zrael Block picks up where Wyrd left off and surpasses that last effort by leaps
and bounds. The over all feel of Azrael Block is adventurous, in your face
prog/fusion with interesting sound embellishments that create sonic diversity and
tension. Many new textural components can be heard throughout all 12 tracks making
this release not only varied but a pleasurable and interesting listening experience.
One will need to listen to this release many times over to gleen all that there is
to be understood in the complex compositions and intricate arrangements. Ever the
visionary, Rapaport once again delivers a beautifully twisted palette of sonic
indifference that is connected via the triangular focus of Melody-Groove-Technique.
Rapaport ups the ante with his brilliant technical presentation of jaw dropping
musical abilities that drive Azrael Block to the next stratosphere. Once again Greg
showcases his command of the guitar drawing inspiration from his influences while
continuing to build on his own unique voice. A superb job has been done in forging
out that unique voice which draws from influence (Holdsworth, DiMeola) but builds on
the elements that are uniquely Rapaport. Those elements include the intertwining
mixture of hybrid jazz-fusion delivered with the authority of prog metal.
From a production stand point the entire disc is chock full of great tone and
massive delivery. A well-mixed presentation that achieves a nice balance between
massive "wall-of-sound" guitar, spatial drum tracks and a nice overall feel.
All the compositions are written with uniqueness in mind. Rapaport is keen on
keeping the listener on their toes with plenty of twists and turns. All 12 tracks
are real gems, three stand outs include:
"Azrael Block" - the highly progressive title track that twists, turns and grooves
it way through ultra heavy riffage, sensitive jazz cording and furious arpeggiated
sequences.
"Skitzophraniac", an all out jazz-rock number complete with an Al DiMeola influenced
melody. A fusion lover's buffet.
"Flatline" - a more contemporary prog composition that features a brilliant thematic
structure that starts out with a beautiful melodic interlude that builds in
intensity throughout until it reaches the "full-shred" mode where it smolders with
great soloing. The stunning melodic theme is revisited all the while building to a
great climactic slam fest ending which runs counterpoint to the entire theme.
Azrael Block drives forward with no stereotypical typecasting or shortcomings. Once
again Rapaport boldly goes where no guitarists dare to dwell and delivers a true to
life, no compromise, composed and executed slab of great music. This entire CD
deserves serious recognition and critical acclaim. Greg continues to lead the way
with his cutting edge compositional styling and brilliantly executed technical
forays into uncharted musical territory. Anyone who enjoys real music, played by a
real musician with virtuoso skill and vision will love Azrael Block, Now repeat after me, "I will buy this CD", "I will Buy this CD", "I will buy this CD",
zrael Block picks up where Wyrd left off and surpasses that last effort by leaps
and bounds. The over all feel of Azrael Block is adventurous, in your face
prog/fusion with interesting sound embellishments that create sonic diversity and
tension. Many new textural components can be heard throughout all 12 tracks making
this release not only varied but a pleasurable and interesting listening experience.
One will need to listen to this release many times over to gleen all that there is
to be understood in the complex compositions and intricate arrangements. Ever the
visionary, Rapaport once again delivers a beautifully twisted palette of sonic
indifference that is connected via the triangular focus of Melody-Groove-Technique.