review by thomas

Rush returned to the studio after ”A Farewell to Kings” and came out with their best album, the closest they have reached masterpiece status so far. It begins with their third side-long epic “Cygnus X-1, Book 2: Hemispheres” and like the two others divided into several parts but unlike them this time it holds together perfectly; it feels like one long song. Musically it’s typical Rush – hard prog-metal, or what one should call it – only they have matured another inch, quite naturally I think. This and the ten minute instrumental “La Villa Strangiato” are quite complex works, still with the heavy touches intact. “La Villa Strangiato” is truly a masterpiece. Rush didn’t do that many instrumentals but this and “YYZ” (from “Moving Pictures”) are masterpieces. ”Villa “ has so many different moods and structures that the song seems to be like a couple of minutes only… leaving you crying for more. It’s spellbinding; one of the best Rush songs I dare to say. Where’s that damn remote control?

“Circumstances” are a short rocker, a very good one, featuring Geddy Lee’s really high-toned screams in the chorus – in French! Also on the album are the concert- and fan classic “The Trees” with a famous percussion section from Peart.

If you like anything by Rush or the prog-rock genre, then there’s no time for hesitation; get it as quickly as possible… if you don’t already have it; as I suspect.