I've had this album now for a number of years but had to re-purchase it because I'd inadvertently lost the CD. It seemed therefore a good time to sit down and write a review.
To put it simply this is a prog rock album which really should be in every prog rock lovers collection. It is a classic concept album about someone falling through a crack in the ice of a lake or pond and the music and story is what goes through the person's mind during the few seconds before he is pulled clear by the mysterious "Visitor". The tracks are mostly short (no 15 minute epics here) and blend together nicely. A number of the tracks merge into each other and so there is not much feeling of breaks in the album (though they are there). As such the album is best listened to in one sitting. Having said that, however, a number of tracks stand out by themselves to be played alone or put on a compilation CD.
It's difficult to pick the stand out tracks as the whole album is so good. That said personal favourites for me are: The Hanging Tree, A State of Grace, (Don't Forget to) Breathe, Serenity (a beautiful short Floyd-like guitar instrumental) and the bombastic Running from Damascus.
Since getting into the old and new progressive rock scene 5 years ago I've bought most of the best albums by the best bands around (past and present). I am happy to say "The Visitor" is one of my most played. A heartier recommendation I cannot make.