The track "Knappsack" was recorded using only Vai's left hand while his right arm was in a sling following shoulder surgery.
Released on January 28, 2022, is Steve Vai’s tenth solo studio album. Critics often describe it as his most "focused" and "accessible" work in decades, frequently drawing comparisons to his seminal 1990 release, Passion and Warfare .
On the track "Candle Power," Vai showcases a new technique he calls "joint shifting," which allows him to bend multiple strings in opposite directions simultaneously. Key Tracks and Stylistic Shifts Review: Steve Vai - Inviolate - SoundVapors
The opening track, "Teeth of the Hydra," is performed entirely on a one-of-a-kind, steampunk-inspired triple-neck guitar. The instrument features seven- and 12-string necks, a bass neck, and sympathetic harp strings.