Length 56:16 Universe
(2000) Live from Oz
(2002) Release date 6 June 2000 | Producer Planet X Artist Planet X Label Megahard Records | |
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Released June 6, 2000 (2000-06-06) Recorded The Leopard Room in Hollywood Hills Genres Progressive metal, Jazz fusion, Progressive rock, Instrumental rock Similar Planet X albums, Instrumental rock albums | ||
Universe is the first studio album by instrumental rock/progressive metal supergroup Planet X, released on June 6, 2000 through Inside Out Music. The album is essentially a continuation of keyboardist Derek Sherinian's 1999 debut solo release Planet X, but this time as a full band effort featuring guitarist Tony MacAlpine and drummer Virgil Donati.
Contents
Critical reception
Glenn Astarita at All About Jazz gave Universe a positive review, recommending it for both "technically inclined prog-heads" and "those who feel that they've heard it all." He praised each musician for their technical prowess, but remarked that it was sometimes difficult to differentiate between MacAlpine's guitar and Sherinian's keyboard.
The staff at All About Jazz gave the album a glowing review, calling it "one of the best heavy progressive rock works of 2000". They described the music as "intelligent, hard-hitting, in-your-face, and massive" as well as an "amazing onslaught of sound." Highlights noted were "Europa", "Clonus", "Bitch", "Chocalate" and "2116".
Robert Taylor at AllMusic gave Universe four stars out of five, saying that "Some of the selections tend to sound the same, but the inventive soloing of each player more than makes up it" and calling it "A fine effort by a very powerful trio".
Track listing
All music composed by Virgil Donati, Tony MacAlpine and Derek Sherinian, except where noted.
Personnel
Songs
1Clonus4:15
2Her Animal4:50
3Dog Boots3:37