Roswell Six Terra Incognita: Beyond the Horizon
by John Kindred
Staff Writer
Are you prepared to get lost in a fantasy adventure story set to the backdrop of some of today’s finest progressive rock and metal musicians? Author Kevin J. Anderson’s latest fantasy novel Terra Incognita: The Edge of the World has become the backdrop to this conceptual story. Expanding on a storyline from within the confines of the novel, the basis for this inspired rock opera has been laid.
Anderson and his wife, Rebecca Moesta, also a bestselling author, have penned the lyrics to this musical story. Together, they have called upon keyboard “wizard” and composer Erik Norlander to create the musical arrangements. The band Roswell consists of Anderson, Moesta, Norlander and his wife, Lana Lane, bassist Kurt Barabas (Amaran’s Plight) and executive producer Shawn Gordon.
While Lane handles the female vocal lines, a slew of guest musicians build out the cast of characters. The male vocal parts include James LaBrie (Dream Theater), Michael Sadler (Saga) and John Payne (Asia). Other contributing musical guest include: David Ragsdale (Kansas), Gary Wehrkamp (Shadow Gallery), Chris Quirarte (Prymary), Chris Brown (Ghost Circus) and Mike Alvarez.
Condensing a 608-page book into a 13-song CD requires an adept pen and a dramatic decrease in words! It’s also one thing to write novels and quite another to be a poet. Taking themes from the book, religion, love, exploration, Anderson and Moesta embark on audio journey that lends a perspective to the novel that is inherently unique.
Michael Sadler handles the role of the hero, Criston. James LaBrie’s character, Soldan-Shah Omra, provides us with the villain of the story. Lana Lane performs as Criston’s love interest, Adrea, and John Payne portrays Captain John Shay.
Musically and lyrically, there is a lot for the listener to digest. Having the “best of the best” to work with can either be hinderance or a God send. And, as you can expect, some performances work magnificently while others just don’t shine as bright.
Far from perfect, Terra Incognita: Beyond The Horizon is ambitious and majestic. For those fans who enjoy rock operas like Gary Hughes’ Once and Future King or Nikolo Kostchev’s Nostradamus, they will find Terra Incognita: Beyond The Horizon enjoyable.
Label: ProgRock Records
Roswell Six:
Kevin Anderson
Rebecca Moesta
Erik Norlander (ROCKET SCIENTISTS, LANA LANE, SOLO)
Lana Lane
Kurt Barabas (UNDER THE SUN, AMARAN’S PLIGHT)
Shawn Gordon
Additonal Musicians:
James LaBrie (DREAM THEATER, FRAMESHIFT)
Michael Sadler (ex-SAGA)
John Payne (ex-ASIA)
David Ragsdale (KANSAS)
Martin Orford (ex-IQ, ex-Jadis)
Gary Wehrkamp (SHADOW GALLERY, AMARAN’S PLIGHT)
Chris Brown (GHOST CIRCUS)
Chris Quirarte (PRYMARY)
Mike Alvarez
Track Listing:
1. Ishalem
2. The Call Of The Sea
3. I Am The Point
4. Letters In A Bottle
5. Halfway
6. Anchored
7. Here Be Monsters
8. The Sinking Of The Luminara
9. The Winds Of War
10. Swept Away
11. Beyond The Horizon
12. Merciful Tides
13. The Edge Of The World
Hardrock Haven rating: 6.8/10