Rock Opera Perfection
Although originally released in 2009, Trans-Siberian Orchestra's new album, 'Night Castle', is officially released in the UK in 2011 and it is a whopper. At 28 tracks spread over 2 disks and even has a 68 page booklet included detailing the story line to this rock opera, along with the lyrics and some fantastic artwork from Greg Hildebrandt, the guy who did the artwork for The Hobbit and the original Star Wars poster.
For those unfamiliar with Trans-Siberian Orchestra, this band does nothing by half, possibly does nothing by double either, they have a history of large scale productions, large scale band complete 4 guitarists, 2 drummers and more singers you could shake a stick at. Having a large band does not necessarily guarantee anything good will come out of it but in this case, thanks to the band creator and composer, Paul O'Neill, it does and then some.
The first 21 tracks of the 28 tell a bewitching story that makes up what 'Night Castle' is truly released for, while the remaining 7 are considered bonus tracks, 2 of which are exclusive to this 2011 release. Without spoiling the plot, the story is about a small girl who meets a mysterious man and he takes her on a journey that covers history and a spiritual plain and brings her gently back home. Quite frankly it is a heart warming tale.
The music that goes with the story is just amazing. Has a bit of Classic Rock, Prog Rock, Classical music, Opera, great musicianship from the likes of Al Pitrelli and some amazing range of vocals from all the singers involved that include Rob Evan and Jeff Scott Soto from Yngwie Malmsteen and Journey fame. The music is a mix of modern rock thrown in to a big pot with the classics from the likes of Mozart, Beethoven, Bach and the like, which creates a modern twist that should be a delight to those who love both modern rock and the classics alike.
One of the bonuses is a cover of Emerson Lake Palmer's 'Nutrocker', which has Greg Lake appearing on bass. Paul O'Neill recently described this as "TSO paying tribute to ELP paying tribute to Tchaikovsky." Proof that prog rock was alive and well centuries ago!
No review will ever do this album the justice it deserves, just pure brilliance. The good news just gets better, Trans-Siberian Orchestra are heading to Europe for the first time in their history and believe us, their show is one not to be missed.