Because fans of legendary bands like Styx often focus on the nostalgia of hearing the hits, it’s easy to dismiss or overlook fresh new gems like The Mission. Released in 2017, the band’s first batch of original material in 15 years is a bona fide futuristic concept album about a mission to Mars. The LP length set thrillingly and compellingly fulfills Tommy Shaw’s vision via colorful storytelling, powerful hooks, trippy interludes, soaring vocal harmonies and titillating elements of classical music and the band’s oft-overlooked prog rock roots. It’s an imaginative journey longtime Styx aficionados and newer fans should immediately get on board with.
Rating: 8/10
Ume
Producer: Will Evankovich
