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The Absolute Universe
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The Absolute Universe
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The Absolute Universe
A silver airship flying through planets and space rocks
Cover of the Extended Version, Forevermore
Studio album by
Transatlantic
ReleasedFebruary 5, 2021
RecordedSeptember 2019–2020
StudioFenix Studio (Varnhem, Sweden)
mobile recordings in Sweden, the UK and the USA
GenreProgressive rock[1][2][3][4]
Length64:15 (abridged version)
90:14 (extended version)
96:30 (ultimate version)
LabelInside Out
ProducerTransatlantic[5]
Transatlantic chronology
Kaleidoscope
(2014) 		The Absolute Universe
(2021)
Singles from The Absolute Universe
  1. "Overture/Reaching for the Sky"
    Released: November 20, 2020[6]
  2. "The World We Used to Know"
    Released: December 11, 2020[7]
  3. "Looking for the Light"
    Released: January 15, 2021[8]

The Absolute Universe is the fifth and final[9] studio album of the progressive rock supergroup Transatlantic, released on February 5, 2021, by Inside Out.[10]

Announced on November 11, 2020, The Absolute Universe is a concept album about "the world's struggles in 2020"[11] and it is Transatlantic's first new studio album since 2014's Kaleidoscope. The album is released in three different formats: a 64-minute abridged version entitled The Breath of Life, a 90-minute extended version entitled Forevermore and a 96-minute deluxe edition that combines parts of both the abridged and extended versions. With regards to the different albums drummer Mike Portnoy said:[10]

[...] the single CD is not merely an edited version of the double CD. They each contain alternate versions and even in some cases, new recordings. We wrote fresh lyrics and have different people singing on the single CD version tracks as compared to those on the double CD.

The band released three videos in support of the album, "Overture/Reaching for the Sky" on November 20, 2020,[6] "The World We Used to Know" on December 11, 2020,[7] and "Looking for the Light" on January 15, 2021.[8]

Background and production

[edit]

Due to tours, vacations and ultimately COVID-19, the album's production suffered several delays.[3] The 90-minute version (Forevermore) was originally written in September 2019 when the four members gathered in Sweden.[12][3][13] Drummer Mike Portnoy recorded his parts in Nashville in November and keyboardist and vocalist Neal Morse recorded his parts in December and January.[13]

Soon after a tour in Australia, Morse took some time off in New Zealand and started writing his solo album Sola Gratia, which diverted him completely from the Transatlantic album.[13] In March 2020, he listened to the album again and contemplated shortening it so it could be released in a single disc - which some members already supported by the time of the album's writing, according to him. He created a shorter version of the album himself and sent it to the other members via an e-mail with a subject line that read "Am I crazy?"[13]

Bassist Pete Trewavas agreed with Morse, but Portnoy and vocalist/guitarist Roine Stolt preferred the original version.[14] The disagreement caused further delays.[3] In May,[13] Portnoy ultimately came with the suggestion of releasing two different versions, which was endorsed by all members and the label.[3][13][14]

Morse was then tasked with creating the shorter version, titled The Breath of Life, while Stolt would produce the longer version, Forevermore.[3][13] Morse would later say The Absolute Universe is the album that involved "the longest process" and "the most work" he's ever done in his career.[13]

The album's structure is similar to their third album The Whirlwind, in that all songs combined form one single listening experience.[3]

Lyrical themes

[edit]

Neal Morse started writing lyrics for the album in March 2019, and he felt the band would possibly want to do a follow-up to The Whirlwind. When they gathered in studio, however, they rejected the idea, but some of the lyrics remained, resulting in some references to Whirlwind.[13]

In December 2019/January 2020, Morse wrote a second round of lyrics inspired by his twenties and by The Fountainhead, Atlas Shrugged and The Virtue of Selfishness by Russian-American author Ayn Rand, which he called "kind of the mother of Libertarianism".[13] He commented that he wrote lyrics about "how I went down this road of selfishness basically, and then how the Lord brought me out of it and how much better it is to not be in that place."[13]

The third round of writing came in June–July 2020 and was inspired by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States (particularly Nashville).[13]

Commenting on the lyrics written by bassist and vocalist Pete Trewavas back in 2019, Stolt felt they somehow anticipated the COVID-19 situation.[13] Trewavas himself described the idea behind the album as follows:[12]

The idea behind The Absolute Universe started out as a broad and encompassing look at the human condition. Someone moving though their life, trying to find out who they are, where they fit in etc. This worked well as a concept to hang all the music we had on. It also allowed us to move through all the different subject matter we had lyrically. [...] You find a lot out about people in adverse conditions. Who your friends are for example, how people cope under duress and dealing with stress. All these things get reflected on in different ways on both versions of the album.

