Kansas is back!!! The legendary band, creators of such excellent hits as "Dust In The Wind," "Carry On Wayward Son" and "Point Of Know Return" are definitely back! And they have brought some friends... Their "new" album Always Never The Same features the work of The London Symphony Orchestra. Recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London, Always Never The Same features symphonic re-makes of several of their "classics" as well as three soon-to-be classics and a rockin' version of "Eleanor Rigby."

Now, now, I know...people hear the word "symphonic" and immediatly think "Muzak," "elevator" or... "Attention Shoppers, today's blue light special is..." but it's not like that at all (If it were, MetalGod wouldn't give the album any stars now would he??). In this album, the London Symphony Orchestra works with the band to create the ultimate musical experience. Furthermore, this album features Guitar and not just GUITAR, but the masterful work of Rich Williams. One of the (If not the) MOST underrated GUITAR players in the history of Rock music, Williams' brilliance shines in this album, not just as a guitarist but as co-producer. And before I go into detail, LISTEN TO ME!! In order to appreciate this album to the fullest it must be played LOUD!! So if you're going to wuss out and turn the notch up to only 2 because the neighbors might mind...DON'T BOTHER!! Go to the Yanni page instead. Plus, the neighbors will probably come over with a six-pack and invite themselves to listen to this masterpiece, yes IT'S THAT GOOD!!!

The album opens with a rockin' version of "Eleanor Rigby" which is quite good. A bit different from the original, but quite good. This song also features the thunderous drumming of one Phil Ehart, one of the best drummers ever. Next in line are the everlasting classic "Dust In The Wind" (GOD!! I'll never get tired of listening to that song) which is performed beautifully, a "Preamble" performed by the LSO and the amazing "Song For America." These two classics remind us of the return of original violinist/vocalist/frontman Robby Steinhardt whose soloing combined with the LSO string section is nothing short of Amazing. We also get a glimpse of Robby's vocals, which sound better than ever. To hear "Song For America" performed symphonically, just opens your eyes as to how amazing the original was, the complex orchestration that these guys created with so little is just amazing.

Next is the first of three new songs, the catchy "In Your Eyes" (MetalGod's pick) and before we get to the amazing Steve Walsh as a vocalist, I must mention his lyrical prowess. Kansas has for the most part been known for both their musical and lyrical depth, and this song is a prime example. It's also a catchy rocker that'll have you singing along to it in no time (I was) with a very cool lead GUITAR break at the end. Steve Walsh's voice shows maturity, but this is a good thing, he sings in a more relaxed style and although he can no longer hit the angelic notes he used to, his voice is STILL one of the best around, this man CAN sing, but we knew that, DIDN'T WE???

The ever-rockin' "Miracles Out of Nowhere" follows with Steinhardt and Walsh trading lead vocals, very cool. One of the highlights of the album, the beautiful "Hold On" follows and this song features the coolest moment in the whole album. It's a crescendo, featuring the orchestra, the band and Steve Walsh coming together, are you psyched YET?? Well it's GOOSEBUMPS MAN!!! The new epic, "The Sky Is Falling" is next, following in the traditional Kansas style. "Cheyenne Anthem" (Check out bassist Billy Greer's lead vocal line.) and "The Wall" (GUITAR anyone??) follow and they are mighty, but it's the new piano ballad "Need To Know" that brings the next true highlight. Walsh really puts a lot of emotion behind this one, heart-piercing... Closing the show is the classic "Nobody's Home."

What I got out of this album is that the name Kansas belongs right up there with any other band as true innovators, these guys have been around for 25 years. Yet they don't get any recognition. WHY?? Who the hell knows??? The world is full of morons, I guess. With this album this band show us who they are now, 25 years later and they are STILL Rockin'. Go out and buy this gem, you won't be sorry. Guaranteed!!! Kansas is still a band...

-MetalGod

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