Jethro Tull Returns with “The Zealot Gene”

The mighty Jethro Tull have returned with their first studio album in nearly 20 years. The Zealot Gene has been in the works since 2017 when the band’s hiatus came to an end. Bandleader Ian Anderson uses the music to reflect on current times using Biblical storytelling.

“While I have a spot of genuine fondness for the pomp and fairytale story-telling of the Holy Book, I still feel the need to question and draw sometimes unholy parallels from the text,” he states. “The good, the bad, and the downright ugly rear their heads throughout, but are punctuated with elements of love, respect, and tenderness. Looking back on the earth-shaking disruption of the Coronavirus pandemic, which ultimately ended the band’s touring plans and hopes of a 2020 release for ‘The Zealot Gene’.’ It was so sudden. Amidst the concerns and warnings of the scientific community and a few more enlightened politicians, we all retreated in disbelief to our homes to wait out the storm.”

Although he’s been performing with the band since 2007, The Zealot Gene marks bassist David Goodier’s first appearance on a studio album with the group. (He has appeared on Ian Anderson’s solo work.)

Check out his supportive bass lines on the title track:

The Zealot Gene is available now on CD, vinyl and as a digital download (iTunes and Amazon MP3).

The Zealot Gene Track List:

1. Mrs. Tibbets
2. Jacob’s Tales
3. Mine Is The Mountain
4. The Zealot Gene
5. Shoshana Sleeping
6. Sad City Sisters
7. Barren Beth, Wild Desert John
8. The Betrayal of Joshua Kynde
9. Where Did Saturday Go?
10. Three Loves, Three
11. In Brief Visitation
12. The Fisherman of Ephesus