He felt The Breath of Life version, captained by Morse, focused more on the consequences of the COVID-19 restrictions on people's lives.[12]

Critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStarStarHalf star[15]
Classic RockStarStarStar[11]
Metal Hammer (Germany)6/7[4]
Metal Hammer (Portugal)4.5/5[1]
Prog[5]
Prog RadioStarStarStarStar[16]
Rock Hard8.5/10[17]
Sonic Perspectives9.3/10[3]

The Absolute Universe was well received by critics.

Chris Roberts from Classic Rock said the band takes the listener "on a journey through the tropes of modern, technically flawless AOR-tinted prog, the playing proficient, the soul of it elusive." On the other hand, he remarked that "the casual listener might wish the band would more frequently twist instead of stick."[11]

Scott Medina from Sonic Perspectives said the album matches the quality of The Whirlwind and while he admitted those who prefer epic songs could feel "less enthusiastic", he said "there's no denying that this sounds just like what most people imagine when they think 'Transatlantic'. About the different versions, he commented that Forevermore "has more of Stolt" and "carries a bit more shadow and mystery", while The Breath of Life feels "a little more direct and accessible" and has been injected with "a little more light and love" by Morse. He praised all musicians' performances.[3]

Writing for the Portuguese edition of Metal Hammer, and based on the Forevermore version, João Braga thought the album title is representative of its style and innovation and remarked that the band has released an album that is long due to the number of tracks rather than to their size. He also thought the first part is more "positive" and "inspiring" in terms of instrumentation, while the second one is filled with "ballads or, at least, ambient and spiritual tracks backed by strong progressive rock."[1]

In the German edition of the magazine, Frank Thießies recommended the abridged version "for casual listeners to enjoy the great harmony-bristling chants, Hammond and Moog fountains as well as The Beatles-colored to Pink Floyd-colored Melodic Prog" and the extended version to those who "can't get enough of Morse's melody bliss anyway and can do with a few more progressive twists and bonus minutes per song".[4]

Rock Hard' Michael Rensen said the album "is not just a fanatic, but an exciting rollercoaster ride lasting several hours through the Classic Prog Wonderland". He thought that the band had better moments in the past and that they work better when Morse is the vocalist, but still believed Transatlantic delivered "the finest genre fare despite all the compositional routine".[17]

On AllMusic, Thom Jurek said The Absolute Universe (Forevermore version) "showcases Transatlantic's consummate composing, production, and arrangement skills in near-perfect balance with emotional intelligence, and keen psychological and spiritual insight. They navigate these songs with compassionate empathy, openness, and a consummate sense of musical possibility. You really can't ask for more from popular art."[15]

Writing for Prog magazine, Grant Moon said the two versions offer "if not the best of both worlds, certainly the most of them", but questioned if an "objective producer" could have helped them "see the wood for the trees, make choices, and fashion the one great album currently residing inside two very good ones".[5]

Track listing

[edit]

All tracks written and arranged by Neal Morse, Mike Portnoy, Roine Stolt and Pete Trewavas

Forevermore (extended version)

[edit]
Disc 1
No.TitleLength
1."Overture"8:12
2."Heart Like a Whirlwind"5:11
3."Higher Than the Morning"5:30
4."The Darkness in the Light"5:43
5."Swing High, Swing Low"3:48
6."Bully"2:11
7."Rainbow Sky"3:19
8."Looking for the Light"4:00
9."The World We Used to Know"9:22
Total length:47:12[18]
Disc 2
No.TitleLength
1."The Sun Comes Up Today"5:39
2."Love Made a Way (Prelude)"1:26
3."Owl Howl"7:06
4."Solitude"5:41
5."Belong"2:49
6."Lonesome Rebel"2:54
7."Looking for the Light (Reprise)"5:13
8."The Greatest Story Never Ends"4:18
9."Love Made a Way"8:03
Total length:43:02[18]

The Breath of Life (abridged version)

[edit]
No.TitleLength
1."Overture"5:52
2."Reaching for the Sky"5:41
3."Higher Than the Morning"4:32
4."The Darkness in the Light"5:43
5."Take Now My Soul"3:31
6."Looking for the Light"4:05
7."Love Made a Way (Prelude)"2:13
8."Owl Howl"5:27
9."Solitude"4:24
10."Belong"2:23
11."Can You Feel It"3:17
12."Looking for the Light (Reprise)"4:57
13."The Greatest Story Never Ends"2:58
14."Love Made a Way"9:16
Total length:64:15[19]

Blu-ray

[edit]
5.1 mix (ultimate version)
No.TitleLength
1."Overture"9:18
2."Reaching for the Sky"5:40
3."Higher Than the Morning"5:29
4."The Darkness in the Light"5:42
5."Take Now My Soul"3:31
6."Bully"2:11
7."Rainbow Sky"3:19
8."Looking for the Light"3:59
9."The World We Used to Know"9:21
10."The Sun Comes Up Today"5:38
11."Love Made a Way (Prelude)"1:25
12."Owl Howl"7:05
13."Solitude"5:41
14."Belong"2:49
15."Lonesome Rebel"2:53
16."Can You Feel It"3:17
17."Looking for the Light (Reprise)"5:12
18."The Greatest Story Never Ends"5:58
19."Love Made a Way"8:02
Total length:96:30[20]

