Comments:
Another keyboardist release from Derek Sherinian (Malmsteen, Alice
Cooper) has arrived and damn are we the benefactors. If you love metal
this is for you. This is not the usual release where, neo-classical
progressive music abounds from start to finish, that’s for sure.
With Zakk Wylde, John Petrucci, Slash, Brad Gillis and the great Yngwie
Malmsteen playing guitars on this album, you have one of the most
powerful pieces of “metal” music released this year.
The
songs are long, strong and extremely well done. Take the track “Man
with No Name.” Zakk sings, rips through powerful heavy riffs
and plays several tremendous solos. The funnest song on the album
is the cover of the Mungo Jerry classic “In the Summertime”
which features Billy Idol on vocals and Slash on guitar. It’s
one of the most thorough cover songs you will ever hear.
Malmsteen
gets everyone’s attention with his dark riffs and mach-6 neo-shred
on the “Viking Massacre” and joins Wylde for more fun on
the title track and on the fiery “The Monsoon.” Gillis shines
on guitar with his beautiful feel in “On the Moon,” and
the clean pure methodical technique playing of Petrucci on “Czar
of Steel” help make this one of the most diverse records imaginable.
The
best thing that can be said about this album is the songs are done
to the point that they could seamlessly fit on any of the artists'
albums. Sherinian is awesome on keys and piano on every track, making
this album a must-have for any real fan of rock and metal.
Good
luck finding a better overall metal/rock album this year. It simply
won’t happen.
Band
Members:
Derek Sherinian-All Keys
Slash, Malmsteen, Wylde, Gillis and Petruccui-Lead Guitars
Brian Tichy-Drums, Rhythm/Acoustic Guitar
Simon Phillips-Drums
Billy Idol-Vocals
Zakk Wylde-Vocals
Tony Franklin-Fretless Bass
Jerry Goodman-Violin
Brandon Fields-Sax
John Deservo-Bass
Dimitris Mahlis-Ovd
Mike Shapiro-Percussion
Track
listing:
1) Czar of Steel
2) Man With No Name
3) Phantom Shuffle
4) Been Here Before
5) Blood of the Snake
6) On the Moon
7) The Monsoon
8) Prelude to Battle
9) Viking Massacre
10) In the Summertime
HRH
Rating: 9.7/10
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