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Author |
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Scott Motyka "Cut.. ...From Within" EP/CD |
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rbro29 |
10 |
2009-06-05 07:03 PM |
 An incredible cd from an incredible guitarist. Scott is an artist in the true sense of the word. He is amazingly skilled at his craft demonstrating blazing solos, speed, and technique yet portrays a deep soulful complexity that communicates his passion. I cant tell you how much I love this cd! The melodies are so lyrical that categorizing this cd strictly as an instrumental one seems to undermine it. Each track has a unique sound with awesome climaxes, subtleties, and changes. From the uninhibited "Betrayer`s Trust" to the pensive "Outro", "Cut.. ...From Within" will not let the most critical guitar afficionado down. #1518hide
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Mahavishnu Orchestra "Lost Trident Sessions" CD |
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Prattmoore |
9 |
2009-05-17 10:20 AM |
 I was extremely fortunate to find this disc. I have listened to various tunes on the other Mahavishnu recordings but I always come back to this. There is a lot of tension on this recording and for sitting undisturbed for many years, it held up quite nicely. We all know about the egos and the genius of all the members of this ensemble. I`m not going into that. But to me, the tracks on this seem `more human` if you will. The guys were trying to be at their best, but inner tensions were cascading and tried to get in the way of making great music. I find this disc to be not up to the standards of the rest. But, it is one of my favorites because the playing appears to me to be more natural. John McLaughlin is fabricating virtuostic playing and Billy Cobham`s rhythms keep up the pace. Jam Hammer appears to be showing an authoritive figure stance, almost seeing into the future that he would be a icon much like John. It may be a bit so-so to some Maha fans, but I enjoy the tracks that seem to have not made the cut. Those seem to show the real audacity of a group and "The Lost Trident Sessions" appear to have that flavor going for it. For real fusion, Mahavishnu had it. #1517hide
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Yngwie J. Malmsteen "Perpetual Flame" CD |
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Prattmoore |
9 |
2009-05-17 10:00 AM |
 "Perpetual Flame" is one of those discs I cannot get tired of hearing. It is pure Malmsteen and Tim "Ripper" Owens fits into the camp perfectly. His vocals match Yngwie`s playing and the two really seem to compliment eachother. Let`s hope the egos don`t pull this apart soon!
Instead of listening to others music, Yngwie tends to draw his musical palette from his recollections of the masters of the classical romantic period. On a few tunes, he seems to borrow from his own paint box, almost giving the impression that he has run out of new ideas. Point blank; recycling old riffs and tricks. But, let`s remember that one Mr. Blackmore had that same tendency during his Rainbow days. I don`t believe in taking a few pieces from your own trick bag is a bad thing. But, I must admit if you rely on haunting the old haunts for new tricks, you`re most likely to come up sounding like yesteryear and the fans will catch this. This seems to appear on this latest effort, but for me, it brings a smile to my face, as Yngwie seems to acknowledge from whence he came. This release is a bit darker than "Unleash The Fury", as it seems to be more in tune with what is going on in the world right now i.e. unrest, war, brutality and uncertainty of the future. However, for fans of Yngwie`s great playing and the mastery of his instrument, it still makes you want to go to your room and play like the Viking king lurking inside us. It IS what you expect from Yngwie. #1516hide
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Joe Stump "Virtuostic Vendetta" CD |
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Prattmoore |
10 |
2009-05-17 09:40 AM |
 The long-awaited release of "Virtuostic Vendetta" is here and for us Joe Stump fans, it was worth the wait. Joe kicks into shred gear with the opening track of "Chasing The Dragon" and we`re off on another neo-classical shred adventure. Joe gives the generous hat tips to his inspirations, most notably "The Beacon" (Gary Moore), "Blackmore`s Boogie" (complete with Rock Jetstream adding Hammond B-3 organ riffs ala Jon Lord), "Trigger Happy" (Stevie Ray with lots of Hendrix attitude), and "Strat Sorcery" (a complete nod to Jimi Hendrix). And, let`s not forget one Mr. Malmsteen ("Pistol Whipped", Chasing The Dragon" and "Fire And Brimstone"). Also we get Joe`s many classical influences with "Allegro #2 In A Minor" and "Symphonic Pandemonium", complete with a harpischord influence backing. The rhythm section of Jay Rigney on bass and Jay Gates on percussion keeps things churning with groove, attitude and the spice of complete headbanging....or head-nodding if your over 40! All in all, it is what you expect from the American Shred Lord guitar hero. And as always, Joe never disappoints. Thanks Joe!! #1515hide
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Rick McKown "Behind The Curtain" CD |
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aurorawolf |
8 |
2009-04-07 11:24 AM |
 I am listening to this CD at the moment and think it`s wonderful! Rick is a very
talented guitarist/composer. An all around great musician. I highly recommend
"Behind the Curtain." All tracks are great, and I especially love "Vale of Tears."