Personnel

[edit]
  • Neal Morse – vocals, piano, Hammond organ, minimoog, mellotron, acoustic guitars & churango
  • Roine Stolt – vocals, electric & acoustic 6 & 12 strings guitars, ukulele, keyboards & percussion
  • Pete Trewavas – vocals, bass
  • Mike Portnoy – vocals, drums & percussion

Additional musicians

  • Gideon Klein – cello, viola & string bass
  • Josee Weigand – violin & viola


  • Thomas Ewerhard – artwork[2]
  • Pavel Zhovba – artwork (airship only)[2]
  • Rich Mouser – mixing[3]

Charts

[edit]
Chart performance for The Absolute Universe
Chart (2021) Peak
position
Austrian Albums (Ö3 Austria)[21] 7
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders)[22] 40
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Wallonia)[23] 29
Dutch Albums (Album Top 100)[24] 4
Finnish Albums (Suomen virallinen lista)[25]
Forevermore 		29
French Albums (SNEP)[26] 83
German Albums (Offizielle Top 100)[27] 3
Portuguese Albums (AFP)[28] 30
Scottish Albums (OCC)[29]
Forevermore 		10
Scottish Albums (OCC)[30]
The Breath of Life 		31
Scottish Albums (OCC)[31]
Ultimate 		76
Spanish Albums (PROMUSICAE)[32]
Forevermore 		42
Spanish Albums (PROMUSICAE)[33]
The Breath of Life (vinyl albums) 		81
Spanish Albums (PROMUSICAE)[34]
The Ultimate Edition (vinyl albums) 		20
Swedish Albums (Sverigetopplistan)[35] 32
Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)[36] 3
UK Albums (OCC)[37]
Forevermore 		56

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

The Absolute Universe

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
is the fifth studio album by Transatlantic, a supergroup comprising (keyboards and vocals, formerly of ), (drums, formerly of ), (guitar and vocals, of ), and Pete Trewavas (bass and vocals, of ). Released on February 5, 2021, by InsideOut Music, the album innovatively offers two distinct editions: the abridged The Breath of Life (approximately 60 minutes) and the extended Forevermore (over 90 minutes), with fans able to vote on including additional material recorded during sessions. This structure arose from the band's 2019 writing process, where excess compositions led to dual versions sharing core tracks but diverging in arrangements and inclusions. As a , it explores themes of societal struggles, personal resilience, and hope amid modern challenges, delivered through expansive compositions blending symphonic prog elements, intricate instrumentation, and Morse's faith-influenced lyrics. Critically, it garnered praise for its ambitious scope and the supergroup's chemistry, though some reviewers noted repetition in motifs compared to prior works like The Whirlwind. The release marked a potential endpoint for the project, with members signaling it as their most comprehensive effort after two decades.

Background and development

Conception and initial ideas

Following the release of in January 2014 and the band's subsequent touring activities, Transatlantic members began contemplating a successor project. In late 2018 or early 2019, , the band's keyboardist and primary vocalist, initiated discussions by emailing fellow members (drums), (guitar and vocals), and Pete Trewavas (bass) to propose developing new material, identifying a suitable recording window amid their individual commitments. emphasized creating an ambitious work akin to prior concept albums like The Whirlwind (2009), focusing on a cohesive, extended . Initial songwriting commenced in March 2019 with Morse preparing demos, setting the foundation for a thematic exploration of contemporary societal challenges, including division and uncertainty observed in global events. The band envisioned a continuous, long-form composition divided into sections, drawing from their history of epic suites such as (2001). Trewavas highlighted the creative freedom in this approach, stating, "We decided we’d write a long piece of … it gives a lot of scope for the writing." Stolt contributed substantially, arriving with roughly 1.5 hours of pre-developed musical sketches, which informed the album's expansive scope. Early collaborative sessions in September 2019 at Fenix Recording Studios in involved brainstorming via a to outline motifs and structure, though debates arose over length—Portnoy and Stolt advocated retaining material for a double-disc format exceeding 90 minutes, while Morse and Trewavas pushed for condensation. Portnoy floated the innovative solution of dual versions, asking, "Would it be crazy to suggest we have two s?" This concept, initially contentious, resolved tensions by allowing an extended edition (Forevermore, 18 tracks) and an abridged one (The Breath of Life, 14 tracks), with Stolt's lyrics addressing issues like political in . Stolt later affirmed his resistance to cuts, saying, "I felt that we shouldn’t really cut the ."

