Transatlantic-Bridge Across Forever (2001)

As their name suggests, Transatlantic is a supergroup formed by four of the greatest musicians of the late 20th century: Marillion bassist Pete Trewavas, Flowers Kings guitarist Roine Stolt, Spock's Beard keyboardist Neal Morse, and Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy. These four seasoned musicians conceived the project in the late 1990s to satisfy their diverse progressive rock sensibilities, inherited from the genre's golden age of the 1970s. Their varied influences range from the baroque grandeur of Yes and the space rock of Pink Floyd to the musical theatricality of Genesis, the sonic intricateities of King Crimson, and the accessibility of pop. After a stunning debut, "SMPT.e", released in 2000, they returned with their second album, "Bridge Across Forever", a year later. In this second album, the group showcases its captivating modern sound rooted in the avant-garde music of the 70s, with sublime instrumentation. Powerful guitar riffs, an explosive Hammond organ, perfect vocal harmonies, grandiose melodies, and superb instrumental passages make this album one of the best contributions to the progressive rock genre in the last 30 years. From the solemn and dynamic "Duel With The Devil", an extraordinary 27-minute epic of virtuosity from all four musicians, to the memorable half-hour progressive epic "Stranger In Your Soul", and including the rhythmic hard rock "Suite Charlotte Pike" and the ethereal "Bridge Across Forever", this powerful album culminates in a climax as breathtaking as it is apotheosis.