John Petrucci guitarist of the fantastic progressive metal band Dream Theater, has now released a solo album. Being a DT and Petrucci fan myself, I was delighted to hear this news, had I been new to this guy I would have not bothered so much, but being a DT fan, I already knew a little of what to expect, so a solo album of only Petrucci could only intrigue me further. Other players on the album don't include other members from Dream Theater- Portnoy, Rudess, or Myung, so naturally I knew this album would contain a lot more metal based riffs and grooves. Petrucci’s technical abilities and precision are arguably the best around and his virtuosity proves he doesn't stick with only one playing style too long.
I’m a metal fan but definitely enjoy my progressive side as well, so his album was music to my ears. The opening track, “Jaws of Life” was aggressive, fast-paced, and engaging while "Tunnel Vision" is one of the few progressive metal songs that isn't completely organic, you're given a techno beat exceedingly reminiscent of Buckethead which is followed by a eerie sound scape that is more laid back.
“Glasgow Kiss” has one of my favourite feels of any song I’ve heard recently, as the name suggests it will make you want to chuck on a kilt and toss that haggis! The scotish groove is felt throughout the entire song and is a refreshing and exciting style to hear. Indie Rock is next on John’s list as he busts out “Wishful Thinking” which contains cool harmonies and quite a loud bass line, something you would expect to hear with lyrics because of the great epic melody it holds. Now with no warning at all a heavy mutha of a song “Damage Control” that eventually picks up to a thrash onslaught, is laid upon us, definite head banging material and did someone say shred?... yes there might be a little bit in this song. “Curve” pulls into the more classic Van Halen style rock that eventually blends down into the ‘ballad’ on the record - “Lost Without You”.
The last eleven and a half minutes are reserved for the albums masterpiece “Animate-Inanimate.” It is very progressive and though being at the end of the record, seems to hold itself as the overture for the album. The other members of this band weren't quite up to DT standards, personally, but they held the melody together and operated as perfect backup for Petrucci's trademark solo spots.
To current Dream Theater/Petrucci fans, you probably have heard of the Liquid Tension Experiment, just in case you haven't they are the side project of current DT members Jordan Rudess, John Petrucci, and Mike Portnoy. Bassist Tony Levin takes the place of the talented John Myung and is also a purely instrumental record. This album sounds very much like the LTE projects, and has similar styled chord progressions, so you know that quality is there. Lastly, because this album is Petrucci's album, it's completely revolved around the guitar line, which isn’t a bad thing, just don’t go expecting a two minute keyboard breakdown.
I recommend this for sure, because the album is appealing and it's main strong point is the fact that these songs are long, but keep from ever becoming repetitive or starting to droll on in the slightest.
There's a little something for almost everyone in here including slow stuff, fast stuff, solos, fresh melodies, shredding heavy enough to incite headbanging. The technical awe is enough for the shred junky and it also contains a massive stint of head banging material, definitely something fans of most genres can enjoy.