Songwriting process

The songwriting for The Absolute Universe began in early 2019, with initiating the process by creating initial demos and coordinating schedules with bandmates , [Mike Portnoy](/page/Mike Portnoy), and Pete Trewavas via email in late 2018 and early 2019. contributed extensively by preparing over 1.5 hours of musical demos prior to the main sessions, including ideas that evolved into tracks like "Owl Howl," while also drafting lyrics in summer 2019 addressing global societal issues such as leadership challenges. The core writing sessions took place over approximately 10 to 14 days in late September 2019 at Fenix Recording Studios in , where the band collaboratively arranged and expanded Stolt's demos through jamming and group improvisation, producing a foundational 90-minute template for the extended Forevermore version. The group utilized a to organize and prioritize musical ideas, leveraging their collective strengths in to develop long-form, thematic pieces centered on contemporary societal struggles, though ultimately emphasized spiritual transformation and hope. Morse added spontaneous contributions, such as composing "Love Made a Way" at 3 a.m. during the sessions, while Trewavas brought energy to the collaborative dynamic and Portnoy provided overarching conceptual guidance. Both Morse and Stolt wrote competing sets of lyrics for several songs, with the band selecting the strongest elements rather than forcing compromises, which influenced vocal assignments and thematic nuances across versions. This process extended beyond the initial Sweden sessions, as individual overdubs followed—Portnoy tracking drums in Nashville in November 2019 and Morse adding elements through January 2020—before editing commenced in March 2020 to create the abridged The Breath of Life version, incorporating variations in structure, lyrics, and singers to resolve debates over length and focus. The dual-version approach emerged from these discussions, treating the editions as "alternate realities" rather than simple edits, with final adjustments continuing into late 2020.

Production

Recording sessions

The recording sessions for The Absolute Universe began in September 2019 at Fenix Recording Studios in Varnhem, , where , , , and Pete Trewavas convened for pre-production, writing, and initial tracking over approximately two weeks. Roine Stolt arrived with roughly 1.5 hours of musical material, which the group refined collaboratively through arranging sessions, including the use of a whiteboard to outline and revisit thematic ideas. Following the Swedish sessions, recording shifted to remote contributions due to the members' dispersed locations: Portnoy laid down drum tracks in Nashville in November 2019, while Morse handled vocals and additional parts in his home studio from December 2019 through January 2020. Mobile recording extended to sites in , the , and the , with some elements captured over a year apart to accommodate schedules, contributing to arrangement variations between the album's editions. These sessions produced a core template of extended progressive compositions addressing societal themes, though debates over length and content—such as trimming material for a shorter version—arose during collaboration, ultimately yielding distinct Forevermore (extended) and The Breath of Life (abridged) releases.

Engineering and post-production

Rich Mouser engineered, mixed, and mastered The Absolute Universe at The Mouse House studio in , . This encompassed both the Forevermore extended version, spanning approximately 90 minutes across two discs, and the Breath of Life abridged version, condensed to about 60 minutes on one disc. Strings overdubs were recorded separately by Gabe Klein. The Ultimate Edition , released on August 6, 2021, incorporated a mix derived from the Forevermore version, alongside stereo mixes, to provide immersive playback options via Blu-ray audio. focused on integrating the band's remote contributions— from Nashville, from , Pete Trewavas from the , and from New York—into cohesive tracks emphasizing progressive rock's layered arrangements without evidence of compression artifacts typical of loudness-maximized releases.

Personnel

The core lineup of Transatlantic performed on The Absolute Universe, consisting of on keyboards, guitars, and vocals; on drums and vocals; on guitars and vocals; and Pete Trewavas on bass and vocals. Additional musicians included and Daniel Gildenlöw on vocals, Josee Weigand on vocals, Rich Mouser on vocals, Bill Hubauer on keyboards and vocals, Jake Livgren on keyboards, and Chris Carmichael on strings. The album was produced by the four band members, with mixing and mastering handled by Rich Mouser. Engineering was provided by Rich Mouser and Jerry Guidroz. Artwork and design were created by Thomas Ewerhard.

Musical content

Style and composition

The Absolute Universe exemplifies symphonic , characterized by its melodic emphasis, intricate arrangements, and a blend of uplifting harmonies with extended passages. The album draws on prog influences, featuring soaring vocal lines, keyboard-driven symphonic textures, and rhythmic complexity without aggressive solos or heavy , prioritizing cohesion over individual virtuosity. Compositionally, it unfolds as a loosely conceptual suite spanning approximately 90 minutes in its extended form, divided into 10 tracks that interconnect through recurring motifs and thematic continuity, akin to the band's prior album The Whirlwind. The structure incorporates overtures, such as the opening instrumental buildup, which establishes a grand, orchestral-like scope before transitioning into vocal-led sections with dynamic shifts from introspective builds to anthemic choruses. Both the abridged (The Breath of Life) and extended (Forevermore) versions maintain this flow but vary in track lengths and inclusions, with the former condensing material into a single disc while preserving core progressions and re-arrangements for brevity. Instrumental interplay forms the compositional backbone, with layered guitars, keyboards, and polyrhythmic drumming creating a sense of forward momentum and resolution, often resolving tension through harmonious peaks rather than dissonance. Reviews highlight its "technically flawless" execution, where composition serves thematic uplift, integrating subtle orchestral swells and multi-partite song forms to evoke a arc without rigid verse-chorus constraints.

