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Progressive metal supergroup Transatlantic – consisting of Neal Morse, Mike Portnoy, Roine Stolt and Pete Trewavas – have announced their fifth studio album, ‘The Absolute Universe,’ which is set for release on February 5th, 2021.
“Representing the band’s first new music since 2014’s ‘Kaleidoscope’, with ‘The Absolute Universe’ the band have done something unique and created two versions of the record: ‘The Absolute Universe: The Breath Of Life (Abridged Version)’ & ‘The Absolute Universe: Forevermore (Extended Version),’ notes a press release.
Portnoy explains further, “We’ve got two versions of this album. There is a two CD presentation, which is 90 minutes long, and a single one – that’s 60 minutes. However, the single CD is NOT merely an edited version of the double CD. They each contain alternate versions and even in some cases, new recordings. We wrote fresh lyrics and have different people singing on the single CD version tracks as compared to those on the double CD. Some of the song titles have also been changed, while others might remain the same, but compositionally what you’ll hear has been altered. You must appreciate that what we have done is unique. We revamped the songs to make the two versions different.”
Trewavas comments, “We did write some new music for the single CD. What’s more, there are also differences in the instruments used on some of the tracks across the two records.”
The presser adds, “Each album will be available on CD, LP & Digitally. But there will also be what has been called ‘The Absolute Universe: The Ultimate Edition’, which collects both versions together in one lavish package that includes 5LP’s, 3CD’s & a Blu-ray that contains a 5.1 surround sound mix with visuals & a behind the scenes documentary. All editions have unique artwork created by Thomas Ewerhard.”
Here’s the full list of formats you can order:
‘The Absolute Universe: The Breath Of Life (Abridged Version)’
Special Edition CD Digipak
Gatefold 2LP+CD
Digital Album
‘The Absolute Universe: Forevermore (Extended Version)’
Special Edition 2CD Digipak
3LP+2CD Boxset
Digital Album
‘The Absolute Universe: The Ultimate Edition’
Limited Deluxe Clear 5LP+3CD+Blu-Ray Box-set – contained within a foil-finished lift-off box with extended 16-page LP booklet & 60x60cm poster
Visit Transatlantic online for more info and check out a trailer clip below.
