 | Tracklist:
1. Assimilate Regenerate
2. Futureshock
3. Ghost In The Machine
4. Brain Interactive Construct
5. Fields of Utopia
6. Enter the Metaverse
7. Mindwarp
8. Clones
9. Cyber Warfare
10. Orbital Decay
11. Black Hole Device
Release Date: 03/10/2011 | |
|
On 12 Lists
|
7 of 7 thought this review was well written
Well, this was a surprise. I had never heard of Paul Wardingham until I received a recommendation from someone to check this record out; and I'm glad I did, because this is one of the best albums of the year and a stunning debut from a very impressive musician.
The whole album is just very solid. There isn't any discernible filler, and that is made even more impressive by the fact that this record is nearly an hour long. Quite lengthy for an instrumental guitar virtuoso album, to be sure, but this is such a dense, layered, and detailed release that the long running time is fitting. And, perhaps even more importantly, the album never gets boring. The soloing is absolutely fantastic throughout, and the cerebral use of synths across the album add to it immensely; they not only contribute to the "space-y" atmosphere of the record, but also aren't too over the top or cheesy at any point, which can sometimes happen. Furthermore, the drums have a great sound to them (whether they were programmed or not I don't know,) and the guitar tone on here is incredible.
Another thing I like about this album is the fact that Wardingham knows when to show restraint. Not every second of every song is filled with lightning-speed sweeping and arpeggios; he uses his skill skillfully. In particular, "Fields of Utopia" and "Orbital Decay" really demonstrate this. He doesn't use his phenomenal guitar playing skills to cover up poor songwriting, he uses them to enhance the piece whenever they fit. Plus, since the guitar shredding isn't used too frequently, it makes it all the more sweet when it does show up. The CD also has a high replay value: you'll want to come back and listen to this again and again.
From the masterful songwriting and playing, to the atmosphere the album gives off, to the replayability, to the great production, everything about "Assimilate Regenerate" is pretty much right on the money. Other than a couple of fairly unnoteworthy spots, this album is extremely solid from beginning to end, and is definitely one of the best records of the year so far. Check this out: you won't regret it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to listen to it again.
|
| Recent reviews by this author | | | |
Album Rating: 4.5
Added the track listing. This is a fantastic album.
| | |
short review
Digging: King's X - Dogman Digging: King's X - Dogman
| | | Album Rating: 4.5
I chose my words carefully ;)
| | |
Definitely a great instrumental album. There's been alot of them coming out but this one's a standout.
Digging: Meshuggah - Koloss
| | |
Finally a review for this, nice. : )
| | |
Giving this a listen now, pretty damn great so far.
Digging: Lemuria (BE) - Tales, Ale, and Fire Digging: Lemuria (BE) - Tales, Ale, and Fire
| | | Album Rating: 4.5
Yeah, there have been a lot of instrumental releases this year, this one's near the top of the pile however.
And yeah pizzamachine, I finally got around to writing this, haha.
Thanks for the pos' guys!
| | | Album Rating: 4
Album is pretty fun. Brings tha junz. Pos'd
Digging: Social Distortion - Sex, Love and Rock'n'Roll Digging: Social Distortion - Sex, Love and Rock'n'Roll | | | Album Rating: 4.5
Thanks!
| | |
Album's way too cheesy at points, but the man can definitely play, I'll give him that.
Digging: Rosetta - The Galilean Satellites Digging: Rosetta - The Galilean Satellites
| | |
i'm glad solo guitarists are making a comeback in the modern era. i'll definitely give this a listen, pos
| | | Album Rating: 3.5
Album's pretty cool. theacademy showed it to me.
Digging: Joe Bonamassa - Driving Towards The Daylight Digging: Joe Bonamassa - Driving Towards The Daylight | | | Album Rating: 4.5
I actually think it does a pretty good job at NOT being too cheesy
| | |
Nope, some of the industrial parts on here are as cheesy as they come.
| | | Album Rating: 4.5
Meh
| | | Album Rating: 5
holy fuck i didn't even see that someone reviewed this
pos!
Digging: Marina and The Diamonds - Electra Heart | | | Album Rating: 4.5
Thanks duuude : D
| | |
"Fields of Utopia" is an amazing track...the rest of the album rules too...Well done with the review too man..
pos'd
| | | Album Rating: 4.5
Thanks! And yeah, I agree; "Fields of Utopia" is incredible.
| | |
Didn't pay much attention to this album till I saw a video of him slaying one of the tunes. A shred album you can actually listen too. On par with Jeff Loomis' solo LP I'd say.
Digging: Gride - Zaskuby Chaosu
| | | |
|
|
Stumble
Digg
Twitter
Del.icio.us