Instrumentation and arrangements

The core instrumentation of The Absolute Universe features the supergroup's standard lineup: on keyboards (including prominent ), on electric and acoustic guitars, Pete Trewavas on , and on , with all four members contributing lead and harmony vocals. This setup enables layered textures typical of , such as riff-driven guitar work from Stolt, intricate bass lines from Trewavas, energetic drumming from Portnoy, and Morse's keyboard flourishes, including organ swells and piano accents. Arrangements emphasize epic, multi-sectional compositions blending energy with melodic interludes, often incorporating dynamic shifts from acoustic ballads to instrumental showcases. The album's dual editions—Forevermore (extended) and The Breath of Life (abridged)—feature distinct arrangements: shaped the extended version with extended solos and prog flourishes, while reconfigured the abridged edition for concision, altering vocal leads, song structures, and select instrumentation, such as substituting or additional percussion layers in tracks like "Higher Than the Morning." These variations create parallel but non-identical experiences, with the abridged form prioritizing streamlined narratives over expansive jams. The Ultimate Edition expands arrangements further with guest contributions on additional guitars and wind instruments, enhancing orchestral-like depth in select passages without full symphony involvement. Overall, the production highlights seamless integration of live-feel performances and studio overdubs, yielding bombastic overtures and relentless instrumental closers that underscore the band's emphasis on musicianship over .

Lyrical themes

The lyrics of The Absolute Universe constitute a concept narrative exploring an individual's search for meaning and belonging amid personal and societal turmoil. , the primary lyricist, described the storyline as depicting "a guy who’s trying to find his place in the world," emphasizing themes of self-discovery and the human condition through an emotional arc of struggle and resolution. characterized the content as infused with "hope, redemption, and the human condition," highlighting resilience against everyday adversities. The band initially did not intend a fully conceptual structure, but the material coalesced around contemporary societal pressures, evolving into a unified tale of upliftment. Central motifs include ego, selfishness, and introspection, with occasional allusions to objectivist individualism akin to Ayn Rand's ideas, though framed within broader critiques of isolation rather than endorsement. Morse's spiritual perspective, rooted in his Christian faith, permeates the redemption arc, portraying transformation via divine or transcendent love; for instance, in "Love Made a Way," lyrics assert "Love made a way/when there was no way out," evoking a shift from despair to renewal inspired by progressive rock precedents like Yes' "Heart of the Sunrise." This culminates in affirmations of communal belonging, as reiterated in phrases like "belong/belong/ready to belong," underscoring a causal progression from alienation to integration. The narrative's day-to-day realism grounds abstract struggles in relatable human experiences, such as and external chaos, without veering into overt proselytizing, though Morse has noted the album's "heart and soul" derives from perceived spiritual insights imparted during composition. and Stolt corroborated the focus on universal societal strains, written in 2019 but resonant with 2020's upheavals, prioritizing emotional authenticity over didacticism.

Release and formats

Available editions

The Absolute Universe was released on February 5, 2021, by InsideOut Music in two distinct album versions intended as parallel interpretations of the same material rather than simple edits: The Breath of Life (abridged version, approximately 60 minutes) and Forevermore (extended version, approximately 90 minutes). Both versions share core compositions but incorporate variations such as alternate lyrics, different lead vocalists on select tracks, modified melodies, and some changed song titles, achieved through additional recording sessions. The Breath of Life was issued as a digipak, a 2LP vinyl package including a , and digital formats. Forevermore followed the same format options, with the double- configuration emphasizing expanded arrangements and additional content. A limited Ultimate Edition compiled both full versions on 2 and multiple clear vinyl LPs (2LP for Breath of Life, 3LP for Forevermore), alongside a Blu-ray disc featuring a mix, a 44-page booklet, and a . The Blu-ray audio aligns primarily with the Forevermore tracklist but includes high-resolution stereo and instrumental options where applicable. All editions were distributed worldwide through InsideOut Music, with digital versions available via platforms like in 24-bit HD audio.

Promotion and marketing

Transatlantic announced The Absolute Universe on November 11, 2020, emphasizing its status as a exploring themes of societal and personal upheaval amid 2020's global challenges, with pre-orders opening immediately through InsideOutMusic and affiliated retailers. The announcement highlighted the album's unique structure, offering fans two distinct versions—an extended 90-minute edition titled Forevermore and an abridged 60-minute edition titled The Breath of Life—developed in parallel by band members and , who each advocated for their preferred cuts, positioning the release as an interactive choice for listeners rather than a standard single product. Pre-release marketing built anticipation through digital content, including an official album trailer uploaded to YouTube on November 9, 2020, showcasing snippets of the progressive rock arrangements and supergroup's instrumentation. This was followed by the debut single "Overture / Reaching for the Sky," released with a promotional video on November 22, 2020, featuring live-performance-style footage to highlight the track's epic scope. The second single, "The World We Used to Know," launched with its own video on December 11, 2020, focusing on introspective lyrics tied to the album's thematic core. A third "Ultimate Edition" was marketed as a deluxe bundle compiling both versions alongside expanded booklet content, instrumental mixes, and a Blu-ray with , available in limited formats like clear vinyl sets to appeal to collectors and audiophiles. Post-release efforts centered on live promotion, with the band scheduling "The Absolute Universe" tours starting in in August 2021—dubbed the "Final Four Flights"—followed by North American dates from April and UK/European legs concluding at festivals like Morsefest and Cruise to the Edge. These performances, captured in at L'Olympia, later supported a live release in to extend the campaign's reach.

