Listen to this album and it sort of takes you back in time. Not so much as a religious album but a journey back into the halcyon days when Progressive rock artists could mix grandiosity with simplicity, or indeed tranquillity. Keyboards are the main element here with sounds that are a tip of the hat to Yes and Emerson, Lake & Palmer. Let's be under no illusion here, there are those out there who may scoff at this album due to its religious content but don't forget, music with a religious vein does not have to be Harry Seacombe, (Stryper will tell you that). It's the music itself which is the all important factor here. It does not matter whether you're fervently religious or atheist, if you like your prog how it should sound, 70's complexity with modern sensibilities then I recommend this cd to you.
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An American keyboard player has sent me his solo release stressing that this music was born out of divine inspiration. Mike is a representative of Christian progressive rock, but it was obvious just in the seventies and later when he played with such bands like Randori (progressive/fusion), Burning Rose (the Billy Falcon's group) and Strokers. That's why you shouldn't be astonished with his lyrics based on the Holy Scriptures.

We are moving to the music that is most important element here. Mr. Visaggio is responsible for vocals, keys, piano, organ, bass, programmed drums, orchestra, flute, brass and synthesizers, however Michael Murray played drums on three tracks. For the first time, I couldn't believe that Mike's stuff was released in the 21st century instead of thirty years ago. I don't lack the guitars not at all. I have only my doubts about a legitimacy of Mike's singing, since his music is enough diverse and absorbing our minds. To be absolutely honest, I think that Mike is an excellent keyboard player, but only an average singer. I also suppose that Mike's music created by a distinct bass guitar, a legendary Hammond sound and characteristically sounding Alesis synthesizer is enough rich to rivet the listener's attention. An influence of a golden trio Emerson, Lake and Palmer on Mr. Visaggio's music is undisputed, but Mike even didn't try to hide his inspirations behind our ears, and he carefully covered their track "Blues Variations" from "Pictures at an Exhibition". Another interesting idea is a cover of Richard Strauss' symphonic poem "As said Zarathustra" (1896; neoromanticism). It was rearranged by Eumir Deodato in 1973, but its leitmotiv was earlier used on soundtrack to Stanley Kubrick's "2001: Space Odyssey" (1969). Needless to write, the title "2001: Also Rocked Zarathustra" is a paraphrase of the original.

"Starship Universe" has raised my curiosity coefficient on Mr. Visaggio's artistic activity, especially as he has formed a new band Kinetic Element alongside a drummer Michael Murray and a bassist Matt Harris. Apart from aforementioned Emerson, Lake and Palmer, I can recommend this CD to the fans of Rick and Oliver Wakemans, and Vanilla Fudge as well. I think that the best way to understand Mike's music is closing our eyes and setting out on an interplanetary travel, haha.
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If you are a fan of Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Rick Wakeman, Yes, Glass Hammer, Deodato…heck, if you’re a fan of Strauss, Mozart, or Handel, you are going to dig this album. This is prog rock on the reminiscent of “Brain Salad Surgery,” “Fragile,” and “Journey to the Center of the Earth” (fans will remember!). "Starship Universe" is much more subversive than most watered down, ‘religious’ albums. The music is a celebration of the majestic variety and the cosmic expanse of creation. But rather than settling for simple regurgitations of the past, Visaggio manages to inject a healthy dose of funk and jazz into his prog rock, effectively dragging the sometimes staid genre kicking and screaming into the present.
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If you glanced at the album title then the world weary amongst you might have correctly guessed this is epic prog rock. On a grand scale as well. Those still pining for the days when Yes and ELP were in their pomp and glory will find much to savour on this epic set of throwback 70's progressive rock from the 54 year old Visaggio, an industry veteran who was present in the early 70's himself. 'The Synchronized Life' and 'On The Ship Of Emotion' both feature vocals from Visaggio and run full steam ahead into more classic prog areas, simply it's all about keyboards and how far Visaggio can push them. A pleasant surprise and one for all the classic prog rockers still remaining. This one will have you riding the starship.
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