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NEW STUDIO ALBUM, THE WHIRLWIND

The dawn of the millennium saw four of progressive rock’s finest join together to form the supergroup, Transatlantic: Neal Morse (lead vocals, guitar, keyboards), Roine Stolt (lead vocals, guitar, keyboards), Mike Portnoy (drums, vocals), and Pete Trewavas (bass, vocals). Their two seminal albums, tours and DVDs redefined prog’s artistic and commercial possibilities with a combination of modern and traditional prog, classic pop sensibilities, and mind-blowing performances.

The stars that burn brightest often burn fastest, though; after two years, the members went their separate ways and Neal Morse left mainstream music altogether. The four remained friends, but when asked about the prospect of a reunion, responded that it was not likely. Fans kept the faith but realists moved on.

In the ensuing years, the four worked tangentially, with the exception of Mike Portnoy and Neal, who collaborated on Morse’s solo work. Nonetheless, Mike was surprised when Neal called him, suggesting a reunion. Morse had been working on a 45-minute piece entitled, “The Whirlwind”. As he progressed, it began to take on the characteristics of a Transatlantic epic. After hearing it, Mike agreed. They reached out to Pete and Roine, and asked them to consider a reunion. After nine years, the answer was: “Absolutely.”

Roine, Pete and Mike converged on Neal’s studio on April 15th. Each member brought new material with them. Starting from Neal's demo, the four wrote together and jammed extensively. Collectively, they created a completely new album, retaining Neal's original title. The material came fast and furiously, and in a span of either days, the team produced enough material for two releases. Recording engineer Jerry Guidroz's long-time experience with the group captured the best performances, and together with mixing engineer Rich Mouser, produced the band's finest sounding effort to date.

Neal's original Whirlwind embodied a vision that guided the album's initial lyrical evolution. Together, the band crafted the final narrative, steering the session's collectively written material, and unifying the music that each member brought to the reunion. The Whirlwind portrays the unyielding fury of life's turbulence, longing, mysteries and uncertainty; and somewhere, in the storm's eye, there is peace.

The Whirlwind will be available in three editions: a standard CD package, a two-disc Special Edition, and a three disc Deluxe Edition. The Special Edition includes a 20-page booklet, and a second audio CD featuring four other new songs recorded for The Whirlwind, along with four creative covers. The Deluxe Edition adds an exciting, full-length behind-the-scenes DVD.

This October, The Whirlwind will be unleashed on music fans worldwide. Get swept up in Transatlantic’s most extraordinary album to date, with their trademark epic compositions, sweeping story line, and astounding performances. The wait is over.

THE WHIRLWIND
01. Overture / Whirlwind
02. The Wind Blew Them All Away
03. On The Prowl
04. A Man Can Feel
05. Out Of The Night
06. Rose Colored Glasses
07. Evermore
08. Set Us Free
09. Lay Down Your Life
10. Pieces Of Heaven
11. Is It Really Happening
12. Dancing With Eternal Glory / Whirlwind (Reprise)

SPECIAL EDITION BONUS AUDIO CD
01. Spinning
02. Lenny Johnson
03. For Such A Time
04. Lending A Hand
05. The Return Of The Giant Hogweed
06. A Salty Dog
07. I Need You
08. Soul Sacrifice