Yngwie J. Malmsteen’s Rising Force :: Perpetual Flame
Rising Force Records
Yngwie Malmsteen returns in 2008 with his latest masterpiece in the form of, 'Perpetual Flame', an 11-track CD bringing in a new line up of musicians featuring Tim "Ripper"Owens, the ex-vocalist of Judas Priest and Iced Earth. The new album was mixed by Roy Z (Bruce Dickinson, Rob Halford). 'Perpetual Flame' is his first album since 2005's 'Unleash the Fury'. The album also features famed keyboardist Derek Sherinian on keys. Patrick Johansson on drums (Yngwie contributed bass, additional keyboards, and vocals), but when the band hits the road, Michael Troy will supply keyboards, and Bjorn Englen will be laying down the bass. All the songs were written by Yngwie Malmsteen. This is Yngwie at his best. Playing faster than humanly possible. Smooth, hard, very classically influenced and powerful. Once "Death Dealer" explodes from your speakers it’s an auditory thrill ride that will leave your senses feeling comfortably numb. There is no let up as, "Damnation Game", "Live To Fight (Another Day)", "Red Devil" and the sinister "Four Horsemen (Of The Apocalypse) add more fuel to this fireball of a release. The chemistry between Malmsteen's fiery guitar work and Owen's vocal prowess work perfectly together. Hats off to Roy Z. for his mojo in the mixing department. This is truly Yngwie Malmsteen returning to form. He is definitely someone you love or hate which I have realized. I know people that can't stand him. Yngwie will knock you off of your seat. But the one thing that cannot be denied, this boy can play guitar! 'Perpetual Flame' all around is a brilliant piece of work. Yngwie's playing is inspired and fresh. He explodes with originality on this release. Yngwie's guitar tone is reminiscent of his early recordings pre- 'Seventh Sign'. Hands down, this is Yngwie's best recorded work in years.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
OHM :: Circus of Sound
Tone Center
'Circus Of Sound', is a fiery collection of energetic instrumental music. Its more rock oriented than their previous release that had a jazzy/fusion vibe to it. Nonetheless, it is a solid record with melodic tunes played by killer musicians. Chris Poland has a style that is his own and man can he shred. But he also plays with an emotion and soul that you can feel. Robertino Pagliari is a gifted bass player. The lineup has been extended in the drumming department. Kofi Baker, the drummer on the previous release, plays on seven songs, Joel Taylor on three, and Frank Briggs on four songs. "System of a Clown" and Frank Briggs' solo and performance on "Point Omega" is worth the price of the CD alone. 'Circus Of Sound' clocks in at around 53 minutes long and there is no filler. Many times I think of OHM as the Cream of the new millennium, obvious Kofi connection aside, the ultimate Jazz Rock Blues Fusion Power Trio, for those seeking to define or label it. They take recognized musical forms and turn them inside out, making them all their own, nodding to the past, creating urgency in the present, hinting at the future. Three musicians falling down the stairs and landing on their feet, yet coming together in a tight, unified, telepathy. It's great refreshing stuff. It's good cerebral chop fest fusion without the clichés. I almost forgot to mention, unlike many in this genre, these guys actually write interesting and creative music which combined with their masterful musical talent makes them a rare find in my book. I HIGHLY recommend 'Circus of Sound' for anyone even remotely into this type of music!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Devil's Slingshot :: Clinophobia
Mri Associated
Talk about a triple threat! The talented musicians that make up the Devil's Slingshot features three of the most revered instrumentalists today. Guitarist, Tony MacAlpine (Steve Vai, PLANET X, RING OF FIRE, Vinnie Moore), bassist Bill Sheehan (MR. BIG, RING OF FIRE, David Lee Roth, TALAS) and drummer Virgil Donati (PLANET X, RING OF FIRE, SOUL SIRKUS). The trio's debut release, 'Clinophobia', is a master class instrumental recording that will simply blow your mind. The songs don't take the genre to any new levels. However, there is some diversity and the musicians are excellent throughout. This is a complete collaboration and a fan of any of the three will get to hear his favorite do his thing. Highlight tunes include, the mid-tempo movers, "Def Bitch Blues" and "Lay Off". Then there is "Flamed" with Donati and Sheenan unleashing a barrage of notes before MacAlpine joins in to add more fuel to the fire. Bassist Bunny Brunnel is featured on "Hourglass". Overall 'Clinophobia' is an album that fusion fans should love. A solid effort from these three, with a very basic production, that gives equal sonic space to all of them. If you like music to be harmonically and rhythmically unique, or if you like fusion especially the heavier side of it, this album is a no-brainer. Fans of any of the three artists will want this, I for one, can't wait hear what they come up with next.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Walter Trout :: The Outsider
Provogue Records
Walter Trout's playing is above and beyond. If you are reading this, chances are you are familiar with Walter Trout's music and are curious as to how his latest release, 'The Outsider' stacks up to his earlier releases. Quite simply, this is Walter Trout's best solo effort to date. It's classic blues done in Trout's own tried and true ways. There are no real surprises here, just quality blues guitar. From the opening notes of "Welcome To The Human Race" to the final chords of the title track, Walter simply sounds great here. His tone, his guitar-playing precision, the song hooks. The New Jersey born Trout has always been one of the best guitar slingers on the planet but with his latest offering Walter Trout gives us more than just scorching riffs. Walter's music is simply "good stuff". Walter has been around quite a while, do a little research and you will soon see. So, how can I best describe his latest CD? Well it's easy, it has not left my CD player for two weeks! In the same sense that Stevie Ray Vaughan was an open channel to creativity and emotion, Walter Trout is also. His genius for guitar goes from comforting to devastating. It's finally time to get the word out in these United States of America. Walter Trout deserves a listen.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
