The thing about "Taking The Lead" is that the songs captured me right away. A good thing, 'cause often instrumental works tend to go out of control and turn freakish. Not so for Elias Viljanen. Definitely a master of his instrument, he understands functional guitar playing. A virtue so many fellow guitarists lack.

Songs like "Beyond The Twilight" are simply amazing pieces of work, with very tateful parts all over. Sure, the lead guitar is the focal point, but drummer Tomi Ylonen and bassist Rami Herekman should not be overlooked. Their work is excellent, and provides Elias with the playground for his guitar antics.

The guitar sound is another noteworthy quality to this album. A very cool, up-to-date guitar sound. Not only the overdriven parts, but the rhythm and clean parts as well. Great taste, and a flawless fit to the respective tunes. Example? "Dream Come True" is a good one.

So there you have it. I can only recommend this to every fan of cool instrumental guitar rock. Not nessecarily intricite or whatever, but good, melodic and heavy instrumental stuff by a guy I definitely hope to hear more from in the future!

Good job Elias, and good job Lion Music!