News
Live at Morsefest 2022: The Absolute Whirlwind
17th February 2024TRANSATLANTIC - the Prog Supergroup of Neal Morse, Mike Portnoy, Roine Stolt & Pete Trewavas – have announced the release of 'Live at Morsefest 2022: The Absolute Whirlwind' for April 26th, 2024. This mammoth Limited 5CD + 2 Blu-ray Artbook set features both sets from Morsefest in their entirety, with nearly 4 and a half hours of music in total.
To coincide with the announcement, the band have launched a live clip of the track 'Can You Feel It', taken from night 2, and you can watch that video here.
Pre-order the album as a Limited 5CD + 2Blu-ray artbook, featuring an extensive 36-page booklet including photos and liner notes, here.
Mike Portnoy comments:
"Not to be confused by last years live release of our last show in Paris, THIS release of TA at Morsefest 2022 represents the most epic and mammoth of all TA Live releases! 2 Nights, 2 completely different sets, 2 TA concept albums done in their entirety...accompanied with Strings, Horns, Percussion, Female Vocals, etc...Transatlantic has always been about "More Never Is Enough", but no live TA release has ever been more EPIC than this one...It's the ULTIMATE Live TA experience!"
Neal Morse adds:
"At long last, a musical dream come true in true epic fashion! To play The Absolute Universe, The Whirlwind, and other great pieces of music with Transatlantic, along with an amazing string section, background singers, etc. What more could any musician ask for? This is the very best of the very best in my view. I hope you all enjoy experiencing this as much as we enjoyed performing it!"
Roine Stolt comments:
"Playing Morsefest was quite a task, learning all the different material for the 2 different shows. We even got a chance to play that Procol Harum tune, that is dear to me & takes me back to my teenage years, just getting to know what prog is/was. The addition of the strings and choir at Morsefest, plus Philip adding percussion lent a different and perhaps more of an orchestral side. That worked really well and made these 2 nights very special."
Pete Trewavas comments:
"To play Morsefest 2022 was an absolute pleasure for me and gave us a natural break at the end of the North American leg of The Absolute Universe tour, where we regrouped at Neal's to rehearse for the two shows, back where we had rehearsed for the tour some four or five weeks earlier.
We had 3 days I think it was to refresh The Whirlwind full version and learn 'In Held T'was In I'. The festival was an absolute blast. We were all super relaxed and enjoying ourselves probably due to the little break from touring back to rehearsing.
Neal had been wanting to get Transatlantic at MorseFest since we released Whirlwind and it never panned out for various reasons, so it felt fitting that we got it all together for The Absolute Universe tour."
Night 1 Tracklisting:Night 2 Tracklisting:
- Into The Blue
- In Held ('Twas) In I
- Shine
- We All Need Some Light
- Overture/Whirlwind
- The Wind Blew Them All Away
- On The Prowl
- A Man Can Feel
- Out Of The Night
- Rose Colored Glasses
- Evermore
- Set Us Free
- Lay Down Your Life
- Pieces of Heaven
- Is It Really Happening?
- Dancing With Eternal Glory/Whirlwind (Reprise)
- Overture
- Reaching For The Sky
- Higher Than The Morning
- The Darkness In The Light
- Take Now My Soul
- Bully
- Rainbow Sky
- Looking For The Light
- The World We Used To Know
- The Sun Comes Up Today
- Love Made A Way (Prelude)
- Owl Howl
- Solitude
- Belong
- Lonesome Rebel
- Can You Feel It
- Looking For The Light (Reprise)
- The Greatest Story Never Ends
- Love Made A Way
- Bridge Across Forever
- The Final Medley
The Final Flight: Live at L'Olympia
12th January 2023TRANSATLANTIC - the Prog Supergroup of Neal Morse, Mike Portnoy, Roine Stolt & Pete Trewavas – recently announced the release of a new concert set entitled 'The Final Flight: Live At L'Olympia' for the 17th February 2023. It was recorded and filmed in France on the last stop of a tour to promote the band's fifth and most audacious album to date, 'The Absolute Universe'. This was the multinational group's first outing in eight years.
Now you can see the band performing 'Rose Colored Glasses', originally featured on their much-loved album 'The Whirlwind', here: https://youtu.be/2mXpcl9fQZI
"I walked off the stage in Paris and knew it was the end of the tour, also quite possibly of the band," Stolt volunteers. "Were we to do this again we'd be really old guys. For me, it felt like the end. There was magic in the air."
"People felt like they were witnessing the end of something in Paris," Portnoy adds. "It was TRANSATLANTIC's equivalent of The Beatles up on the roof of their Apple HQ [in 1969]. Playing at the Olympia on a stage which had previous featured The Beatles, Hendrix and Led Zeppelin felt very significant. There was such a lot of love in the room."
"The Olympia is steeped in history," Trewavas agrees. "Playing there was a bit of a bucket list moment for me, especially as it felt like we had probably come to the end of the road [with TRANSATLANTIC] – it was a beautiful end to the tour."
