Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Christmas Music that Will Blow Your Mind

Trans-Siberian Orchestra is hitting the road for another holiday season tour. They have planned a 90-city, nine week showcase of their symphonic/classical/progressive metal Christmas music. One of the most successful touring bands of the past decade, Trans-Siberian Orchestra grossed nearly $45 million on their 2007 Winter Tour and played to over 1.2 million fans. They were the No. 2 ranked tour (for attendance), according to Billboard magazine.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) formed in 1996 in Florida when Paul O'Neill, who had produced such greats as the Scorpions and Aerosmith, teamed up with composer Robert Kinkel and Savatage lead vocalist Jon Oliva. All had previously worked together on some Savatage material. The name "Trans-Siberian Orchestra," according to Robert Kinkel, comes from Russia's Trans-Siberian Railway, which connects various peoples in Russia's immense sphere of influence that would otherwise be isolated -- much like what music does.

TSO released their first album, Christmas Eve and Other Stories, in 1996. It remains their most successful album to date, selling over 2 million copies. Their last album, The Lost Christmas Eve, was their highest charting, placing at number 26 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart in 2004. Their catalog also includes another Chrismas album, The Christmas Attic, which was released in 1998, and Beethoven's Last Night, a classical concept album which was released in 2000.

This writer has been listening to Trans-Siberian Orchestra since their first album's release. A promotional clip for an upcoming concert was being aired on late night television. I was amazed by the sound of the small snippets used in the commercial. The next day I went to Wal-Mart and bought the album.