"The best-selling novel The Sparrow, by celebrated author Mary Doria Russell, is the basis for this new CD by Metaphor. It tells the story of the first mission to another planet - an inhabitated planet that came to Earth's attention when we received signals that turned out to be music. This CD features a fabulous original cover painting entitled "Quercus corymbion" (© 2007) and other artwork by Patricia van Lubeck." [Metaphor website] ZNR adds: Musically the new Metaphor album is closer to their debut "Starfooted" than their second release "Entertaining Thanatos". Lush keyboard & guitar arrangements are the highlight. Very nice vocals recalling Geoff Mann of Twelfth Night and beautiful melodies, too. Although this sounds like a band who is trying to recreate some of the past (Genesis, Camel, et al) "The Sparrow" does have a vibrance all its own. Really a CD for those prog lovers who can look past the "sounds-like-so-and-so" comparisons and reach the content below the surface! Beautiful disc!!