Nick Layton
Storming the Castle Independent

by Franco Wissa
Staff Writer

Comments: With the finesse of Steve Vai, Mike Slamer, Magnus Karlson, Dan Huff, Vinnie Moore, Emir Hot or Joe Satriani, Nick Layton's Storm the Castle is a wave of one sensational piece of guitar work after another. Each note is spot on, and solos stack atop of each other with a solid background of keyboards, drums, vocals and bass. What an incredible piece of solid musicianship. The vocals will remind one of Bob Rock or Paul Sabu, deep, heavy and loud.

The emotional tug as Layton lays into the guitar is powerful, and never comes across as overbearing, but instead lays just enough sentiment into his work to give him credence. With a knack for transcending from soft to hard to melodic to metal, as heard on "Valiant One," "Snake Charmer," the thought provoking "Tears in Gethsemane," the acoustic start but giving way to an epic metal monster is "Fire." This may just what the guitar lover will look to for influence and mastery. This CD is all guitar- the drums do an adept job at keeping a frenzied pace, but it is the guitar that is front and center. Time and again, and thank God for that, for in a time when true mastery is a rare find, the guitars of Nick Layton come across loud and clear.

Composer and teacher, Nick Layton is a virtuoso through and through. It can be felt as he rips into the solos. His fret tapping, use of distortion, bending of the strings and using the full lay of the neck Layton shows that the guitar is indeed his forte. He plays with skill and never settles for second best. The sound is excellent, loud when it needs to be, and softer in others. This is very much a musical release. The tracks are filled with warmth and emotion flows perfectly and the overall sound is crisp, precise and clear.

After a listen to Storming the Castle, the thought comes -- every once in a great while, an unknown guitarist comes along that blows the listener away. The number of times that truly a standout guitarist that KNOWS the guitar, and plays the instrument with such finesse, love for the art of making music, and from his music comes something even more remarkable. And that is the guitarist is more intent on making incredible music than becoming a household name -- and when that happens, it places that particular musician in a class few have become part of. And Nick Layton has become part of that class.

This one needs to be heard. By more than just lovers of fine guitar work, but by people who love well played, from the heart guitar ripping metal. Let's hope Layton follows this one up soon.

Band lineup:
Nick Layton - guitars, keyboards
Paul Tauterouff - bass
Dave Cardwell - vocals, percussion programming

Track Listing:
Storm The Castle
Fire
Valiant One
Daybreak
Snake Charmer
Deceiver
B and Me
Tears of Gethsemane
Alive Again
Psalm 91

Hardrock Haven rating: 8.8/10