"The Paris gig was the end of a chapter, though whether it turns out the last chapter of the book is something that only time will tell," Portnoy theorizes. "How do you follow an album that's two different releases – one of which is a double album? Where on earth could you possibly go from there?"
"We all say never say never [about doing it again], but if it is the end of TRANSATLANTIC then with the live album we've set a very high watermark," Morse believes. "At the Paris show each of us wept tears of joy."
Watch the full clip of 'Rose Colored Glasses', from the upcoming 'The Final Flight: Live At L'Olympia' here: https://youtu.be/2mXpcl9fQZI
Transatlantic at Morsefest 2022
5th June 2021Transatlantic will be appearing at Morsefest 2022: April 29-30, 2022!
Cruise to the Edge 2022
4th June 2021Excited to announce Transatlantic will be on Cruise to the Edge next year! See you there!
Video for 'Looking For The Light'
16th January 2021TRANSATLANTIC launch video for 'Looking For The Light'; third single from 'The Absolute Universe'
Transatlantic - the Prog Supergroup of Neal Morse, Mike Portnoy, Roine Stolt & Pete Trewavas - are pleased to announce their fifth studio album 'The Absolute Universe', set for release on the 5th February 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)'.
Today they have launched the video for 'Looking For The Light', a track which features on both versions of 'The Absolute Universe'.
Watch it now here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvhvY-vUkLI
Mike Portnoy comments: "Looking For The Light is one of the heavier tracks on The Absolute Universe. In the tradition of Transatlantic sharing all lead vocals, this track gave me my showcase to deliver the lead vocals as it called for a bit more of an aggressive approach.
This is one of the few tracks that remains primarily the same and appears on both versions of the album. However not content to keep it simple, the version included on the music video is actually a unique version which combines both Looking For The Light and its Reprise from later in the album into one combined version available only here in this video."
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 includes a special mix that combines both versions into a third unique version in 5.1 surround sound with visuals created by Christian Rios and a behind the scenes documentary. All editions have artwork created by Thomas Ewerhard featuring the airship by Pavel Zhovba.
New Music Video For "The World We Used To Know"
11th December 2020TRANSATLANTIC LAUNCH FIRST NEW MUSIC / VIDEO IN 6 YEARS!
20th November 2020Watch the new video for "Overture / Reaching For The Sky" taken from 'The Absolute Universe: The Breath Of Life (Abridged Version)'. here: https://youtu.be/SP5HwWbCQvg
The 5th Transatlantic studio album 'The Absolute Universe' is set for release on February 5th, 2021 and comes in two versions of the record: 'The Absolute Universe: The Breath Of Life (Abridged Version)' & 'The Absolute Universe: Forevermore (Extended Version)'.
You can pre-order now here: https://transatlantic.lnk.to/TheAbsoluteUniverse
Mike Portnoy comments: "'Reaching For The Sky' is the first single off Transatlantic's latest Magnum opus 'The Absolute Universe'. It's a great introduction to this epic album as it sets the tone in traditional TA style: proceeded on the album by an extended Instrumental Overture and then launching into this upbeat first song.
"I love that it features one of my favorite qualities of the band in the sharing of the lead vocals...in this case: Neal singing lead on Verse 1, myself singing lead on Verse 2, Pete & Neal sharing the Chorus with myself and Roine on backups and Neal taking the glorious Bridge...all leading to Roine's distinctive guitar solo.
Also interesting is that this version exclusively appears on the Abridged 1CD Version of TA5 ("The Breath Of Life") while the Extended 2CD Version of TA5 ("Forevermore") opens with the alternate version 'Heart Like A Whirlwind' which has different lead vocals and lyrics ."
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 includes a special mix that combines both versions into a third unique version in 5.1 surround sound with visuals and a behind the scenes documentary. All editions have artwork created by Thomas Ewerhard featuring the airship by Pavel Zhovba.
As Mike Portnoy explains: "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." Pete Trewavas adds: "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 full list of formats is below:
'The Absolute Universe: The Breath Of Life (Abridged Version)'
Available as:
Single CD Edition, Gatefold 2LP+CD, or Digital Album
Track-listing:
'The Absolute Universe: Forevermore (Extended Version)'
- Overture
- Reaching For The Sky
- Higher Than The Morning
- The Darkness In The Light
- Take Now My Soul
- Looking For The Light
- Love Made A Way (Prelude)
- Owl Howl
- Solitude
- Belong
- Can You Feel It
- Looking For The Light (Reprise)
- The Greatest Story Never Ends
- Love Made A Way
Available as:
2CD Edition, 3LP+2CD Boxset, or Digital Album
Track-listing:
Disc 1:
Disc 2:
- Overture
- Heart Like A Whirlwind
- Higher Than The Morning
- The Darkness In The Light
- Swing High, Swing Low
- Bully
- Rainbow Sky
- Looking For The Light
- The World We Used To Know
'The Absolute Universe: The Ultimate Edition'
- The Sun Comes Up Today
- Love Made A Way (Prelude)
- Owl Howl
- Solitude
- Belong
- Lonesome Rebel
- Looking For The Light (Reprise)
- The Greatest Story Never Ends
- Love Made A Way
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. Includes both versions of the album over 5LP's and 3CD's, plus a Blu-Ray with 5.1 mix & documentary.