Track listings

Forevermore (extended version)

Disc 1
  1. "" – 8:11
  2. "Heart Like a " – 5:11
  3. "Higher Than the Morning" – 5:29
  4. "The Darkness in the Light" – 5:43
  5. "Swing High, Swing Low" – 3:48
  6. "Bully" – 3:57
  7. "Black as the Sky" – 2:04
  8. " Says" – 2:48
Disc 2
  1. "The World We Used to Know" – 2:28
  2. "The Great American Trilogy" – 13:00
    • I. "My Last Day on Earth" – 3:52
    • II. "Some Kind of Home" – 4:55
    • III. "We All Need Some Light" – 4:13
  3. "Looking for the Light (Reprise)" – 5:12
  4. "The Greatest Story Never Ends" – 4:17
  5. "Love Made a Way" – 8:02
The edition totals 90 minutes and was released on February 5, 2021, by InsideOut Music. It features alternate arrangements and additional material compared to the abridged version, forming a cohesive prog rock concept album.

The Breath of Life (abridged version)

The Breath of Life is the single-disc abridged edition of The Absolute Universe, featuring condensed arrangements of the album's progressive rock suite to fit a runtime of approximately 64 minutes. This version omits or shortens certain segments present in the extended editions, emphasizing a more streamlined narrative flow while retaining core musical and lyrical elements. The track listing for the CD edition is:
  1. Overture – 5:53
  2. Reaching for the Sky – 5:40
  3. Higher Than the Morning – 4:32
  4. The Darkness in the Light – 5:43
  5. Take Now My Soul – 3:31
  6. Looking for the Light – 4:04
  7. Love Made a Way (Prelude) – 2:13
  8. Owl Howl – 5:26
  9. Solitude – 4:24
  10. Belong – 2:22
  11. Can You Feel It – 3:17
  12. Looking for the Light (Reprise) – 4:57
  13. The Greatest Story Never Ends – 2:57
  14. Love Made a Way – 9:16

The Ultimate Edition (Blu-ray)

The Ultimate Edition Blu-ray presents a distinctive 5.1 surround sound mix of The Absolute Universe, integrating elements from both the Forevermore (extended) and The Breath of Life (abridged) album variants to form a third, hybrid version clocking in at approximately 96 minutes. This edition, subtitled "The Ultimate Version," incorporates high-resolution audio with accompanying visuals for each track, enhancing the immersive experience of the progressive rock concept album's themes of time and perspective. In addition to the audio-visual content, the disc features a documentary titled "The Making of The Absolute Universe," providing behind-the-scenes insights into the album's production process involving band members Neal Morse, Mike Portnoy, Roine Stolt, and Pete Trewavas. Originally bundled in the deluxe box set released on February 5, 2021, via InsideOut Music, the standalone Blu-ray disc became available on May 14, 2021, with a total runtime of 3 hours and 3 minutes, encompassing the full mix and supplementary material. This format was designed for audiophiles, leveraging Blu-ray's capacity for lossless 5.1 PCM surround sound and Dolby Atmos compatibility in select setups, distinguishing it from stereo CD and vinyl releases. The track listing for the 5.1 mix follows a non-linear structure that blends shorter, streamlined segments from the abridged version with expansive passages from the extended counterpart, creating a unified flow:
  1. (5:53)
  2. Reaching for the Sky (5:40)
  3. Higher Than the Morning (4:32)
  4. The Darkness in the Light (5:43)
  5. Take Now My Soul (3:52)
  6. II / Far Side of the World (6:13)
  7. (1:51)
  8. (3:54)
  9. We Are the Sun (2:48)
  10. All of the Above (3:55)
  11. The Final Threes (2:59)
  12. Like a (2:33)
  13. Swing High, Swing Low (4:37)
  14. Love Made a Way (Prelude) (0:48)
  15. Howl (3:16)
  16. (1:18)
  17. Belong (3:10)
  18. Lonesome Rebel (3:56)
  19. Looking for the Light (3:19)
  20. Love Made a Way (5:03)
  21. Can You Tell Me (4:48)
  22. Dancing with Eternity (11:47)
  23. The Sun Comes Up Today (4:21)

