Get ready to dive into the world of legendary rock guitarist Steve Hackett as he discusses his latest music video, “Wherever You Are.” With his new studio album, The Circus And The Nightwhale, set to be released soon, Hackett gives fans a glimpse into the creative process behind the album and the heartfelt messages he wanted to convey. As this rite-of-passage concept album takes listeners on a journey with a young character named Travla, Hackett’s commentary video offers insight into the inspiration and meaning behind the visually stunning music video. Brace yourself for an exploration of ballads, blues, and progressive rock that promises to captivate your imagination.
Background Information
Legendary rock guitarist Steve Hackett is set to release his highly anticipated new studio album, titled “The Circus And The Nightwhale,” on February 16, through InsideOut Music. This album holds a special significance for Hackett, as it incorporates an autobiographical angle, giving fans a deeper glimpse into his personal journey. As his 30th solo release, Hackett describes this album as the culmination of thoughts and emotions he has wanted to express for a long time.
To give fans a taste of what’s to come, Hackett premiered the music video for the album’s first single, “Wherever You Are.” The video effectively captures the essence of the song’s message and offers a visual representation of the album’s overarching theme. Additionally, Hackett has also released a commentary video, providing insights into the making of the music video and the ideas behind it.
The Circus And The Nightwhale
“The Circus And The Nightwhale” marks Steve Hackett’s first release of new music in over two years, making it a significant moment for both the artist and his fans. Hackett’s previous releases have enjoyed great success, with his acoustic LP, “Under A Mediterranean Sky,” reaching number two on the UK Classical chart, and his high-energy album, “Surrender Of Silence,” hitting the top 40 in the UK.
The album itself is a rite-of-passage concept album, with a young character named Travla at its center. Hackett’s intention with this album is to take listeners on a journey through various emotions and experiences, blending ballads, blues, and blistering progressive rock. The album promises to deliver a healthy dose of theatricality and fantasia, creating a multidimensional sonic experience.
In terms of the recording process, “The Circus And The Nightwhale” was meticulously crafted between tours in 2022 and 2023 at Siren Studio in the UK. Hackett collaborated with a talented lineup of musicians, including guest parts from artists based in Sweden, Austria, the US, Azerbaijan, and Denmark. The album features contributions from familiar faces such as Roger King on keyboards and orchestral arrangements, Rob Townsend on sax, Jonas Reingold on bass, Nad Sylvan on vocals, Craig Blundell on drums, and Amanda Lehmann on vocals. Notable guests include Nick D’Virgilio and Hugo Degenhardt on drums, engineer Benedict Fenner on keyboards, and Malik Mansurov on the tar. Moreover, Steve’s brother, John Hackett, lends his flute-playing talents to the album as well.
Pre-order and Tracklisting
Fans eagerly awaiting the release of “The Circus And The Nightwhale” can expect various formats to choose from. The album will be available in a Limited CD+Blu-ray mediabook, which includes 5.1 Surround Sound and high-resolution stereo mixes. It will also be released as a standard CD jewel case, a gatefold 180g vinyl LP, and a digital album. Each format boasts the stunning cover painting created by artist Denise Marsh.
To secure their copy, fans can pre-order the album now. This allows them to be among the first to experience the captivating musical journey that Hackett has crafted.
The full tracklisting for “The Circus And The Nightwhale” is as follows:
- People Of The Smoke
- These Passing Clouds
- Taking You Down
- Found And Lost
- Enter The Ring
- Get Me Out!
- Ghost Moon And Living Love
- Circo Inferno
- Breakout
- All At Sea
- Into The Nightwhale
- Wherever You Are
- White Dove
- People Of The Smoke (video)
With this remarkable collection of tracks, Steve Hackett aims to captivate listeners and take them on a transformative musical adventure.
Steve Hackett Tour
In addition to the highly anticipated album release, Steve Hackett is currently embarking on a North American tour, where he continues to wow audiences with his performances of “Foxtrot At Fifty + Hackett Highlights.”
Looking ahead, Hackett has plans for an extensive world tour, as well as a UK tour under the title “Genesis Greats, Lamb Highlights & Solo.” This exciting tour will even see him return to the iconic Royal Albert Hall in London. Furthermore, fans in the US can look forward to additional “Foxtrot At Fifty” shows from March 1 to April 13, as Hackett graces American stages once again.
These tours provide an incredible opportunity for fans to witness Hackett’s unparalleled live performances, showcasing both his timeless classics and his latest musical endeavors.
Featured Video and Latest Reviews
Headlining the featured video section is the band Strigampire with their captivating music video for the song “Sold Our Soul.” This visually stunning video perfectly complements the band’s musical style and showcases their artistic vision.
Moving on to album reviews, the first one covers Escuela Grind’s latest release, “DDEEAATTHHMMEETTAALL.” This black death metal album impresses with its raw energy and masterful musicianship.
Next up is a review of the Deluxe Edition of Thin Lizzy’s “Vagabonds Of The Western World.” This classic rock album demonstrates Thin Lizzy’s talent and showcases their unique sound.
Visions Of Morpheus’ album, “Lost Within,” is another album that has been reviewed. This heavy metal release offers a captivating and immersive musical experience.
The review of Robin Trower’s album, “Joyful Sky,” highlights the skilled guitar work and melodic compositions that make this classic rock record a must-listen.
Cryptosis’ album, “The Silent Call,” is next on the list. This heavy metal release impresses with its powerful sound and thought-provoking lyrics.
The review of Axe Crazy’s album, “Creatures Of The Hunt,” showcases the band’s high-energy heavy metal sound, filled with memorable riffs and powerful vocals.
Fans of Jimi Hendrix will be delighted to discover the review of the rarities album, “Hollywood Bowl: August 18, 1967.” This album offers a unique glimpse into Hendrix’s early career and showcases his incredible live performances.
Soul Incursion’s album, “Eternal Darkness,” is another remarkable release that has been reviewed. This black death metal album captivates listeners with its dark atmosphere and intricate compositions.
The review of Todd Rundgren’s rarities album, “At The BBC 1972-1982,” celebrates Rundgren’s musical versatility and his ability to captivate audiences through various eras.
Lastly, the review of Don’t Drop The Sword’s album, “Age Of Heroes,” highlights the band’s talent for creating epic heavy metal anthems and showcases their songwriting prowess.
With this collection of featured videos and album reviews, fans can discover new music and explore various genres, ensuring a diverse and engaging musical experience.
In conclusion, Steve Hackett’s forthcoming album, “The Circus And The Nightwhale,” promises to be a transcendent musical journey, encompassing a wide range of emotions and experiences. With his distinctive sound and remarkable storytelling abilities, Hackett continues to captivate audiences worldwide. As he embarks on his North American tour and prepares for his upcoming world tour, fans eagerly anticipate the opportunity to witness his phenomenal live performances. Additionally, the featured video and latest reviews section offers a glimpse into the ever-evolving world of music, highlighting talented artists from various genres. Whether it’s rock, metal, or classic, there is something for everyone to explore and enjoy. Stay tuned for more updates and exciting releases in the world of music.
