Search - Planet X :: Universe

I Don't Get It

J. Allen | Atlanta, GA | 05/23/2007

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Sorry folks, but like that clown in the movie "Big" with Tom Hanks, I have to say, "I don't get it."



These musicians are world class and each amazing in their own right. I'm a huge fan of Derek Sherinian and his independent projects are nothing short of amazing (Sons of Anu, Dance of the Dead). When Tony McAlpine is playing with Steve Vai, I challenge any band out there to sound as good or play so intensly. And Virgil Donati is nothing short of awesome. I thought Mike Portnoy was the best drummer out there... but this guy might be as good or better. All of these guys are amazing in other projects or independently.



However, this is my first (and probably) my last Planet X CD. There are some tasty LITTLE tidbits here and there, but overall, this is just a fusion nightmare. Maybe I'm not progressive enough or something... but this "music" is so irregular and out there, that it just doesn't sound good to me. I'm tremendously disappointed! I bought this off the many high (4- or 5-star) reviews it received. Furthermore, many said Tony was heavier in this (which I like). However, while he employs heavy tones... his leads are all over the place. Honestly, at times, I thought that little kids were playing the instruments (albeit, very fast).



I give this CD a generous 2-star because the musicians are world class and possibly playing something that's brilliant (though as stated, I don't get it). For now, I'll stick with bands that have some sense of a groove, a melody, and some nice progressive guitar/keyboard/drum runs on them. For now, I'll stick with Vai, Derrick Sherinian, and Petrucci.



Man I'm bummed about this one..."

Planet X yet to come

Kamil | 08/04/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"When Derek Sherinian was leaving Dream Theater he said that his new band will be the "sickest" musical project ever created. He gathered some of the most incredible playing musicians that are walking on Earth and formed Planet X. With virtuosos like Tony MacAlpine one guitar, Virgil Donati on drums and Tom Kennedy on bass as a guest, he recorded the first output by his band titled "Universe".



The album starts with "Clonus". When I heard this track for the first time it blew my head of through the window. The heaviness of this tune and the whole recording as well is overwhelming. But well, that's the major problem: there isn't actual much variety through the record. Most of the songs have the same basic sound. We are attacked by heavy riffs one after another and after some time you can't even recognize them. There is only one small beautiful middle-section in the "King Of The Universe" and some slow down in the "Poods Of Trance", but that's all. Because of that some songs on "Universe" become boring, predictable and repetitive. Come on guys, sometimes the listener wants to rest from instant rocking.



This supposed to be an fusion-metal release. To me it's more metal then fusion, so probably that's the reason I'm not fully pleased while listening to this recording. If you're more a prog-metal fan this CD will certainly appeal to you. If not, head for "MoonBabies". It's a much more fusion oriented, adventurous and better CD."

The group for the new millenium.

P. Janka | 04/22/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This right here is the evolution of prog music, folks. They, along with Altera Enigma, are the frontrunners of this genre. Universe and Moon Babies are two of my all time favorite albums right now. I think Moon Babies is slightly better, but I still gave this one 5 stars. My favorite track on here is number 6, "Inside Black"."