There are instrumental tracks that showcase talent, and then there are statements of intent. Spiderweb’s debut single “Bionic” lands firmly in the latter category, arriving not only as a thunderous celebration of guitar virtuosity but as a rallying cry for the transformative power of music itself. Spearheaded by composer, arranger and producer D.R Webster, this ambitious project unites eight exceptional guitarists from across the global rock and progressive community, all in support of the remarkable nonprofit Hungry for Music.
From its first seconds, “Bionic” makes its presence known. A short, commanding drum intro sets the tone before classic hard rock guitar surges forward, igniting a seven-minute journey of precision, groove and technical firepower. The sound is unapologetically bold, rooted in the muscular spirit of 80s era hard rock, yet elevated by progressive structures and cinematic production flourishes. It feels expansive, deliberate and alive with possibility.
Spiderweb is the vision of D.R Webster, who handles guitars and keys while overseeing composition and arrangement duties with a clear and confident hand. His guiding philosophy for “Bionic” was simple yet daring. Bring together a wide range of high level players, give them space to interpret and express, and see what happens when distinct musical identities intersect without ego. The result is a masterclass in collaboration.
The rhythm section alone would be enough to turn heads. On bass, Tye Zamora of Alien Ant Farm delivers thumping, articulate lines that anchor the track with both weight and elasticity. His tone punches through the dense guitar layers with clarity, offering a groove that is as physical as it is refined. Behind the kit, Gordon McNeil of Gun drives the song forward with groovy, hard-hitting patterns that feel instinctive and commanding. His performance does not merely keep time. It propels the music with purpose, allowing the guitars to soar while never losing the pulse.
Yet it is the constellation of guest soloists that truly elevates “Bionic” into rarefied territory. The featured lineup reads like a cross section of modern rock and progressive history. Steve Hackett of Genesis, a guitarist whose melodic sensibility and pioneering approach helped shape the sound of progressive rock, brings a depth and phrasing that is instantly recognizable. His presence alone signals that this is no ordinary independent release. To have a musician of his stature contribute to a debut single from an unsigned project is extraordinary.
Equally significant is the inclusion of Kee Marcello, best known for his tenure with Europe and his role in defining some of the most iconic hard rock guitar moments of the late 20th century. Marcello’s contribution injects a soaring, anthemic quality into the track, a reminder of the stadium sized hooks and fearless soloing that defined a generation. His tone cuts through with authority, yet blends seamlessly into the broader tapestry Webster has constructed.
From the progressive and alternative rock world, John Wesley, associated with Porcupine Tree, adds a nuanced and expressive dimension. His phrasing leans into atmosphere and emotional shading, demonstrating that technical brilliance can coexist with restraint and storytelling. Meanwhile, Brazilian virtuoso Marcelo Barbosa of Angra unleashes a torrent of precision and speed, bringing a distinctly modern metal edge that sharpens the track’s intensity.
The lineup continues with Vanny Tonon, Gus Barros, and Maria Barbieri, each adding their own sonic fingerprint. The order of appearance, from Tonon to Barros, Wesley, Barbosa, Marcello, Hackett and finally Barbieri, feels almost like chapters in a larger narrative. Each solo section evolves organically into the next, shifting tone and texture while maintaining a cohesive spirit. There is a surprising unity in the diversity, made all the more remarkable by the fact that many of the players had not heard one another’s solos before recording their own parts. The alignment in feel and direction speaks volumes about their shared musical instincts.
Throughout its runtime, “Bionic” moves through multiple sections, each with its own character. Riffs collide and intertwine, harmonized leads dart across the stereo field, and intricate shreds bloom into expansive melodic statements. Despite the density of talent, the track never descends into chaos. Instead, it feels like a carefully orchestrated summit meeting, a precision-fueled guitar jam that celebrates individuality without sacrificing cohesion.
The production, mixed and mastered by Dave Tither, ensures that every nuance is audible. The vast guitarscapes remain clear and dynamic, the low end resonates without overpowering, and the overall sound carries a cinematic sheen. It is heavy and energetic, yet polished and intentional.
Beyond its musical triumphs, “Bionic” carries a purpose that gives its ferocity a deeper resonance. The single was created in support of Hungry for Music, a US based nonprofit organization that collects, refurbishes and distributes instruments to children in underserved communities. With initiatives spanning the United States, the UK, Kenya, Uganda and Haiti, the organization has placed more than 20,000 instruments into the hands of young people who might otherwise never experience the joy of making music.
For Webster, the alignment was natural. As he explains, the entire project was designed to inspire the next generation while contributing to a meaningful cause. Every child deserves the opportunity to discover their voice, and music can be the catalyst for confidence, expression and connection. By channeling the combined influence of artists linked to Genesis, Europe, Porcupine Tree, Alien Ant Farm, Angra, and Gun, Spiderweb amplifies that message with undeniable authority.
Even the artwork carries a sense of spectacle, featuring cover art guest Gene Snisky, the former WWE professional wrestler. It is another unexpected yet fitting collaboration, reinforcing the idea that “Bionic” thrives on bringing together diverse worlds under one creative banner.
What makes this release even more compelling is the context. Spiderweb is a new, unsigned project without traditional industry backing. Securing contributions from artists of this caliber is not simply impressive. It is a testament to the strength of the vision behind the music. Convincing musicians such as Steve Hackett, Kee Marcello, Marcelo Barbosa, and John Wesley to lend their artistry to a debut single speaks volumes about the integrity and ambition of the project.
Ultimately, “Bionic” is more than a technical showcase. It embodies resilience, strength and unity, qualities that mirror the mission of Hungry for Music. The track stands as proof that instrumental rock remains a powerful, evolving form capable of thrilling seasoned fans while igniting curiosity in younger listeners.
Released on February 6 and available across all major streaming platforms, “Bionic” invites listeners to experience what happens when world class musicians converge with a shared purpose. It is loud, intricate and unapologetically virtuosic, yet it never loses sight of why it exists. At its heart, this is a song about possibility. About what can be achieved when talent aligns with intention. And about the enduring belief that a single instrument, placed in the right hands, can change a life.
OFFICIAL LINKS:
https://spiderwebmusicuk.bandcamp.com/track/bionic
https://spiderweb.ffm.to/bionic
https://www.instagram.com/spiderwebmusic
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