|  Comments:
Progressive Neo-Classical Metal is a category that has to be redefined
with the release of Artension’s Future World. There
is so much to say about this album, as it is one of the best combinations
of virtuoso musicianship ever created. This venture is the creation
of keyboard extraordinaire Vitalij Kuprij, who has managed to assemble
the best of the best in all musical instruments represented. World
class Mike Terrana (Yngvie Malmsteen) on drums, former Testament
bassist Steve DiGiorgio, classically trained master guitarist Roger
Staffelbach, and John West on the vocals.
Much
of the album is a combination of unbelievable music. You will be
swept away into a world never before entered. Remember the day you
first heard Yngvie Mamsteen play, well, take that guitar ability,
sort of, and add the best of everything else. The keyboards are
so good that you’ll wonder what world Kuprij has just landed
from. My tendency to be ultra-critical was thrown out the window
as soon as I heard this combination of the best playing and mutating
it into a virtual concerto of perfection. The guitar is breathtaking
as Staffelback rips, shreds and plays classically all at once. Drummer
Mike Terrana kicks his heart out on the first track, “Dark
Before the Dawn,” as Staffelback solos then Digiorgio solos
in the prelude of what’s to come. The third song, “Federation,”
shows Artension at its best as it takes us into a world where there
is no weapons, no sex, no talking, no cursing, and no drinking permitted.
Actually you will need to stop doing all those things to hear the
song as the keyboards, piano and guitar are out of this world.
Song
five is just beautiful piano, as Kuprij plays Johan Sebastian Bach.
And there are no complaints here. Staffelback continues to show
his skill on “Close to the Sun” and ”Take Me In
Your Arms,” which is highlighted by Kuprij’s magic on
keyboards. Folks, the fact here is that this is not for everybody,
and my classically trained pianist wife had to kick me in the head
to make me understand what I was hearing. But it is no doubt the
best combination of music I have ever heard in the metal format.
Band:
Steve DiGiorgio - bass, Mike Terrana - drums, John West - vocals,
Roger Staffelbach - guitars, Vitalij Kuprij – keyboards
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