76. Zero Hour - "Agenda 21"

The unexpected but wholly welcome return of the American progressive metal pioneers Zero Hour who called it a day back in 2008 when founding member Troy Tipton suffered horrific injuries that meant he could no longer play his bass. Fast forward fourteen years and Troy’s brother (and fellow original member) Jasun has reunified the outfit using original vocalist Erik Rosvold and a couple of hired hands on bass and drums. Musically it’s like they never went away and “Agenda 21” continues in the same vein of a more sophisticated and experimental Dream Theatre. The lyrical content does trespass into some areas occupied by right-wing conspiracy theorist’s but if we are going to be honest so did those penned by the late great Neil Peart of Rush and we never let that sway us from the brilliance of that band. So if you can take the verbal musings with a large pinch of salt this is a rather dandy and highly edifying slice of prime-time prog.