Glass Hammer
The Breaking of the World (Arion, 2015)
Glass Hammer has matured very well like a great wine. The Breaking of the World is the band’s seventeenth studio album and it’s one of their finest. Glass Hammer’s lineup changes from album to album, but multi-instrumentalists Steve Babb and Fred Schendel and guitarist Kamran Alan Shikoh are still running the show. Their most recent male vocalist Jon Davis does not appear in this album. He was recruited by Yes and, even though he is still a good friend of the band, Yes is keeping him busy full-time.
The lead vocalists this time are the talented Carl Groves (from Nashville progressive rock band Salem Hill) and the superb familiar voice of Susie Bogdanowicz, who has recorded with the band in the past.
The Breaking of the World has been defined as Glass Hammer’s most progressive rock album. What is certain is that Glass Hammer has become one of the best and most prolific American progressive rock bands, with a consistent symphonic rock and fusion edge that makes them one of the most appealing acts in the progressive scene.
Glass Hammer is heavily influenced by classic 1970s bands like Yes, Genesis, Gentle Giant and others, but by now they have developed their own sound. A Glass Hammer album currently is more progressive and captivating than the pop-rock material Yes is currently putting out. It would make more sense for Steve Howe to join Glass Hammer so that he can continue to delight his fans with his guitar creativity that is currently being wasted. Anyhow, back to Glass Hammer.
After listening to Carl Groves I’m going to have to go back and look for Salem Hill’s material. He’s an outstanding vocalist with his own personality. Some of Glass Hammer’s male vocalists in the past tried too hard to emulate Jon Anderson. Carl Groves, however, has successfully developed his own sound.
The album opens with a re-creation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s 1931 poem, “Mythopoeia.” This is where Carl Groves demonstrates his vocal talent combined with the state of the art instrumental section of the band.
The Breaking of the World has plenty of instrumental sections, ranging from electric organ and mellotron-like orchestrations to fabulous electric guitar, keyboard and bass solos and progressions, along with dazzling epic conclusions.
The album ends with an instant classic titled ‘Nothing, Everything.’ This is one of those beautifully crafted songs that catches your ear and connects immediately. Catchy and progressive at the same time.
The lineup on the album includes Carl Groves on lead vocals; Susie Bogdanowicz on lead and backing vocals; Alan Shikoh on electric acoustic and classical guitars, electric sitar; Steve Babb on bass, keyboards, backing vocals; Fred Schendel on keyboards, guitars, backing vocals; and Aaron Raulston on drums. Guests include Steve Unruh on violin (that adds a prog-era Kansas flavor) and flute; and vocals and backing vocals.
The CD booklet contains eye-catching artwork by Michael ‘Xaay’ Loranc with artist photos and complete lyrics.
This indie progressive rock band has released one of the best progressive rock albums of 2015.
Buy The Breaking of the World in North America
Buy The Breaking of the World in Europe