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Steve Hackett - Voyage of the Acolyte CD (album) cover

VOYAGE OF THE ACOLYTE

Steve Hackett

 

Eclectic Prog

4.25 | 1572 ratings

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sgtpepper
5 stars Voyage of the acolyte is a progressive album that comes from the upperst echelon of progressive rock. It is the band album by any of the solo members of the Genesis and the only 5-star album. It embodies pure creativity, emotions, playing gifts and heavy dose of professionalism. Participation of other Genesis members definitely helps it. To the honour of Hackett, the album allows multiple instruments, even keyboards, to sufficiently participate on the sound, which is very positive. Hackett has a very tasty guitar playing without going overboard.

"Ace of wands" is a multi-layered breathtaking progressive journey full of surprised from moog, propulsing bass and compelling drums by Collins. Guitar is instantly recognizable to belong to Mr. Hackett. There are so many ideas packed into 5 minutes that they could easily reach for at least 10 minutes.

"Hands Of The Priestess Part I" brings us into a fairy-tale world with acoustic/electric guitar helped out by mellotron and flute, excellent motives that will re-surface again in other tracks.

The experimental "A Tower Struck Down" is the only track that seems to be out of place here; a bit futuristic, heavy and focusing on guitar/drums/bass. However there are good Crimsonian moments of guitar/mellotron.

"The Hermit" brings a very accessible ballad sung by Hackett himself. The vocal is not advanced by at least has a colour and a bit of emotions. It's quite similar to pastoral Genesis songs with flute(s) and acoustic guitar.

One of the peaks comes with the collaborative "Star of Sirius" with excellent vocals, also very progressive drumming. The song is well composed, the quiet acoustic beginning is replaced by a more dynamic drum/guitar led part. There is a nice guitar accompaniment a la Steve Howe. Harmonium and moog conjure up a great imaginery.

"The lovers" is a short acoustic song played by guitar only and shows future guitar potential by Hackett.

For me, the best moments come with the symphonic and epic "Shadow of the Hierophant" that Genesis sadly rejected to put on their album. While not a complex composition, it is well constructed, it develops to a repetitive dark and very symphonic motive. Singing by Sally Oldfield is beautiful and romantic as is Hackett's guitar, very poetic. The instrumental middle part separating two bearing parts is exquisite - the guitar is heavenly. Then comes melody that I find essential in my listening experience, dark, mind provoking and inspirational at the same time.

An excellent album that each lover of symphonic progressive rock should have in collection.

sgtpepper | 5/5 |

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