AT THE EDGE OF LIGHT

The album title illustrates the idea that the world is on the edge of falling in a dark place or that we can discover a way out where conflicts, war could leave the place to peace and love. Steve is trying to bring with his music light into this world that contains elements of shadow and light. First off, the production is perfect from the first note, this not amateur recording. Again, Steve is joined by a group of musicians from all over the world. He praised their greatness in the booklet and in the documentary on the DVD. It's not often that we can hear in prog rock music instruments like tar, sitar, and didgeridoo. I just learn that last word yesterday... It's no surprise that we find some world music but never for too long. Apart from Steve's great guitar playing what strikes me is the methodical work of Roger King on all the orchestral arrangements. Here, the machine has helped a lot the human bringing that atmospheric vibe, the perfect soundtrack for a movie that takes you in a different place in a different time. There is a variety of songs. "Hungry Years" is a pop song. "Those Golden Wings" is the love song and there are some vocal and protest songs. At the end of the album, we have a trilogy of songs starting with a copy of Ravel "Bolero" with the song "Descent" and ending with the vocal and peaceful song that gives hope to the future of the world. The first 2 tracks are linked to each other and show a great and heavy start that continues until the short didgeridoo break in the track "Under the Eye of the Sun". The longest track "Those Golden Wings" is a beautiful love song where the gospel choir arrangements and the romantic intro add to the emotion. "Conflict" shows again the great orchestral arrangements of Roger King. This is not a perfect album, some will not love to hear the same Hackett style, but for me, I can take the same Hackett each year and in surround, it's even better.

social review comments | Review Permalink
Posted Thursday, February 7, 2019 | Review this album | Report (Review #2134697)

Hackett finishes the prolific decade by issuing his 4th solo album of original material and his bar remains high. The album starts with a smoking short 2-minute instrumental dominated by his typical electric guitar hooks. "Beasts in our time" has a spooky violin motive, mellow Hackett-sung part ... (read more)

Report this review (#2843206) | Posted by sgtpepper | Friday, September 30, 2022 | Review Permanlink

Most well-crafted and diverse Hackett solo album? I would say so. What is to admire about the Genesis maestro Steve Hackett's latest solo works is the fact that he draws a wide palette of musical influences from all over the world and manages to interflow them into something cohesive and concep ... (read more)

Report this review (#2241980) | Posted by The Duke of Prunes | Monday, August 5, 2019 | Review Permanlink

Is it possible that in 2019, Steve Hackett has released his best solo album? It doesn't seem possible....but I think he may have done it. This album is a fantastic, inspired prog rock masterpiece. I don't even know where to begin praising it. Steve's playing is off the charts. At times he remin ... (read more)

Report this review (#2204056) | Posted by peskypesky | Monday, May 20, 2019 | Review Permanlink

Those Golden Wings - real classics - what a treat , what a joy! It starts from gentle symphonic landscape and turned into classy art rock anthem , to me it's a highlight track like Dave Gilmour "comfortably numb" but in in a HACKETTs vein! Fantastically beautiful 11 mins + track to start with! " ... (read more)

Report this review (#2165294) | Posted by Trinity S | Wednesday, March 13, 2019 | Review Permanlink

Review #105 Earlier this year, the legendary ex-guitar player of Genesis, Steve Hackett, released his 26th studio album, named as At the Edge of Light. Having enjoyed his two previous works Wolflight and The Night Siren (but mostly Wolflgiht), I didn't hesitate at all! I don't know ho ... (read more)

Report this review (#2150572) | Posted by The Jester | Thursday, February 28, 2019 | Review Permanlink

4.25: as today in 2019, the most recent album of Steve Hackett and the the 25th in his career . Musically, It is a very good album, I'm impressed with the quality of this one, very eclectic sound, including more heavier guitars and dark symphonic ambient, it sounds like a combination of king cri ... (read more)

Report this review (#2133392) | Posted by mariorockprog | Friday, February 1, 2019 | Review Permanlink

I received a preview copy of this album for my podcast and can say it has seriously grown on me. I am an admitted Hackett fan, but my love for this album goes beyond my support of his career. He has synthesized his sounds and influences on this release, presenting a mixture of guitar clinic, com ... (read more)

Report this review (#2132652) | Posted by BMWRider | Wednesday, January 30, 2019 | Review Permanlink

What an impressive evolution! 45 years of solo career, 18 studio albums... Though I'd say really memorable are only Spectral Mornings, Guitar Noir, Out Of The Tunnel's Mouth and Beyond The Shrouded Horizon. (Sorry I cannot share the epidemic enthusiasm for Voyage Of The Acolyte, I find this albu ... (read more)

Report this review (#2132377) | Posted by proghaven | Wednesday, January 30, 2019 | Review Permanlink

This is an amazing achievement coming so late in Hackett's career. The playing on every song is superb, and he incorporates eclectic world music styles with ease. Consistent from start to finish, progressive and surprisingly uplifting (from the interviews you would think this was going to be an ... (read more)

Report this review (#2121493) | Posted by Thefloydios | Saturday, January 26, 2019 | Review Permanlink

Like most Steve Hackett albums At The Edge Of Light grows on you and by now has become my most played album of the year by a long way. One of the most prolific prog composers with a huge body of work (I think this is his 25th album), Steve always maintains a decent standard in everything he releases ... (read more)

Report this review (#2121011) | Posted by CeeJayGee | Friday, January 25, 2019 | Review Permanlink

MEMBERS LOGIN ZONE

As a registered member (register here if not), you can post rating/reviews (& edit later), comments reviews and submit new albums.

You are not logged, please complete authentication before continuing (use forum credentials).