METAMORPHEUS (E)

Although distributed through Inside Out, Steve Hackett’s new 'classical' album Metamorpheus has been released through his own label Camino. This successor to A Midsummernight's Dream (1997) combines Steve’s nylon strings with a classical orchestra. In the vein of his earlier albums Bay Of Kings (1983) and Momentum (1985) this album with its fifteen tracks offers almost an hour of pure delight in ‘modern’ classical music. Be aware that this music's got no rock elements whatsoever! The music takes the listener along to Steve’s interpretation of Orpheus’ journey through the underworld to find his beloved Euridice. The Pool Of Memory is a question-answer game by Steve’s nylon strings and the orchestra. To Earth Like Rain is a cheerful tune on the guitar accompanied by the orchestra. Song To Nature is a beautiful symphonic piece followed by a tune that reminds me so much of the good old days of Genesis (Horizons!). In The Dancing Ground Hackett takes you to the court of Louis XIV (too bad for Orpheus, since he couldn’t dance on this tune!). A second symphonic track is called That Vast Life and Euridice Taken is a kind of tribute to the Concerto Aranjuez. In Charon's Call there's a predominant role for the orchestra, especially for the violin. Cerberus At Peace is in the same vein. Under The World sounds as if it was written for a mysterious soundtrack leading to a more classical part with a rhythm that sounds a bit like Bolero by Ravel. A third symphonic piece is called The Broken Lyre. Severance is almost (heavy!) progressive rock but then played by strings. As could be expected Elegy is a majestic symphonic but also a melancholic piece featuring the flute of John Hackett. Return To The  Realm contains joyful classical guitar music smoothly changing into the grand finale called Lyra with the full orchestra, but the guitar tells the very last tale by itself. Metamorpheus is a very nice offering but as already stated, it’s purely classical orientated music. There are some exquisite melodies and we all ready knew Steve Hackett is still an astonishing guitarist extraordinaire!