Blogcritics Author: Brian Garrepy

Announcement: Short-content feeds

Phillip Winn — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 12:00:00 EDT

Sunday, August 26, 2007, marks the switch of all Blogcritics.org article feeds from full-content to short-content. This is the result of several converging factors, and is unfortunately a permanent decision (as permanent as any decision can be on the web, that is). We are aware of all of the reasons that this is a Bad Idea, and we are aware that some of you will be quite upset about having to click on something to read the free content, and we're sorry. Unfortunately, despite great effort, full-content feeds are not currently economically viable. Two other factors are involved: full-content feeds have resulted in an unprecedented level of content theft, with BC content appearing on many websites, usually spam sites, without attribution or permission. This duplicate content causes a cascading set of problems, not the least of which is that search engines generally aren't favorable to duplicate content, and don't always guess correctly. Finally, our RSS advertising partner is strongly in favor of short-content feeds. We hope that you'll continue to subscribe to BC via RSS, and when an article grabs your eye, it's only a click away, still free on the BC website. Thank you for your understanding.

The Great Unknown: Santora & Garrepy - The Improv Experiment

Brian Garrepy — Sat, 14 Oct 2006 07:37:49 EDT

The Great Unknown is my attempt at a music feature column that will showcase bands and projects that range from indie label releases to home studio ones. These reviews and articles will cover the groups and accomplishments I think deserve a little more recognition for the work that they are doing.The first entry is a shameless plug. What can I say? Well, I have given coverage to the artists who have influenced me as a listener and I have even given coverage to the artists that have influenced me as a musician. I have had my fair share of discussions with the BC residents and I think I have given my fair share of time and brain power, as a rookie writer and music connoisseur, to this fantastic site. That being said, I think shining a little light on my own works from time to time wouldn't be such a horrible thing.Honestly, I wouldn't have entertained any thoughts of writing this article or leaving myself wide open for criticism if I didn't think the music I am presenting, for the first time ever, wasn't something to be proud of. I know you have a biased article ahead of you to read, but isn't music subjective anyways? Alright, already... on with the review!Santora & Garrepy are the duo made up of one part Ben Santora and one part Brian Garrepy. No Dilution Necessary. Meeting for the first time through the infamous Boston Craigslist, "The Improv Experiment" (not an official project name) is the session that was recorded live in two parts, so far, at the Jamspot here in Somerville, Massachusetts. These sessions are totally improvised using just guitar (Santora) and drums (Garrepy) with the focus being on musical exploration that creates a piece that is still aesthetically pleasing. Never having worked with each other prior to the first session and considering there are no re-takes and/or edits, it is quite an accomplished feat. The sessions, which will be edited and used as inspiration for a more structured project, with an added focus on songwriting, showcase the organic sound and chemistry that Mr. Santora and Mr. Garrepy have together. Thus, being a truly improv-inspired recording and an accurate presentation of their attention deficit, the pieces bring the listener across many ideas, genres and styles.Being a Blogcritic, this is where I have to end my biased review (for the first time if I do say so myself) and point out where this work hits the proverbial wall. What I mean is that because this project is solely guitar and drums with the intention on creating a "Beautiful Havoc," you can only cover so much ground before you have to introduce editing, effects and other fillers. Plus, I feel that this improvisation leaves little room for the traditional "song" and may leave the listener without the original emotion that connected them to these sessions in the first place.All in all, this union represents a great time for musicians. A great time for aspiring artists to pay very little to record with professional equipment (Jamspot). A great time for The Great Unknown to leave his or her mark on the music community.To check out a sample please visit: TheImprovExperiment-or- EncompassMind

Brian is Blogcritics resident MetalHead. Though he also loves Classical Acoustic, Modern Jazz, "Finger Styling" Acoustic, Fusion,Prog Rock and Punk, Metal is his area of expertise. This excellent writer is the editor of Ascension Music Blog,

