by Bob Keeley
Since their inaugural album in 1993, Glass Hammer has displayed a penchant for producing works that draw from or are inspired by literary pieces, such as those by C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. Gradually, they evolved to craft their own narratives, formulating concept albums around them. Iconic Glass Hammer releases such as Lex Rex, The Inconsolable Secret, and Perilous were all founded on original tales.
However, as Forest Gump might express, Glass Hammer is akin to a box of chocolates; one can never predict what will unfold. Their musical style has transformed over time as the narratives they sought to convey necessitated new approaches. Moreover, for many years, the only consistent members were multi-instrumentalists Steve Babb and Fred Schendel, meaning that changes in personnel often bring about a new overall sound. In 2020, Babb crafted a fantasy novel titled Skallagrim alongside a trilogy of albums (Dreaming City, Skallagrim: Into the Breach, and At the Gate) to complement it. To capture the essence of the sword-wielding protagonist, Glass Hammer’s sound shifted from classic Yes-inspired prog to metal. This fresh musical direction carried over into their 2023 release, Arise.
In their most recent release, Rogue, which marks my count as their 22nd studio album filled with new material, Babb devised a narrative about a man embarking on a journey motivated by regret and a quest for his lost beloved. To enhance the storyline, Babb reverted to a “classic Glass Hammer style.” Although Fred Schendel is featured on two tracks, he appears satisfied to be one among many musicians in this Babb-driven album. Other contributors include UK guitarist Oliver Day, Dutch vocalist Thomas Jakob, and American singer Olivia Tharpe.
Yet, despite the numerous changes, Glass Hammer once again delivers an impressive experience. The opening track, “What If,” effectively conveys a sense of what listeners can expect throughout the album. While all the musicians exhibit great skill, this is not a showcase of instrumental prowess. Various instruments contend for the melody here and there but refrain from a “look at me!” attitude. The initial riff in this track, for instance, is exchanged back and forth until the vocalist begins, intriguingly, with the word “farewell!” This number establishes the foundation for the journey the main character is about to undertake.
In “The Road South,” Oliver Day’s lap steel guitar takes center stage during an extended introduction, beautifully evoking the sorrow of the character leaving his home in the story. In “Tomorrow,” the protagonist faces his first challenge and gazes toward heaven, holding onto the promise that “tomorrow, all will be fine.” A synthesizer plays a lovely counter-melody in a call and response with singer Thomas Jakob throughout.
“Pretty Ghost” features Olivia Tharpe, who gives voice to the man’s reflections on a woman he left behind years prior. Babb effectively illustrates how good intentions can fall short as Tharpe sings, “Someday became today. Then, suddenly became yesterday. There’s nothing left but faded memories.” Surprisingly, the song carries an upbeat tone despite its regretful lyrics. It concludes unexpectedly with Tharpe proclaiming, “Then she goes, slips away, slips away. Don’t go!”
No sooner does “Pretty Ghost” end than we are drawn into “Sunshine,” which opens with the phrase, “don’t let her go.” Here, lap steel, now played by Fred Schendel, reappears. In this track, it is the memory of his lost love that illuminates his mind, though that light carries a hint of melancholy. Babb skillfully conveys the complex emotions of this song through both writing and performance.
In “I Will Follow,” the man resolves to move forward on his journey. Both Jakob and Tharpe take turns on the vocals in this lively track, where the keys play a vital role in driving the rhythm. Aside from a few synthesizer solos, Babb plays all the keyboard segments on this album. As previously noted, this is not overly flashy, yet it effectively serves its purpose.
As the tale nears its conclusion, the man reflects on his life with gratitude in “The Wonder of it All.” This transitions into the instrumental piece “One Last Sunrise,” followed by the predominantly instrumental ten-minute “Terminal Lucidity,” one of the standout segments of the album. In his final moments, the man envisions someone waiting for him, God. “All Good Things” wraps up the journey as the man realizes he is in a realm of eternal peace, a place where “Love reigns forevermore.”
Rogue seamlessly fits alongside other Glass Hammer masterpieces such as “On to Evermore,” “Chronometree,” and “If,” both in overall tone and the grand vision of the music and lyrics. It is remarkable that even after more than thirty years, Babb and his collaborators continue to produce insightful, creative albums. Rogue is a work that merits close listening and time spent considering its lyrics and the accompanying narrative.
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Released on April 11, 2025
Get the album here: www.glasshammer.com
Track list:
1. What If
2. The Road South
3. Tomorrow
4. Pretty Ghost
5. Sunshine
6. I Will Follow
7. The Wonder Of It All
8. One Last Sunrise
9. Terminal Lucidity
10. All Good Things
- Source: NEWHD MEDIA