#1514hide
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Travis Larson Band "Burn Season" CD |
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moyesREM |
10 |
2009-03-25 03:53 PM |
 Yet another superb album from the Travis Larson Band, this trio are at the top of their game with each album they get better and better, the title track burn season is excellent and worth the price alone, buy it. #1513hide
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Section A "Parallel Lives" CD |
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cyrusveil |
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2009-03-03 06:38 PM |
 Now this is a cool album! I have always loved records that have a theme or are based off of a story. The guitars on this album are very cool. The rhythms are very well put together. The guest spots by Mats are awesome! HE is one of my favorite keyboard guys. As far as the drums go - They are tasteful and progressive. Sometimes progressive drummers play a little too over the top. Not Here! Just the right amount of flare. The vocalist can really sing well. The melodies and harmonies are very nice. I would recommend this album to anyone who likes progressive - metal - or just plain awesome rock! #1512hide
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Travis Larson Band "Suspension" CD |
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moyesREM |
10 |
2009-03-02 02:24 PM |
 Just got this cd last week and i cant stop playing it, this is on of the best albums i have bought in a long time, the band are so tight and together, the standard of music and also the quality is out of this world, travis is a fantastic guitarist and the axework is top notch, mix with the great bass and drums and you have a highly polished album #1511hide
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Joe Stump`s Reign Of Terror "Conquer & Divide" CD |
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cyrusveil |
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2009-02-20 06:38 PM |
 Joe Stump at his finest! Great songs with nice vocal lines. Michael V`s vocal work is stunning as usual! I have always been a fan of Michael - as far back as his work with Loudness on the Soldier of Fortune record. The Drums are very hard hitting and Mats Keyboard work is always fantastic! He is a rock solid player. The heavy edge of this album is nice. Lots of riffing going on. It started with Guitar Dominance and continues on! Rock on guys! #1510hide
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Iron Mask "Hordes Of The Brave" CD |
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cyrusveil |
8 |
2009-02-20 02:17 PM |
 Now this album rocks! I really like all the songs very much. My only wish was that this lead keyboard player had more solos! His solos are just inspiring! Dushan is at his best on this album as well. I think my favorite thing about Iron Mask (riffs and song structure)very cool!!!! #1509hide
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Iron Mask "Revenge Is My Name" CD |
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cyrusveil |
6 |
2009-02-20 02:14 PM |
 Really cool album! I am a fan of the grooves on this album. I would have liked there to have been a few more keyboard solos. The keyboard player is really good! Dushan is a great player. I am not a huge fan of his lead tone. However, I know tone is subjective. Fan of Neoclassical metal? Buy this album. #1508hide
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Ring Of Fire "Burning Live In Tokyo 2002" DVD |
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cyrusveil |
7 |
2009-02-20 02:10 PM |
 What can I say. Mark is a phenomenal vocalist and does not disappoint. Tony has always been one of my favorite guitar players. He has feel and technique. Virgil is just a mind blowing drummer! The drum solo is fantastic! He is solid as a rock to boot. I am a huge fan of keyboards and Vitalij is unbelievable!!!!
My only complaint about this DVD is that I would like to have seen his entire solo. I don`t think you can really call that a complaint though. This DVD is a must have for all shred/prog fans. #1507hide
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Joe Stump "Speed Metal Messiah" CD |
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cyrusveil |
8 |
2009-02-20 01:59 PM |
 I loved the opening track on this album "Prelude". The whole album is very Malmsteen like and that is perfectly fine with me. Yngwie is an amazing player and it`s no wonder many players like to catch his vibe. All the songs are very well written and have tons of awesome shred! My personal favorites are "Reflection", "Retroactivity", and both movements to the "Psycho Shred Suite".
I would recommend this album to anyone who likes Yngwie, shred guitar or any type of neoclassical Metal. Good job! #1506hide
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Scott Motyka "Cut.. ...From Within" EP/CD |
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lownotemo |
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2009-02-08 01:09 PM |
Obviously,there is such a wide range of emotions that comes from Scott through his music (Soulful,Heavy,Mild,Wild,Riveting,Majestic) with surprises inner-woven throughout. His guitar work is more than satisfying to anyone who appreciates a guitarist that covers ALL the bases. His bass work is punchy and driving and his choice of Marc Norgaard on drums and percussion really rounds out the complete mix. My hat`s off to you!! #1505hide
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Bluestone Company "Supernatural Delight" CD |
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moyesREM |
9 |
2009-02-02 02:43 PM |
 this is a 70`s heavy blues gem brought bang up to date by the monster guitar hero toshihiro sumitomo, outstanding playing from start to finish, a wise purchase. #1504hide
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