Treat yourself to the unfiltered musings of rock legend Ian Hunter as he takes an unfiltered look at our tumultuous world with his signature outrage and humor, but also a glimmer of hope. With ten new originals written by the master songwriter himself, Defiance Part 2: Fiction again features an impressive lineup of famous friends from across the rock spectrum. Joining Hunter this time around are Brian May, Lucinda Williams, Cheap Trick, and Benmont Tench, plus members of Def Leppard and Stone Temple Pilots. Notably, the album also features the late Jeff Beck and Taylor Hawkins, making these among their final studio recordings. On top of all that, the album's artwork is a portrait of Hunter, courtesy of none other than Johnny Depp.

The genesis of the Defiance project can be traced back to 2020 when Hunter, along with Andy York, began working on new songs in his Connecticut basement. With quarantine restrictions in place, Hunter's manager Mike Kobayashi and photographer Ross Halfin suggested reaching out to friends and fellow artists to contribute to the tracks. The response was overwhelming, resulting in Part 1 of the series. With Defiance Part 2: Fiction, Hunter takes his lyrical and musical exploration to new heights, infusing the album with a harder edge and a denser overall sound. Addressing contemporary issues with his trademark passion and insight, Hunter's lyrics take on a sense of urgency and defiance in the face of societal turmoil.

Standout tracks like the legalization anthem "Weed," featuring Stone Temple Pilots, and the epic "Fiction," reinforced by contributions from Mott The Hoople's Morgan Fisher and David Mansfield, showcase Hunter's fearless commitment to protest music and social commentary. But it's not all about political outrage, Hunter also delves into more personal territory, as evidenced by the heartfelt "What Would I Do Without You," a rare duet with Lucinda Williams, the first in Hunter's extensive catalog. Defiance Part 2: Fiction is a musical manifesto that captures the essence of Hunter's worldview. With his trademark blend of wit, wisdom, and irreverence, Hunter tackles topics ranging from political upheaval to personal introspection, daring listeners to ponder the complexities of it all long after the songs leave the speakers.