Search - Steve Hackett :: Steve Hackett and the Underworld Orchestra: Metamorpheus

Best of his acoustic albums

W. Schmidt | Beaverton, Oregon USA | 08/09/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Hackett hops back and forth between the classical music and progressive rock worlds, and has had hit and misses in both. Happily, this is one of his most diverse and atmospheric classical accomplishments. Even fans who prefer his progressive work might find this a satisfying listen, since it occasionally echoes some of his Genesis era pastoral guitar interludes. Even though I greatly enjoyed "A Midsummer Night's Dream" this new CD seems more cohesive and satisfying overall. It's a lovely creation."

Can we go back please?

P. Schlingemann | The Hague, Holland | 04/16/2009

(3 out of 5 stars)

"It would be ridiculous to criticise this work musically without a degree in music. Of course it's fine music, well crafted and beautifully recorded. And yes, Hackett is living proof of the adult status that pop music has achieved thanks to people like him. It makes more sense to judge this effort emotionally. So here goes ... it's good, it's beautiful and of good taste. But I'm beginning to get the feeling that Hackett has the ambition to rise to a holier-than-thou level of artistry. Metamorpheus simply does not take off. For all the good intentions, it remains the work of a man who masters his instrument but is not a classical (orchestral) composer. I sincerely wish Hackett would go back to making records like Spectral Mornings, full of dynamic guitar work and strong compositions for rock ensemble. It's what he does best.

"

A stunningly beautiful work

Geo | Asheville, NC | 01/19/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"First off, this is classical music, so if you want drums, electric guitar and such, go elsewhere (Wild Orchids or To Watch The Storms, for instance). If you like Steve Hackett, though, you probably like classical music too, whether you want to admit it or not. I listen to a lot of classical music and this one is an absolute gem. The music so well integrates Steve's guitar playing with an orchestra, and the result is dark, surreal, and hauntingly beautiful. I get lost whenever I listen to it. I love the story of Orpheus as relayed through Hackett's music. Of Steve's classical albums--Bay of Kings, Momentum, and a Midsummer Night's Dream--this one's my favorite. One of very few albums I'd consider to be 5 stars."