Let me just start by saying, this ain’t no three-chord, dumb-ass rock... Derek Sherinian definitely has pulled out the big guns for his fifth album, Blood of the Snake. Produced entirely by the seasoned keyboardist, this album is definitely heavier than his previous more prog-rock releases (Rhapsody in Black, Mythology and Black Utopia). Some serious name dropping going on here ~ how about Slash, Zakk Wylde, Billy Idol, Yngvie Malmsteen, Simon Phillips and Dream Theater’s John Petrucci just to name a few?!! This is a true music fan’s record. It combines an interesting mix of musicians and music genres. Blood of the Snake is an eclectic blend of prog-rock meets fusion meets metal. Not so surprising, considering Derek’s extensive playing background. Although well-known in the rock circuit (KISS, Alice Cooper, Dream Theater and is currently playing with Billy Idol), Derek originally came from more of a funk-based background. His diversity and influences are well-showcased on this CD.
The first song Czar of Steel is laden with melodic hook and has a real Jeff Beck feeling. Actually, the Jeff Beck influence remains, loud and clear, throughout the CD. This song is soulful and mind-bending. Like Beck’s Freeway Jam, this is what I consider excellent “driving music”. With the second track, featuring Zakk Wylde on vocals, we launch into the total opposite side of the spectrum. Man With No Name is an early Sabbath-sounding, heavy tune with schizophrenic song structure, swathed in gun-metal grey vocals. Zakk puts on his best early Ozzy vibrato. I can already hear this song being played at stadium shows to get the audience amped right before the headliner takes the stage. This song will stick in your head so hard ~ you’ll have to pay it to leave!
Track three, Phantom shuffle, jumps us back in to a prog-rock instrumental fusion feel. It grooves all the way through. It's lush, and sounds remarkably up to date. Sherinian's work is both futuristic and primitive at the same time, with colorful tones and fresh solos that work nicely within the fusion context of the song. Been Here Before is next. Sounding a lot like Jeff Beck again, yet the arrangement is done interestingly enough to capture a new listener in a minute. Much like Star Cycle, from Beck’s There and Back, Been Here inspires acceleration with its cool interplay and bouncing bass lines. Tendrils of guitar weave around the solid rhythm, climaxing in to a memorable instrumental melody. The title track Blood Of The Snake has many pretty changes and is very full-sounding. Dense guitars are laid on top of the churning funk chords. It’s is an odd jazz progression that is very atmospheric and sticks out a bit from the rest of the album in its melodrama.
On The Moon is next on the Blood Of The Snake CD and is more of that thinking man’s rock, along the vein of King Crimson or Alan Holdsworth, with very watery sounding guitars and moody solos. The Monsoon features Yngwie doing his classic scaly fret work that tributes his own self. I found it likeable mainly for the riffy, (almost Pantera-sounding) parts. It’s laced with twangy Indian citar in the beginning and end of the song. This is most definitely metal meeting fusion. Prelude To Battle, again featuring Ywngie, is mixed with a strong Maiden-esque gallop throughout the track, which always works for me! Prelude boasts an anthemia chorus with super clean-sounding drums.
The lead single on this album is the perfect song for this year’s summer BBQ’s and pool parties. It’s the final track, “In The Summertime.” You’ve heard it before, originally done by Mungo Jerry, but nothing like this. While completely respecting and staying true to the original version, Billy Idol and Slash breathe fresh life in to this song. You can’t help but bop your head along to Billy’s grunting and Slash’s slide guitar in the beginning of the tune, and when the drums kick in... that’s it. This song just completely rocks. A perfect song to play right now ~ while the weather’s hot...
My evolving music listening skills gave me a different perception of this album that I’d originally anticipated. I always thought of Derek having a signature sound, but after hearing this CD and it’s diverse musical style it makes me beg to differ. From songwriting and arrangements to vocals and instrumentation, everything on Blood of the Snake is sublimely understated, creating a uniquely disarming and sensitive brand of progressive hard-rock music. Kudos. Check www.dereksherinian.com or www.Myspace.com/dereksherinian1111 for the video of “In The Summertime”, Look for Blood of the Snake in stores soon, and keep an eye on tours dates for up coming shows! A special congratulations to Derek for his new baby, Summer, due this October. Cheers!