Critical reception

Professional reviews

The Absolute Universe garnered predominantly positive reviews from progressive rock critics, who commended its epic, cohesive structure as a double spanning personal and global transformation themes, along with the ensemble's performances across guitar, keyboards, drums, and bass. Thom Jurek of praised the Forevermore extended edition for its "consummate composing, production, and arrangement skills in near-perfect balance with ," highlighting tracks like "Heart Like a Whirlwind" as soaring anthems and "Love Made a Way" as the album's core, concluding that "you really can't ask for more from popular art." Critics frequently addressed the release's unique dual formats—the 90-minute Forevermore and 60-minute Breath of Life with altered and arrangements—viewing them as both innovative and potentially excessive. in Sea of Tranquility awarded Forevermore 4.5 out of 5 stars for its "flowing freedom" and standout instrumental interplays where each member shines, while rating Breath of Life 3.5 out of 5 for sharper hooks but critiquing its poppier sheen as feeling forced and less memorable, with crescendos that verge on repetitive. More tempered assessments pointed to technical excellence overshadowed by familiarity. Chris Roberts of called the project "technically flawless" prog with proficient playing and generous offerings for fans, but noted the "soul of it elusive" amid the 2020 crisis-themed narrative, suggesting the band's abundance lacks the twists needed to engage beyond loyal audiences. The Prog Report emphasized Breath of Life's vocal contrasts and majestic opener "Reaching for the Sky," which incorporates references, as elevating it to a premier prog statement through melody-driven harmonies and complex reconstructions.

Fan reactions and debates

Fans of Transatlantic, particularly within the progressive rock community, largely praised The Absolute Universe for its ambitious scope and continuity with prior works like The Whirlwind, viewing it as an epic suite that rewarded repeated listens through intricate motifs and stellar musicianship. On forums such as Prog Archives, enthusiasts noted the "lives up to the hype," appreciating its cohesive flow and the band's unwavering consistency, which aligned with expectations for the supergroup's signature sound. Similarly, in discussions, users expressed enjoyment of its Whirlwind-like structure, with some highlighting the seamless weaving of musical themes across tracks. Debates among fans centered on the release's dual formats—the extended Forevermore version (90 minutes) and abridged Breath of Life version (60 minutes)—with opinions split on whether this approach enhanced artistic depth or constituted a gimmick. Some fans celebrated the variations, such as differing arrangements in tracks like "Heart Like a Whirlwind," describing them as delightful opportunities to compare evolutions in composition. Others found the distinctions confusing or unnecessary, arguing they diluted focus without adding substantial value, especially given overlapping content. Criticism from a vocal minority labeled the repetitive and lacking innovation, with users calling it "safe" and formulaic, failing to break new ground despite strong execution. This contrasted with broader fan sentiment on platforms like groups, where supporters deemed it the band's most epic statement, emphasizing its continuous 60-90 minute structure as a strength rather than a flaw. These divides often reflected preferences for prog rock's exploratory versus appreciation for polished, reliable supergroup output, with no consensus on a superior version emerging from community polls or threads.

Commercial performance

Chart positions

The Absolute Universe reached number 3 on the German Albums Chart. It peaked at number 4 on the Dutch Albums Chart. The album entered the Swiss Albums Chart at number 3. In , it achieved a peak of number 7. Belgium's chart saw a position of number 40. Additional peaks included number 29 in , number 32 in , number 35 in , number 47 in , and number 75 on the .
CountryPeak Position
29
32
35
47
75
The album did not enter the US , reflecting its niche appeal in markets primarily in Europe.

Sales and certifications

No major certifications, such as or awards, have been issued for The Absolute Universe by organizations like the RIAA, BPI, or IFPI equivalents in relevant markets. Specific unit sales figures remain undisclosed by the label InsideOut Music or the band, consistent with the limited public reporting for progressive rock releases outside mainstream genres. Limited edition formats, including certain vinyl pressings capped at 300 copies each, indicate targeted production for collector audiences rather than mass-market distribution.

