Tony MacAlpine - Tony MacAlpine
A self-titled album from an artist as established as Tony MacAlpine generally signifies an artistic reboot. While,this decade, he has remained in the guitar fanatics eye as a band member in various projects,this is his first album under his own name in a decade. Here,he takes the opportunity to sum up his past,keeping the strengths and building a fresh new version of what a solo album from Tony MacAlpine means these days. As part of the second wave of neo-classical shredders in Mike Varney's Shrapnel records label during the 80's,MacAlpine was already set himself apart from other guitar players with his piano abilities. No "neo" necessary in his classical, thank you very much. MacAlpine would always include a classical piano piece on his albums and the ability to add keyboards to a project kept him in high demand as a sideman. This depth of musicianship would help MacAlpine stay afloat during the lean years when high octane guitar fell out of fashion for a while. Tony was also one of the adopters of the 7-string guitar and here ups the ante one more notch by playing an 8-string. That's the mammoth Ibanez RG2228,prominently displayed on the cover of this album.
So,what does all this mean for a solo album from a "shredder" in 2011? The good news is MacAlpine has spent the past decade growing as an artist. He always objected to the "shredder" tag and it shows. Three of the "t's", missing from much of shred guitar,touch,tone and taste,are here in abundance. I first noticed the change on his 2000 album with CAB (with the incomparable Dennis Chambers and Bunny Brunel,highly reccomended.) With the addition of some jazz fusion,arguably a close cousin to shred, to his bag of tricks, MacAlpine has added to his palate of choices considerably. Without compromising the jaw dropping chops factor one bit he has increased the musicality by an impressive factor. Songs vary from intense to languid. Composition wise,these are the best songs MacAlpine has ever laid down,so if you're an old fan like me or a newcomer,dig in and enjoy.
It's a good week for heavier music. Plenty more Cd reviews below...
Manilla Road - Mark of the Beast
The reissue of the year,rivaled only by the reissue of "Deluge" coming next month! Epic metal from some of the fathers of the genre. This is the "lost" 1981 second album,expanded with a 16 page booklet including lyrics,liner notes and lots of photos. These are essentially the demos for what would become "Dreams of Eschaton",their actual second album. Included are lengthy epics like "The Avatar", "Triumvirate"and the self-titled masterpiece that contains two of the best guitar solos ever laid down on a Manilla Road album.. Early Manilla Road is a bit more hard rock and less heavy metal than they would become but I think a few listens will reveal it's charms.Kids,THIS is what us old guys are talking about when we say "real" metal.
Symphony X - Iconoclast
Guitarist Michael Romeo's Symphony X retains the heavier sound of the past few albums but the symphonic element remains,albeit in a more progressive rock style. The "deluxe" version gives you two additional songs and different artwork.
Dave Alvin - Eleven Eleven
Guitar fans,take note: forget that critics have put him in the "roots rock" box. Alvin should appeal to fans of blues and classic rock so if you enjoy great, no BS guitar,check him out.
Ian Gillan, Tony Iommi and Friends - Out of my Mind/Holy Water
Just some friends getting together to put together a single for a charity so I wasn't expecting to be blown away but this is good enough to make me wish for a whole album. A rhythm section of Nicko McBrain and Jason Newstead? Awesome.
Voivod - Warriors of Ice
Put aside any fears of this not being the "real" Voivod. Guitarist Dan Mongrain does a valid job at filling the intimidating shoes of original guitarist Denis D'Amour.
It's a good week for heavier music. Plenty more Cd reviews below...
Manilla Road - Mark of the Beast
The reissue of the year,rivaled only by the reissue of "Deluge" coming next month! Epic metal from some of the fathers of the genre. This is the "lost" 1981 second album,expanded with a 16 page booklet including lyrics,liner notes and lots of photos. These are essentially the demos for what would become "Dreams of Eschaton",their actual second album. Included are lengthy epics like "The Avatar", "Triumvirate"and the self-titled masterpiece that contains two of the best guitar solos ever laid down on a Manilla Road album.. Early Manilla Road is a bit more hard rock and less heavy metal than they would become but I think a few listens will reveal it's charms.Kids,THIS is what us old guys are talking about when we say "real" metal.
Symphony X - Iconoclast
Guitarist Michael Romeo's Symphony X retains the heavier sound of the past few albums but the symphonic element remains,albeit in a more progressive rock style. The "deluxe" version gives you two additional songs and different artwork.
Dave Alvin - Eleven Eleven
Guitar fans,take note: forget that critics have put him in the "roots rock" box. Alvin should appeal to fans of blues and classic rock so if you enjoy great, no BS guitar,check him out.
Ian Gillan, Tony Iommi and Friends - Out of my Mind/Holy Water
Just some friends getting together to put together a single for a charity so I wasn't expecting to be blown away but this is good enough to make me wish for a whole album. A rhythm section of Nicko McBrain and Jason Newstead? Awesome.
Voivod - Warriors of Ice
Put aside any fears of this not being the "real" Voivod. Guitarist Dan Mongrain does a valid job at filling the intimidating shoes of original guitarist Denis D'Amour.
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