Style: Hard rock meets Broadway; compare to Emerson, Lake & Palmer, ELO
Top tracks: "The Safest Way into Tomorrow," "Sparks," "Dreams We Conceive"
Trans-Siberian Orchestra may be best known for its trilogy of Christmas-themed concept albums, but new album Night Castle distances the symphonic rock collective from any yuletide roots. At the heart of this two-disc rock opera is an intricate tale about redemption during wartime, delivered in grand theatrical fashion. Musically, Night Castle switches between piano-based arrangements with Broadway-caliber vocals and more bona fide arena rock anthems than you can flick a Zippo at. As a bonus, cover versions of Emerson, Lake & Palmer's "Nutrocker" (featuring bassist Greg Lake) and "O Fortuna" by 20th century composer Carl Orff highlight TSO's eclectic roots.
While we pray for peace, we need moral clarity about this war.
A Christian reconciliation group in Israel and Palestine warned that war would come. Now the war threatens their relevance.العربيةFrançais
But experts say it can offer opportunities for leaders and congregations to grow.
