"Jethro Tull" - "The Zealot Gene" (2022): history of creation, meaning, video clips

"The Zealot Gene" - is the title of the 22nd studio album by the British rock band. "Jethro Tull". The record has been in the works for over four years, and now at last we can enjoy these labours. This is a very deep record, with tantalising melodies and captivating lyrics inspired by the Bible....

History of creation: inspiration and background

Released at the end of January 2022 of the year, "The Zealot Gene" instantly caught everyone's attention. And there are several reasons for that: this album was the first with original material since the end of the 90-х and the band's first release since the beginning 2000-х. According to the leader "Jethro Tull" by Ian Anderson.The work on it started back in 2017, and the idea itself was born a year earlier. Alas, for a number of reasons, the recording was interrupted time and again: a huge tour in honour of the band's 50th anniversary, pandemic... So, the last five tracks were recorded remotely by the band members - each at home, after which the parts were combined into one work. It was not until 2021 that the work was finalised.

Staring back at us from the gloomy album cover, Anderson is the writer of most of the songs. And it's not just the album "The Zealot Gene"but also the band's material as a whole. As for the record, it defies conventions. Lyrically, the inspiration for the record comes from biblical themes and myths. The pandemic, against which Jethro Tull had to cancel their tour, also contributed:

"It all happened so unexpectedly! We had no choice but to scatter to our homes and wait out the storm," Anderson commented.

Sound, lyrical meaning

The sound of "The Zealot Gene" makes it clear: despite his advanced age, Anderson, who is well past his 70and still be able to rock like the old days! This record can hardly be called conceptual, but each track is inspired by the Bible. We can come across interesting references in each track. And the album opener "Mrs Tibbets" reminds us of our mother Paul Tibbettsthe military pilot who dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima in the mid-1940s.

The disc was published by an independent German company "Inside Out.". Talking about her, Anderson Emphasises:

"Great guys! They reminded me of those companies that existed in the early stages of Jethro Tull - something like Chrysalis or Island. It's not the money that rules them, it's the music they live by. We've been incredibly comfortable and enjoyable to collaborate with!"

Track list

The title of the record fully reflects its ideological content. For example, the word "Zealot." means "ardent follower", "fanatical follower". In general, the name translates as "the fanaticism gene." - it seems to be a topic that Anderson is seriously concerned about.

"I am really disturbed by the polarisation of opinions in today's world. You are supposed to like only black or white, because the grey shade and the desire for compromise is not supported! And very often it is condemned. But there is always that middle ground that people don't want to see. Because of this there is a split, which is quite painful for many...".

 

The musician adds: "I tried to reflect that idea in the cover. At first glance, it's black and white. But if you look closely, you can see how black and white flow seamlessly into each other, creating a great variety of grey shades! My son James helped me with the cover artwork.

"Mrs Tibbets"

"Jacob's Tales.

"Mine Is the Mountain"

"The Zealot Gene"

"Shoshana Sleeping"

"Sad City Sisters"

"Barren Beth, Wild Desert John."

"The Betrayal of Joshua Kynde."

"Where Did Saturday Go?"

"Three Loves, Three."

"In Brief Visitation."

"The Fisherman of Ephesus."

Almost every composition is inspired by biblical statements. And if it is difficult to recognise them while listening to them, the author's own bold reflections come to the surface. These are lyrical and philosophical tracksthat are sure to provide valuable food for thought.

Conclusion

Over 30 gorgeous albums and over 50 million copies sold all over the world - "Jethro Tull" rightfully holds the title of one of the most legendary rock bands in history! Their song repertoire is rich in classics that still resonate with new listeners. И "The Zealot Gene" - a clear proof that despite the years, there is still powder in the powder keg!