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    The Phantom Tollbooth 2005/Michael Pinnella
    Michael Pinnella — Enter by the 12th Gate cover

    Michael Pinnella

    Enter by the 12th Gate

    (2004)

    Reviewed by Barry Nothstine

    DiscogsYouTube
    Label Inside Out MusicThe Phantom Tollbooth2005
    classicalprogressive metalprogressive rock

    OK folks, what cha' got here is pretty much heaven for keyboard-oriented music fans. Michael Pinnella is the world-class keyboardist for the progressive metal band, Symphony X. On Enter by the 12th Gate Pinnella steps away from the thundering metal stylings of Symphony X and stretches his keyboard prowess in music that I would describe as "classical symphonic progressive instrumentals." Wow, that IS a mouthful.

    Enter by the 12th Gate is a first-rate mix of stripped-down classical keyboard pieces and more rock-oriented mini epics. This is great music to read Lord of the Rings or Narnia by, or just for sitting and chillin' with the headphones. The ethereal majesty of the CD will sweep you away to far dimensions, and Pinnella's incredible keyboard chops will have you wishing you had paid more attention in piano class!

    Standout cuts are "The White Room," and "Welcome to My Daydream." And as with most InsideOutMusic releases, Enter by the 12th Gate is wrapped in a tasty package featuring a moody fantasy/sci-fi cover.

    Similar sounding releases

    2002sToaZal2000Michael W. SmithFreedom1990IonaIona2001Mannheim SteamrollerChristmas Extraordinaire1990Jeff JohnsonSimilitudes1998Craig ArmstrongThe Space Between Us

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