Description

Neal Morse’s controversial album’s title “Sola Scriptura” (which means “Only By Scripture” in Latin) is as interesting and provocative as the music itself. Featuring Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater and the riveting guitar work of Paul Gilbert (Mr. Big), this album is huge in scope and sound! Filled with incredible melodies, cascading guitar and keyboards and all the great composition this ex Spock’s Beard leader is known for, “Sola Scriptura” reaches beyond what one would think possible in a progressive rock epic. Lyrically it draws on the life of Martin Luther, the Christian reformer who lived in the early 1500s. (He’s the one who nailed the 95 theses on the door of the Cathedral in Germany and rocked the entire world at the time.) “I tried to imagine what it must have been like to go up against corruption in high places and risk life and limb for what you believe is right” says Morse. Will this album be controversial? Surely. But Morse has never been one to draw away from a challenge. Musically it’s as hard hitting and intricately beautiful as Morse’s best work. With 3 long pieces (the longest clocking in at 29 minutes!) and one shorter ballad, this has all of Morse’s trademark moments and the addition of Paul Gilbert’s blistering guitar work puts it over the top. Morse says “I felt as a Christian I should make this album and point out to people that may have forgotten how the church fell away from righteousness in the Dark Ages. The point of it is to point us toward God and his truth and where the church still may have darkness in it, to point her toward the light of God’s truth which is laid out wonderfully before us in the scriptures. Of course, this is a lofty goal for a mere CD, but, with God anything is possible!”

Track 1: Introduction In The Name Of God All I Ask For Mercy for Sale Keep Silent Upon The Door (29:14)

Track 2: Do You know My Name? Party to the Lie Underground Two Down, One to Go The Vineyard Already Home (25:00)

Track 3: Heaven in my Heart (5:11)

Track 4: Randy’s Jam Long Night’s Journey Re-Introduction Come Out Of Her Clothed With The Sun In Closing… (16:34)

Total Time: 75:58