded in mystery. As inquisitive as the album title itself, the concept covers the Tabernacle of God as well as finding answers to our questions ourselves instead of being told what is true. You can clearly see shades of Neal Morse's former band Spock's Beard as well as Genesis with a surprise solo from their guitarist Steve Hackett.
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?| Posted July 29, 2008
Now this is a real progressive album through and through. Even better it's a concept album more or less about the 'Tabernacle of God' and also how it's sometimes better to ask questions and find God on our own as opposed to simply being told. Spread throughout this album are ripping guitar solos, amazing drum work courtesy Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater, synthesizers, mellotrons and of course fantastic and deep lyrics by Neal Morse. A lot of secular progressive bands wish they were this deep in their delivery of a concept. Also, unlike some pieces of art by those bands this one doesn't drag on forever. It weighs in just under an hour but feels every bit as complete and that's actually the perfect length for a progressive rock album. Some songs have lengthy jam moments but they seem to change at the right moment before droning on for too long. Their sound is very reminiscent of bands like Genesis (with Steve Hackett busting out a slick solo in a song) and Yes. The only thing I don't like about ? is how it makes me want more excellent Christian progressive music and there simply isn't much out there.
Gems of this album are: 'In the Fire', 'Solid as the Sun', 'Inside His Presence'
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