Book Of Reflections
Chapter II: Unfold The Future
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Book Of Reflections' CD Chapter II: Unfold The Future is a potent, musically accomplished mix of progressive metal and classic hard rock, showcasing strong melodic sensibilities. Lyrically the album is varied focusing on topics from distrust in the political world to a celebration of life, along with a couple of sad love songs. On the album's direction, project leader Lars Eric Mattsson comments, "The idea was to continue where the first album ended and take the music a few steps forward. The songs are a little bit less predictable but easier to listen to. It was a long journey as there are many musicians and singers involved. The songs are all good songs with memorable choruses while still not using too many cliches." The album is home to a number of top class musicians from the Lion Music roster such as vocalists Bjorn Jansson (Tears Of Anger) and Martin LeMar (Tomorrow's Eve). In addition to Mattsson's fiery fretwork is the guitar talent of Anand Mahangoe (Sphere Of Souls). Mistheria (Bruce Dickinson) contributes keyboard solos on four tracks while long time Mattsson collaborator Eddie Sledgehammer plays drums. Heavy Metal, total running time, 0:00
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In Review
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'Crimes Of Virtuosity'
Review Featured In Virtuosityone.com
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| Heavy Metal | |
By: Andy Craven
ion Music have seen fit to offer a special edition of the classic album "Crimes Of
Virtuosity" from James Byrd`s Atlantis Rising. The album was originally released
back in 1998 on the Mascot label (JVC Victor in Japan), presumably Byrd`s retained
the rights to the original master tapes and so offered it to his current label Lion
Music and also threw in all new artwork and packaging plus 2 bonus tracks not
previously available on the original release - namely "Shot Down In Flames" and
"Bolero No.46 Mvt 1".
Stylistically "C.O.V" saw Byrd pay tribute to his influences through a collection of
original songs which all bear the distinctive Byrd sound yet show glimpses of the
classic rock music of the 1970`s. Those expecting an orchestrated release ala
Byrd`s Flying Beyond The 9 or Anthem may well be a little surprised to hear a more
straightforward rock sound with just some odd touches of keyboard to round out the
sound. Of all Byrd`s band albums Crimes Of Virtuosity is arguably his most guitar
intensive, however, Byrd`s skill at arranging and creating engaging music never
allow the guitar to overshadow the song. Crimes Of Virtuosity is home to some of
the finest guitar work committed to analogue tape - yes analogue - COV was recorded
pre digital and has a superb warmth to the sound, it may not be as super clear as
Anthem but it is no less poorer for it. Listening to the albums with headphones on
is a wonderful experience to hear all the warmth on the guitar and the drums of
Chase Culp.
Opener Prelude In Sea is a short intro that segues into the blisering Metatron.
This track is one of my all time favourite Byrd compositions and home to an almost
Rainbow (Rising era) type delivery, the fast paced track gives Byrd plenty of scope
to showcase his formidible fretboard skills yet show an equally deft touch in
composition. Kendal Torry belts out the lyrics with great power (coming across like
a mix of Bruce Dickinson and Ronnie Dio), I defy anyone not to get excited when they
hear this track.
A heavy cover of the Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice classic Heaven On Their Minds
(from Jesus Christ Superstar) is an excellent fit for Byrd`s skills. Home to some
Blackmore inspired lead work the tracks finest moment comes when the band are
grooving on the theme - listen to Chase Culp`s excellent drum work here - a classic
cover.
We then get the first of our bonus tracks with the biting Shot Down In Flames.
Arguably the most intense Atlantis Rising composition to date we have some scolding
lyrics and blistering lead work from Byrd which follow up an excellent start which
sees Byrd play on the Star Spangled Banner theme briefly - A worthy addition to the
Byrd catalogue.
The intensity calms down for the delicate ballad In My Darkest Hour, another corker
of a track with a good mix of acoustic and electric guitar work, Torry`s vocals here
are superb. The emotion again is undeniable and this is as good a starting place as
any for newcomers to start.
Hendrix type chordal flurries open The Hunted Heretic. Again some beautiful guitar
histrionics weave between the verses. The lyrics centre on someone commenting on
life from the grave `But now that I`m dead - I can speak my mind, The blind see the
dead - but they don`t know our kind`. Some more great wah solo work blends perfectly
with Kendall`s soaring voice. James` solos here remind me of the sonic tapestries
Uli Jon Roth laced throughout his `Electric Sun` albums.
Jane is up next and its the first instrumental of the album, home to a nice mix of
acoustic and electric lead work the track is full of exquisite fretwork with
beautiful melodies and phrasing.
Get Free is another slice of Hendrix inspired rock, the track does remind me a
little of the direction Byrd took on the Son Of Man album but this time with vocals.
The lyrics are equally as deep centring on religion and the seven deadly sins.
Storm King is another highlight with a vintage Deep Purple feel thanks to its bluesy
meets classical direction. Kendal Torry`s vocals run the range of expression and
which merge well with Byrd`s inspired guitar lines which showcase a great jazzy
feel.
Next up in Bolero No.46 Mvt.1, perhaps better known in the neo-classical rumour mill
as Byrd`s Bolero. This is the second bonus track on the album and is a movement from
a guitar concerto Byrd was working on but ran out of funding for during the COV
sessions. Essentially you have a slice of stunning classical music with the
electric guitar as the prime soloist - sound familiar? Well this actually predates
Malmsteen`s Concerto by a few years. Those that have heard Avianti Suite from
Flying Beyond The 9 will have some idea of what to expect, but as the name suggests
Bolero serves up a more Mediterranean vibe, the playing and composition are both
flawless making this a more than worthy addition to the album.
Goodbye My Love opens with Byrd`s perfect vibrato over some Pink Floyd-ish keyboard
strains before changing direction into a heavy rocker. Clocking in at over 7
minutes the track gets plenty of time to tell its tale musically and lyrically and
after a few spins really hits home as another highlight.
The frantic Going Home closes the album with full metal glory, lyrically and vocally
the track also delivers the goods whilst Byrd`s solo is as good as you hoped it
would be with Hames really letting fly. A great way to end great album.
Crimes Of Virtuosity was a very strong album when it was originally released and I
am pleased to report that 8 years on it sounds as good as ever and lyrically even
more relevant. The two bonus tracks and new artwork (done by Byrd btw) make this is
an essential purchase even if the album is already owned. COV is quite different in
places to Byrd`s work both and pre and post COV but that unmistakeable Byrd
trademark is there on every track in spades, the album is very varied and really
none of the tracks sounds like a 2nd hand Malmsteen as some less then enlightened
critics saw fit to pin Byrd down as earlier in his career. Fans of classic rock
will find a lot to enjoy here as will the guitar enthusiast.
Overall Crimes Of Virtuosity is a must have addition for any rock/metal fans
collection.
Hot Spots : Metatron, Heaven On Their Minds, Shot Down In Flames, Jane, Storm King,
Bolero No. 46 Mvt.1, Goodbye My Love.
Rating : 97%
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Vol. 17, No. 2: Feb.-Mar. 2012
