The Tea Party -- Triptych

For anyone unfamiliar with The Tea Party, Triptych is really the culmination of their work (from the earthy Splendor Solis, to the bluesy/Eastern Edges of Twilight and the heavy electronic sounds of Transmission), although two more albums were to follow. It was able to reach a wider audience with Heaven Coming Down, but also maintained their signature fusion of rock and Middle Eastern instrumentation.

Overall the album varies between the eastern, and sometimes harsh sounding (the opening Touch, Samsara and A Slight Attack for example), tracks and the softer, more melodic tracks (the singles Heaven Coming Down and The Messenger, as well as These Living Arms and Gone).

If you have an interest in a more exotic sound, this is definitely the band for you. Another highlight by The Tea Party that prominently showcases their love of the Eastern instrumentation is 1995's The Edges of Twilight.