On September 10, 2021 Steve Hackett released the album "Surrender of Silence".
Steve Hackett's burst of creativity is simply amazing and inspiring. It is his 27th solo album and his second studio album of 2021 after the acoustic/instrumental "Under A Mediterranean Sky" released on January 22, 2021.
Similar to "Under A Mediterranean Sea", "Surrender Of Silence" was recorded during theCovid-19 lockdowns and this time Hackett enlisted the help of friends from around the world to contribute to the album. Hackett is accompanied by his regular turig band that includes Roger King (keyboards, programming and orchestral arrangements), Rob Townsend (sax, clarinet), Jonas Reingold (bass), Nad Sylvan (vocals) and Craig Blundell (drums) In addition to the regular lineup Hackett is accompanied this time with Phil Ehart and Nick D'Virgilio (drums), the vocal talents of Amanda Lehmann, Durga and Lorelei McBroom, Christine Townsend (violin, viola), Malik Mansurov (tar) and Sodirkhon Ubaidulloev (dutar).
"Surrender Of Silence" dives deep into intricate instrumentals, complex arrangements, and emotionally charged themes, blending rock with classical, world music, and symphonic elements.
Opening with "The Obliterati," a heavy, energetic track driven by Hackett’s fiery guitar, the album sets an intense tone. The use of orchestral textures throughout creates a grand cinematic feel, adding layers of depth to the music. Songs like "Natalia" blend rock with Russian folk influences, while "Wingbeats" incorporates African rhythms, showcasing Hackett's ability to seamlessly weave diverse global sounds into his compositions.
Hackett's guitar work is, as always, impeccable, with soaring solos and delicate acoustic moments that display his technical mastery and emotional expressiveness. "Scorched Earth" stands out for its atmospheric mood, while "Fox's Tango" with the heavy riff and the short and erupting solos delivers biting commentary on modern politics.
The album balances heavy, guitar-driven moments with more reflective pieces like "Esperanza," creating a dynamic and engaging listening experience. There are quite a few gems here, like "Relaxation Music For Sharks (Featuring Feeding Frenzy)" which evolves from a progressive rock segment to a hard rock track, led by the aggressive drumming of Nick D'Virgilio, "Devil's Cathedral" whose opening reminded us of "ELP", the beautiful "Shanghai to Samarkand" which contains Chinese and Middle Estern influences and more.
Vocally, Hackett is supported by a variety of singers, including his long-time collaborators Nad Sylvan and Amanda Lehmann, adding richness and diversity to the album’s sonic palette. Thematically, "Surrender of Silence" addresses issues of chaos, conflict, and resolution, reflecting on both personal and global challenges, with lyrics that are often introspective and thought-provoking.
Overall, "Surrender of Silence" is a testament to Steve Hackett's continued creativity and relevance in the world of progressive rock. It’s an album that both longtime fans and newcomers will appreciate, full of complex compositions, virtuosic playing, and a wide range of emotional and musical textures. Hackett proves once again that he is not content to rest on his laurels, continuing to explore new musical territories with passion and precision.
For listening: Spotify, Apple Music
Song List:
“Surrender of Silence” track listing:
1. The Obliterati (02:17)
2. Natalia (06:17)
3. Relaxation Music For Sharks (Featuring Feeding Frenzy) (04:36)
4. Wingbeats (05:20)
5. The Devil’s Cathedral (06:31)
6. Held In The Shadows (06:20)
7. Shanghai To Samarkand (08:27)
8. Fox’s Tango (04:21)
9. Day Of The Dead (06:25)
10. Scorched Earth (06:03)
11. Esperanza (01:04)
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