METAMORPHEUS

Yet another classical-minded albums from Steve (I've lost count of just how many he's done) and personally I don't find this one anymore essential than the previous one he's done in that realm. So Steve is in this album alone up against a string section, which includes Brother John. So a collection of pieces amalgamated to make a story of Orpheus' trip to the underworld as stated in Greek mythology. Outside this "concept", a lot of those pieces actually follow one another rather nicely, but I don't think you would ruin the album's feeling should you push the "Random" button in your remote control.

Actually there are a few tracks which suffers from symphonic strings backing, which has a tendency to make them sound rather cheesy and in some case like a second-rate soundtrack to some of John Wayne's old movies endings. But on the other hand, tracks like Charon's Call hold a little something that is nice enough to retain for a while, some other tracks are clearly reminiscent of his previous works as well. But if you are to listen to Severance (the best track on the album), you will hear that Hackett's rock themes are pervading into his classical music more and more: is this not a bit of a subtle reworking of Clocks - The Angel Of Mons? The closing Lyra is also a strong end to the album.

Although a good album to have your quiet moments with the mistress (who will not likely be in distress after such an album), if you already own Sketches of Satie, Midsummernight's Dream, Bay Of Kings or a few others of his solo acoustic works, I doubt you will find this work really essential. But it will not appal you either, by any means. Just that more of the same feeling.