| The
Review |
Steve Hackett's latest solo release is an instrumental
retelling of the Greek myth of Orpheus and his journey into
the underworld to retrieve his lost love Eurydice. Accompanied
by the "Underworld Orchestra", this music is richly evocative
and powerfully emotional, full of sadness and, in the end,
triumph. Written over the course of one year and recorded
with infinite care and skill, Hackett's new work is one of
the finest albums the former Genesis guitarist has produced.***
In most cuts, Hackett's nylon stringed guitar speaks
first, asking a question that is answered by the huge, ominous
sounding orchestra. Drawing from the style of Russian composers
like Rachmaninoff and Tchaikovsky, Hackett's guitar drips
cascades of notes and melodic lines over the creeping orchestration,
working like a pianist in a classical setting, busy, but simple
in the end.***
Hackett's technique is seemingly flawless, and there
is a demanding attention paid to every detail. Hackett's Underworld
Orchestra plays with ominous force, responding to Hackett's
guitar with a sound that seems like the voices of the immortals.
Amongst others, the orchestra includes John Hackett on Flute
and piccolo, who along with the rest of the orchestral players,
was heavily tracked up to allow the eight players to carry
the weight of a full symphonic orchestra.***
The highlights of this release include the twelve minute
plus "That Vast Life" and the releases final tracks "Return
To The Realm Of Eternal Renewal" and "Lyra", both showpieces
of lovely and intricate classical guitar work.***
With this fine release, Hackett again gives his listeners
another reason to rejoice, bringing past and present into
harmony, mirroring the purpose of Orpheus himself. From the
hand of Ovid, to the guitar of Steve Hackett, Orpheus lives
again in the digital grooves of Metamorpheus.***
RATING: 4/5***
©Thomas Karr June 19, 2005
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