Ambitious, uplifting and utterly unique. The Absolute Universe is the 2021 album by Transatlantic: a grand concept work released in more than one form.

The short version

The 2021 fifth studio album by prog supergroup Transatlantic — and one of their most ambitious and unusual projects. A sweeping concept album reflecting on a turbulent, uncertain world and the search for hope and connection, it was famously released in more than one version: an abridged single-disc edition (The Breath of Life) and an extended double-disc one (Forevermore), each with its own arrangements, lyrics and even different vocals rather than one simply being an edit of the other. Grand, melodic and richly cinematic, it reunites Neal Morse, Mike Portnoy, Roine Stolt and Pete Trewavas for another generous helping of classic symphonic prog.

The supergroup returns

Transatlantic — the prog supergroup of Neal Morse of Spock’s Beard, Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater, Roine Stolt of The Flower Kings and Pete Trewavas of Marillion — reconvene only occasionally, which makes each new album an event. The Absolute Universe was their first since 2014’s Kaleidoscope, and it found the four members as ambitious as ever. Rather than settle for a single record, they created multiple versions of the same conceptual work, reworking the material in different lengths and arrangements. As always, the songwriting and vocals are shared across all four, and their contrasting styles — Morse’s melodic warmth, Stolt’s adventurous edge, and the formidable Portnoy-Trewavas rhythm section — blend into a sound that is unmistakably Transatlantic.

The sound

The Absolute Universe is sweeping, cinematic prog rock, lush and melodic. Built around interweaving themes and recurring motifs, it flows as a continuous, evolving journey rather than a set of isolated songs, drawing on the grand symphonic prog tradition of soaring melodies, rich harmonies, swirling keyboards and dynamic, multi-part arrangements. The four members’ voices trade off and combine throughout, giving the music warmth and variety, while the playing is polished and full of invention. There is real emotional heft here too, as the album moves from darkness and uncertainty toward light, hope and connection. Melodic, uplifting and grandly cinematic, it is Transatlantic doing what they do best — big, heartfelt, classically-rooted prog on an expansive scale.

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The songs

‘Reaching for the Sky’ is the album’s bright, anthemic lead single, an uplifting highlight. ‘Higher Than the Morning’ is a warm, melodic centrepiece that appears across the album’s versions. And ‘Love Made a Way’ is the record’s soaring finale, a stirring, emotional climax that ties the concept together.

Reception and legacy

The Absolute Universe was warmly received, praised as another strong, ambitious entry in Transatlantic’s catalogue. Critics admired its melodic richness, its cohesive conceptual flow and the bold, unusual decision to release multiple distinct versions, which gave fans plenty to explore and compare. Some found the multi-version concept more intriguing than essential, and opinions varied on which edition worked best, but most agreed the band remained on excellent form after their long absence. For lovers of grand, melodic, classically-styled symphonic prog, it was another generous and rewarding release from one of the genre’s most beloved supergroups — and a fascinating experiment in how an album can be presented.

The verdict

The Absolute Universe is Transatlantic at their most ambitious: sweeping, cinematic prog rock built on soaring melodies, rich harmonies and a bold, multi-version concept. Come for the anthemic ‘Reaching for the Sky’ and the stirring finale ‘Love Made a Way.’ Lush, uplifting and grandly conceived, it is essential listening for anyone who likes their progressive rock symphonic, melodic and full of heart — and one of the most distinctive releases from one of modern prog’s finest supergroups.

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