Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media, Inc.
“Steve Hackett Announces Release of New Concept Album ‘The Circus And The Nightwhale’ in February”
“Steve Hackett Returns to Concept Albums After 48 Years with ‘The Circus And The Nightwhale,’ Set to Release on February 16”
Renowned musician Steve Hackett is making a comeback to the realm of concept albums, marking a 48-year hiatus with the upcoming release of his latest studio album, “The Circus And The Nightwhale.” The album is scheduled to be launched through InsideOutMusic on February 16.
This venture into concept albums is a significant move for Hackett, as it follows his last concept album, “Voyage Of The Acolyte,” released in 1975, which came after Genesis’s elaborate double concept album “The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway” in 1974.
Describing the unique nature of “The Circus And The Nightwhale,” Hackett explains, “This time it is a story, based both literally and metaphorically on my life… It’s both faction and fiction, beginning in a gritty world of harsh reality, spinning off into a colourful and dark, weird metaphorical universe of wonder turned to terror, with an ultimately beautiful resolve.”
“It covers a musical spectrum ranging from the heaviest to the heavenly, drawing inspiration from diverse musical influences, instruments, and artists from various countries worldwide. I take immense pride in this new album, viewing it as intensely personal yet universally resonant. If there ever was a film for the ear, this is it!”
“The Circus And The Nightwhale” was recorded at the UK’s Siren Studios during breaks between tours in 2022 and 2023. The album showcases Hackett’s touring band and boasts a lineup of notable guests, including Amanda Lehmann and Big Big Train’s Nick D’Virgilio. Returning as guests on the drumstool are Hugo Degenhardt, while Benedict Fenner contributes on keyboards and Malik Mansurov plays the tar. Hackett’s brother John is once again featured on flute.
The album will be available in various formats, including a limited edition CD and Blu-ray mediabook (with 5.1 Surround Sound and 24-bit high-resolution stereo mixes), a standard CD jewel case, a gatefold 180g vinyl LP, and as a digital album. Each format features cover art by Denise Marsh.