References

  1. https://loudwire.com/transatlantic-world-we-used-to-know-song-absolute-universe-album/
  2. https://www.proghurst.co.uk/2021/01/transatlantic-the-absolute-universe-review/
  3. https://distortedsoundmag.com/transatlantic-announce-new-album-the-absolute-universe/
  4. https://www.angrymetalguy.com/transatlantic-the-absolute-universe/
  5. https://nealmorse.com/product/the-absolute-universe-transatlantic/
  6. https://www.loudersound.com/features/transatlantic-and-the-absolute-universe
  7. https://progarchy.com/2021/01/12/neal-morse-on-transatlantics-the-absolute-universe-the-progarchy-interview/
  8. https://www.sonicperspectives.com/album-reviews/transatlantic-the-absolute-universe/
  9. https://www.discogs.com/release/17230804-Transatlantic-The-Absolute-Universe-The-Ultimate-Edition
  10. https://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=71000
  11. https://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=71001
  12. https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Transatlantic-The-Absolute-Universe-Blu-ray/286625/
  13. https://www.discogs.com/release/17258839-Transatlantic-The-Absolute-Universe-Forevermore-Extended-Version
  14. https://www.treblezine.com/transatlantic-absolute-universe-review/
  15. https://proghurst.co.uk/2021/01/transatlantic-the-absolute-universe-review/
  16. https://www.loudersound.com/reviews/transatlantic-the-ultimate-universe-review
  17. https://progreport.com/transatlantic-the-absolute-universe-the-breath-of-life-album-review/
  18. https://nealmorse.com/available-now-transatlantic-the-absolute-universe/
  19. https://www.loudersound.com/reviews/transatlantics-the-absolute-universe-not-one-concept-album-but-two
  20. https://www.theprogressiveaspect.net/blog/2021/02/04/transatlantic-the-absolute-universe/
  21. https://nealmorse.com/transatlantic-present-the-absolute-universe/
  22. https://www.metaltalk.net/transatlantic-the-absolute-universe-is-like-no-album-the-band-have-released-before.php
  23. https://www.progradar.org/index.php/2021/02/11/review-transatlantic-the-absolute-universe-forevermore-extended-version-by-john-wenlock-smith/
  24. https://metalwani.com/2021/01/review-transatlantic-the-absolute-universe-forevermore.html
  25. https://www.dprp.net/reviews/2021-016
  26. https://www.lasercd.com/cd/absolute-universe-breath-life-abridged-version
  27. https://theprogressiveaspect.net/blog/2021/02/04/transatlantic-the-absolute-universe/
  28. https://www.sonicperspectives.com/interviews/interview-with-neal-morse-roine-stolt/
  29. https://backgroundmagazine.nl/CDreviews/TransatlanticTheAbsoluteUniverse.html
  30. https://progreport.com/transatlantic-announce-new-albums-the-absolute-universe/
  31. https://arrowlordsofmetal.nl/transatlantic-announces-fifth-studio-album-the-absolute-universe/
  32. http://www.theweb-uk.com/news-0128.html
  33. https://insideoutmusic.bandcamp.com/album/the-absolute-universe-forevermore-extended-version-24-bit-hd-audio
  34. https://www.lasercd.com/dvd/absolute-universe-51-mix-blu-ray
  35. http://www.transatlanticweb.com/
  36. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4Ln98PtgZI
  37. https://jazzandrock.com/transatlantic-launch-video-for-overture-reaching-for-the-sky-first-single-from-the-absolute-universe/
  38. https://progreport.com/transatlantic-launch-video-for-the-world-we-used-to-know-second-single-from-the-absolute-universe/
  39. https://www.instagram.com/p/CSWzdsRr2t-/
  40. https://www.progradar.org/index.php/2021/08/10/transatlantic-reveal-the-absolute-universe-2022-tour-dates-for-north-america-uk-europe/
  41. https://blabbermouth.net/news/progressive-rock-supergroup-transatlantic-to-release-the-final-flight-live-at-lolympia
  42. https://www.discogs.com/master/1954813-Transatlantic-The-Absolute-Universe-Forevermore-Extended-Version
  43. https://open.spotify.com/album/7iy5E1r9aqy8q48IDbEjyN
  44. https://www.discogs.com/release/17173141-Transatlantic-The-Absolute-Universe-The-Breath-Of-Life-Abridged-Version
  45. https://burningshed.com/transatlantic_the-absolute-universe-the-ultimate-version_blu-ray
  46. https://www.amazon.com/Absolute-Universe-Ultimate-Version-Blu-ray/dp/B08WZF3YW4
  47. https://www.discogs.com/release/17263564-Transatlantic-The-Absolute-Universe-51-Mix-The-Ultimate-Version
  48. https://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=71002
  49. https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-absolute-universe-forevermore-mw0003456091
  50. https://www.seaoftranquility.org/reviews.php?op=showcontent&id=22827
  51. https://www.reddit.com/r/progrockmusic/comments/lqhot1/transatlantic_the_absolute_universe/
  52. https://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=125411&FID=44
  53. https://www.reddit.com/r/nealmorse/comments/lhxcst/which_version_of_the_absolute_universe_do_most/
  54. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1414920952119536/posts/2861711024107181/
  55. https://www.reddit.com/r/progrockmusic/comments/rgjxtv/the_new_transatlantic_album_is_repetitive_trash/
  56. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1414920952119536/posts/2859068427704774/
  57. https://hitparade.ch/album/TransAtlantic/The-Absolute-Universe-The-Ultimate-Edition-473490
  58. https://hitparade.ch/album/TransAtlantic/The-Absolute-Universe-The-Breath-Of-Life-472303
  59. https://dereksmusicblog.com/2021/03/10/transatlantic-the-absolute-universe-forevermore-extended-version/
  60. https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/
  61. https://www.reddit.com/r/vinyl/comments/lm07pv/transatlantic_the_absolute_universe_new_release/
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