The rocker will release a four-song instrumental EP, “Portals”, as part of Record Store Day 2022 on April 23.
Recorded around the world – from Los Angeles to Paris to Oahu – “Portals” is the result of Kirk’s life’s journeys and an invitation to tap into your own inner world. Heavily influenced by classical music, soundtracks, horror movies, and maybe a little Ennio Morricone, Kirk wanted the EP to span the decades and touch upon all the horror he loves.
Produced by Hammett, the project is comprised of the songs “Maiden and the Monster” and “The Jinn” on side A, followed by “High Plains Drifter” and “The Incantation” on side B; the latter two were co-written with Edwin Outwater, who you may remember from “S&M2”...he also contributed keyboards and led the orchestral players from the LA Philharmonic on the EP.
Other familiar names amongst the Portals players include drummers Jon Theodore (Kirk’s fellow Wedding Band member) and Abraham Laboriel, Greg Fidelman on bass, Emmy-winning arranger Blake Neely, and Bob Rock.
“Initially, before I even had the idea for a solo EP,” Hammett explains, “I was inspired by the need to create some sort of soundtrack music to accompany The Kirk Hammett Collection for the first ‘It’s Alive’ exhibition at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts, 2017. I wanted to conceive music to play on a loop in the background as people walked through the exhibit. I sat down one night with a progression, and before I knew it, all the parts were there for ‘Maiden and the Monster.’
“The initial concept for Portals started with that one song. Following that, I realized I could create different soundtrack moments. These songs are what I call ‘Audio Cinematic;’ I’m creating sounds and pieces of music for the movies playing in my head. Hopefully they’ll create movies in other people’s heads in a similar fashion.”
“Portals” will be available across digital platforms, on CD, and as an Ocean Blue Vinyl EP (including a download card).
Hammett and Metallica will launch their 2022 live schedule at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, NV on February 25. Kirk Hammett
“Portals” EP
Release date: April 23
01 – Maiden And The Monster
02 – The Jinn
03 – High Plains Drifter
04 – The Incantation
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