VOYAGE OF THE ACOLYTE

While still in Genesis, Steve Hackett recorded his debut studio album, namely "Voyage of the Acolyte". This is a gorgeous album that any Genesis or Steve Hackett fan should listen to, or even anyone who simply loves symphonic prog, mainly instrumental prog in this case. Side one consists of five shorter songs, all of which are instrumental except for the fifth and final track of the side. Side two is two longer tracks with vocals binded by a short instrumental interlude between the two longer tracks.

Now let's take a look at each individual song!

1. Ace of Wands: This is a fantastic opener. Bombastic opener with fantastic guitar work by Hackett. No low points in this song, easily one of the best songs on the album. 9/10

2. Hands of the Priestess pt.1: This is a beautiful way to follow up the much heavier opener. This flute and acoustic guitar driven track slows down the mood and is a perfect song to follow up the great opener. 8/10

3. A Tower Struck Down: This track opens up very hauntingly and is overall a very cool song. One of the weaker songs on the album overall but still a fantastic song that deserves to be on this incredible album. 7.5/10

4. Hands of the Priestess pt.2: This is not surprisingly very similar to the second song on the album but just much shorter. This track certainly acts just as a interlude between what came before and what follows. 4/5

5. The Hermit: This is the first song with vocals and the only one where Steve himself does the vocals. I quite enjoy his vocals here and think this is a very strong song. 8.5/10

6. Star of Sirius: What a fantastic way to open up side 2 of the vinyl. This is a fabulous song that essentially sounds like a Genesis song as it has Phil Collins on vocals and of course Steve Hackett's signature guitar sound. I do think Phil's vocals are a bit off at time but still a highlight of the record for sure. 9/10

7. The Lovers: This is a cute little interlude. Nothing special but nothing wrong with it. It has one main job which is binding together Star of Sirius and the epic closer, which it does beautifully in my opinion. 4/5

8. Shadow of the Hierophant: From the first two seconds of this song playing you can hear that it is going to be fantastic. Vocals from Sally Oldfield kick in after a short introduction and are easily the best vocals on the entire record. Simply beautiful. This same general structure repeats two more times with the guitar introduction repeating and two new verses coming in. After this the song slows down for a while and starts the beginning of the end. The second half of this song is one of the most incredible playouts in music. Period. Incredible guitar work from Steve Hackett and drums and pass pedals build up more and more as the song goes on, sending shivers up and down anyone's spines. A perfect song and one of my all time favorite songs of any genre by any artist. 11/11

Overall this is a fantastic record that is worth buying for Shadow of the Hierophant alone. The openers of each side of the vinyl are fantastic as well and the record does not have any clear weak points. A strong 4/5 for sure.