Neal Morse
Sola Scriptura
Release date: February 26th 2007
Label: InsideOut Music
Distribution: Target (Denmark)
Website: www.nealmorse.com
Style: Progressive Hard Rock
Rating: 92/100
Reviewed by: Kenn Jensen
Date: February 10th 2007

This is a progressive hard rock feast, and not since the still unreachable 'Snow' masterpiece has an album with Neal Morse's big influence impressed me so much. 'Snow' did sadly also mark the end of Neal Morse and Spock's Beard as a collaboration, and neither Neal Morse solo nor Spock's Beard has since been able to capture the magic created with that album.

The musical feast head chef Neal Morse has cooked together for us, has so many interesting ingredients, its spicy, hot and extremely well prepared. The meal consists of 3 main courses with the 3 epic songs: "The Door" (29:44), "The Conflict" (25:00) and "The Conclusion" (16:34). "Heaven in my Heart" (5:11) is the light course, a nice ballad with piano and a string section.

Inspired by the life of the Augustinian monk Martin Luther and his 95 theses, Neal has created an outstanding album, ably supported by drum legend Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater) and bassist Randy George. But it's the addition of one the most underrated guitar players around: Paul Gilbert (ex-Mr. Big) that really elevates this album to the next level. His technical skills and tasteful playing throughout the album is outstanding.

The album has a crystal clear and very warm sound that fits the music perfectly, and I continue to discover new things each and every time I listen to this brilliant piece of rock. I can only give this timeless work of art my strongest recommendations.