Blu-Ray Track-listing:
Watch the video for "Overture / Reaching For The Sky" here:
- Overture (5.1 Surround Mix)
- Reaching For The Sky (5.1 Surround Mix)
- Higher Than The Morning (5.1 Surround Mix)
- The Darkness In The Light (5.1 Surround Mix)
- Take Now My Soul (5.1 Surround Mix)
- Bully (5.1 Surround Mix)
- Rainbow Sky (5.1 Surround Mix)
- Looking For The Light (5.1 Surround Mix)
- The World We Used To Know (5.1 Surround Mix)
- The Sun Comes Up Today (5.1 Surround Mix)
- Love Made A Way (Prelude) (5.1 Surround Mix)
- Owl Howl (5.1 Surround Mix)
- Solitude (5.1 Surround Mix)
- Belong (5.1 Surround Mix)
- Lonesome Rebel (5.1 Surround Mix)
- Can You Feel It (5.1 Surround Mix)
- Looking For The Light (Reprise) (5.1 Surround Mix)
- The Greatest Story Never Ends (5.1 Surround Mix)
- Love Made A Way (5.1 Surround Mix)
- The Making of The Absolute Universe (Documentary)
https://youtu.be/SP5HwWbCQvg
Transatlantic - The Absolute Universe (album trailer)
9th November 2020Transatlantic - The Absolute Universe
9th November 2020TRANSATLANTIC - the Prog Supergroup of Neal Morse, Mike Portnoy, Roine Stolt & Pete Trewavas - are pleased to announce their fifth studio album 'The Absolute Universe', set for release on the 5th February 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)'.
As Mike Portnoy explains: "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." Pete Trewavas adds: "We did write some new music for the single CD," adds Trewavas. "What's more, there are also differences in the instruments used on some of the tracks across the two records."
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. The full list of formats is below, and pre-orders start on the 20th November:
Initial tracking began in September 2019 when the band met up in Sweden to write and arrange the new material. As Portnoy explains: "Over a period of 10-14 days, we mapped out the songs. Then we all went back to our home studios and did the recording. That's the way we always do it. At one point, though, it was suggested that instead of doing what was by that time going to be a double album, we should just be content to do a single CD."
- '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
"What happened was that everything kept expanding and expanding," recalls Stolt. "Therefore we decided it made sense to make it a double album. It was Pete and Neal who then came out and said they felt this would be too long, and we should reduce it to one…But we were already recording, and it didn't seem feasible to cut it back. There were so many pieces that each of us loved in what we were planning and didn't want to lose. That's when we ended up in discussions over the best way forward."
This album also marks a return to the concept album for Transatlantic. "Well, the idea of Transatlantic deciding to do a concept record this time around won't shock anyone, right?"laughs Portnoy. "What we have is essentially one giant composition, split into chapters. The storyline is about the struggles facing everyone in society today." "We didn't start out with the idea of this being conceptual," admits Stolt. "The way things work with us is that we have a load of ideas, and these are developed spontaneously when we meet up. Everything happens in the moment."
So, how does this new ground-breaking album compare to Transatlantic's previous four albums?
"I always try not to compare albums as much as possible," insists Morse. "It's very difficult when you're trying to be creative, because your natural instinct is to constantly compare. But in order to create you have to kind of step away from that. Having said that, I would say this would have more in common with 'The Whirlwind' album (the band's third, from 2009) than others that we've created." For Trewavas, 'The Absolute Universe' is a momentous project.
"I think it is right up there with the very finest albums we've done. As the others have said, it compares very well to 'The Whirlwind', which I believe represents Transatlantic at our best. As on that album, we took our time to write and arrange everything, and that shines through. I am very excited for people to hear it."
Transatlantic were originally formed in 1999, releasing their debut album 'SMTPe' the following year as well as its follow-up 'Bridge Across Forever' in 2001. Following a 7-year hiatus, the band reconvened to record and release the much-acclaimed epic 77-minute, single-track album 'The Whirlwind' followed by a world tour in 2010 which included an appearance at High Voltage Festival in London where they were joined by legendary Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett. The band's fourth album 'Kaleidoscope' arrived in 2014, going on to win 'Album Of The Year' at the Progressive Music Awards.
TRANSATLANTIC online:
https://www.transatlanticweb.com/
https://www.facebook.com/TransatlanticMusic/
www.instagram.com/transatlanticofficial
www.twitter.com/transatlantic99
View The Absolute Universe Album Trailer here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4Ln98PtgZI
IS IT REALLY HAPPENING?
24th September 2019Morse, Portnoy, Trewavas, Stolt - Varnhem, Sweden - September 24th 2019
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