Crystal Planet

Released in 1998, Crystal Planet represents a pivotal moment in Joe Satriani's career, marking his debut on Epic Records and a return to the purely instrumental format after his self-titled 1995 blues-rock experiment. The album is notable for its length and variety, spanning 15 tracks that explore everything from funk-inflected grooves to heavy metal weight. Most significantly, it introduced the Ibanez Universe seven-string guitar into his recording repertoire on the track 'Ceremony,' providing a darker, more aggressive tonal foundation. Produced by Mike Fraser, the record boasts a crisp, 'big studio' sound that highlights the interplay between Satriani and his long-time rhythm section of Stuart Hamm and Jeff Campitelli. Critics often cite it as his most cohesive and inspired work since 'Surfing with the Alien,' praised for its ability to push technical boundaries while maintaining the 'singing' melodic quality that defines his style. The track 'A Train of Angels' earned a Grammy nomination, cementing the album's status as a high-water mark for 90s instrumental rock.