I must be missing something when it is mentioned that albums like HOB are a world away to say pre P=A. I would probably like to say it is just another chapter in the larger album that is the Church. Whereas a band like AC/DC may seem to make the same album over and over, I see the Church as making different albums but unmistakingly always having the same essence of their sound. (Duh.. I hear some groan)
But I could see a song like Louisiana being part of Heyday, or Tranquility sharing the line up with Operetta on U#23.

It is a very mellow album right from the get go with Anaethesia setting the tone, moving through Richochet, which is classic church, perhaps it's Steve's voice on this track that connects me back to an earlier period, but slower.
Louisiana is just a beautiful melody that paints a portrait that you could step into, a truly wonderful song.

Have wondered for a while is 'Great Machine' a tribute to Pink Floyd's 'Wish you Where Here' album? I mean this as a compliment, it is very mesmerizing.
No Certainty Attached provides a nice upbeat, though not a big favourite, certainly enjoyable, then Tranquility takes me back into my trance like state, thy will be done.

Buffalo is a beatiful mix of vocals, guitars and drums, I realise as soon as I say it how stupid that sounds but the sound of the guitars flow through the silk vocals which automatically earns a quick replay, or is that because 'This is it' really does nothing for me, except move me back into the tone of the album.

Another Earth is another of my top favourites from this album, don't know why, but it grabbed me from the my very first listen and has me smiling everytime I hear it.
Glow Worm is a lovely way to end the album, a very contented feeling from this song, a perfect song to sing to my wife, very nice lyrics.

I wouldn't say Hologram of Baal is my favourite album, but it is definitely up there in a photo finish for third with three or four other Church albums.

You know that time in the morning after a party or just that the hoopla has died down, it may be two or three in the morning and your head is trance like from whatever (drinks/substance/lack of sleep), This would be a perfect time to have this album playing, it would sound almost ethereal. Pity most times I get to listen is in the car or at the computer haha.
Lovely album

Peter