Soundtrack Review: Terra Incognita: Beyond the Horizon
Performed By: Roswell Six
Label: ProgRock Records
Release Date: June 2, 2009
Terra Incognita: Beyond the Horizon by Roswell Six is an interesting concept album in the genre of progressive rock. It ties in with Kevin J. Anderson’s newest book release Terra Incognita: Edge of the World as effectively as a soundtrack does to a movie. I had never heard a soundtrack for a novel before, or even the concept of it, but when I thought about it, the idea wasn’t so far flung. I like listening to music when I read; in fact, for some of my favorite books, I will even have certain songs I listen to and associate with reading those books. When the theme or tone of a song syncs well with a book, it can truly enhance the experience, and that is what Roswell Six and Kevin J. Anderson decided to do here.
I am perhaps seriously unqualified to do a comprehensive review of the instrumentation or composition, so excuse me if I use inappropriate jargon. I do love music, however, and I do love unique musical experiences. Whether I really know what “prog rock” or “prog metal” is, I’m still not certain, but I do know that while the CD is a bit of a mix of styles, it is thematically appropriate to accompany Edge of the World. The first track truly sets the mood; its scale is complementary to the epic nature of the book.
While the instrumentation isn’t necessarily groundbreaking, it is always skillful and entertaining to listen to. The vocals are excellent and quite enjoyable. This is a CD that is not only an excellent companion to the book — I played it while reading, and would recommend you do the same, but it can also be listened to separately without giving too much of the story away or without needing to know the story to enjoy. If you enjoy progressive rock/metal you’ll enjoy Terra Incognita: Beyond the Horizon, and even if those are genres you’ve never even heard of, it is an interesting concept album to accompany the book. While not quite my “thing” I did really enjoy it.
Track Listing:
1. Ishalem (10:59)
2. The Call of the Sea (6:25)
3. I Am the Point (5:40)
4. Letters in a Bottle (5:02)
5. Halfway (4:05)
6. Anchored (4:39)
7. Here Be Monsters (5:28)
8. The Sinking of the Luminara (5:40)
9. The Winds of War (4:48)
10. Swept Away (4:18)
11. Beyond the Horizon (5:07)
12. Merciful Tides (5:07)
13. The Edge of the World (4:40
