VOYAGE OF THE ACOLYTE

Another celestial creation by one of the highest ranked guitarists in the entire genre of Progressive Rock. One might say that this album sounds a lot like Foxtrot / Selling England era Genesis, but I disagree, I like this style much more. Where Steve Hackett differs from the traditional Genesis, is where Steve Hackett cranks up the psychedelia knob, and dumps the pop which we started to see on Selling England, and The Lamb Lies Down. Another difference is the more repetitive approach in which Hackett ingrains his psychedelic harmonies into your brain. A fine example of these techniques can be heard on Ace of Wands, A Tower Struck Down, and my favourite Shadow Of The Hierophant (especially the 17+ minute bonus version). Where this album does sound a little bit like Genesis, is in the moments of tranquil, delicate beauty, as seen on Hands Of The Priestess Pt 1 and 2, The Hermit, The Lovers and once again Shadow Of The Hierophant. Although, the only reason that they sound similar in those passages, of course, is due to the acoustic guitar in Genesis performed by Yours Truly.

Although I do not agree that this sounds like Genesis, Steve Hackett has made a leap back into time (away from the direction of The Lamb Lies Down, and A Trick Of the Tail), to a more Symphonic / Psychedelic Foxtrotish atmosphere, temporarily renewing the spirit of the 70's Progressive Rock scene. An ~ESSENTIAL MASTERPIECE~ in any Prog Lover's collection.

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