Music Review: Ironchrist - Getting The Most Out Of Your Extinction

Brian Garrepy — Thu, 12 Oct 2006 08:20:05 EDT

In the late 80's to the early 90's, the mainstream music scene was experiencing a change from the cheesy, glam rock bands who had technical skill but wrote horrible love songs to the angst-ridden, alternative rock bands that could barely hold a power chord with any intonation but managed to express their inner pain with such verbosity. Many music historians would have you believe that metal had died because plenty of popular music aficionados in important positions have re-written history with their ravings about the post-rock grunge scene. The supposed new, unheard of rawness from bands like Nirvana and the likes, but I beg to differ...During this decadent era, I was a teenager with the Metal Underworld at my fingertips. In fact, between the years 1990 & 1992, it was an explosive time for that Metal Underworld. With bands like Napalm Death releasing their truly innovative and brutal Thrash album Harmony Corruption(which they later capitalized on with the new category Grindcore) and the Speed Metal/Jazz Fusion Masterpiece Unquestionable Presence from Atheist along with Death, Pestilence, etc.. . Also, let's not forget the absolutely mind-blowing release from Dream Theater, Images & Words, I would have to say that the only thing that died was the overwhelming income of superfluous cash straight to the fat execs pocket. So, have I given you a mental picture of this great period in my life? Probably not, but who gives a sh!t...Right? I'm telling you, all of that doesn't mean squat because even though those bands that were forging ahead with what would later be considered by most metal fans to be the true groundbreaking material of it's time, there is still one band that gets overlooked. One band that had one "Major" release. That band is Ironchrist! The CD was Getting the most out of your extinction. Released in 1990,this album could easily be considered the pinnacle of Punk, Thrash, Jazz and Metal fusion or you can use the term Crossover if that helps you. Often considered by some as un-focused and not terribly unique, this album encapsulated a political angst supported by music that really had no boundaries. These four musicians: Tristan Lentz - guitar, backing vocals; Ned Westrick - bass, backing vocals; Scott Treude - drums, backing vocals and Mike Bullock - lead vocals, truly had a vision that was ahead of it's time.Just like Atheist's aforementioned work, I don't think it was truly accepted by the metal community. Even though The CD was featured on over 100 Radio Station play lists worldwide and received rave reviews from such industry greats as Kerrang, Metal Hammer, Aardschok, and Screamer. It even sat in the College Radio Billboard charts top 100 list for the better part of a year.The track listing for this brilliant piece of work is like reading from the contents page of a nihilistic, sci-fi novel and the tracks themselves probably could have been the soundtrack for such movies like Bladerunner. In reality, these songs speak of a break down in society with pollution, corruption and technology being the inherent, "straw that broke the camel's back." Overall, I would recommend this CD for anyone who has a true open mind for music that pushes the envelope. Especially, if you call yourself a connoisseur of all things metal!

CD Review: Ken Bonfield - American Baroque: Steel String Surprise

Brian Garrepy — Thu, 13 Jul 2006 17:26:32 EDT

ba•roque(adj.)- use of complex forms, bold ornamentation, and the juxtaposition of contrasting elements often conveying a sense of drama, movement, and tension.I do not like to use the whole definition because I don’t feel that the baroque period ended in the 17th century nor do I feel that Ken Bonfield’s music is characterized by grotesqueness in any sense of the word. Hell, I could cut that definition down even more when I try to explain Ken’s style because it’s not all drama, movement and tension. Actually, uplifting and soulful would be two great words to add. But I do feel that the title American Baroque: Steel String Suprise not only provides an insight to this genre but also the work that is presented on this CD, an offering of songs and versions of pre-released songs that might have not seen the light of day if he decided to dock his “Ship” at port for good.With the presentation of a record deal from Loud Dust Recordings at the right time in the retrospect of his accomplishments, we have a CD that is full of tunes that represent a span of seven years, tunes that will not only move you but show his ability to stay “organic” in this modern world. This CD, which will be released later this summer, has 17 tracks, 4 solo pieces- close to an hour of music, and includes a new solo rendtion of "Steel String Surprise" that was recorded at Thomas Eaton's studio in Newburyport, MA. The album also features live, in-studio recordings with Joe Ebel, Michael Manring, and Ty Burhoe. The CD opens with “Renaissance," which is a perfect example of Ken’s signature style, sound and his God-given talent. It’s a great introduction and prepares the listener for a beautiful journey into the real Americana that isn’t defined by fashion or trends. Before you know it, you reach track eight aptly titled “Floating” and rightly so because it is definitely an audio translation of such an event. With such an entrancing string section and Michael Manring on bass, it is almost upsetting that this song is only 3 minutes long (more like 2:33) but fortunately for you listeners, the next track is one of my all-time favorites and is a stunning piece of work. Actually, I prefer the version from his album Homecoming but this version is amazing and is way more involved. I’m surprised no one has asked to use it in a movie. Anyways, speaking of movies there are two tracks on this CD which will catch you off guard. “Angela’s Ashes” which is influenced from the novel but was a great movie and “Centerline” which is inspired by a scene from Pulp Fiction. Yup, Pulp Fiction and again, my favorite version of this song was released on Homecoming. “Angela’s Ashes” is a soft tune that reflects struggle and is, truly, the first depressing song I have heard from Mr. Bonfield but it is refreshing and shows the depth and progress that he has made as an artist of the guitar. “Centerline” is a wonderful track full of invigorating movements that creates the foundation for some beautiful duets and some really nice solos. Honestly, I think this song far exceeds in brilliance than any content from the movie Pulp Fiction but that’s my opinion and I like Pulp Fiction. So, No offense, Mr. Tarantino…ok?It’s always with CDs like these that they are over before you had time to listen. So, the album ends with track seventeen, “Dancing with Shadows” which is a brilliant emotional closing to this journey. This song exudes such grace and brings about wonderment. The music makes you think about life, love and hope. It encompasses passion, touches the soul and rejuvenates the heart and mind. It’s hard for me to do any justice to the brilliant musicianship and in-depth songwriting by using mere words. But I will say this: these songs are a compilation of “lost” tracks, to me they are a well-rounded overview of Ken Bonfield’s career up to this point. Let us hope, with the penning of that new deal with Loud Dust Recordings, we will be graced with some new works soon.

DVD Review: Tommy Emmanuel - Live at Her Majesty's Theatre

Brian Garrepy — Mon, 10 Jul 2006 05:42:18 EDT

What can one say to explain in vivid detail what you would see watching Tommy Emmanuel perform live in concert? Well, having the wonderful opportunity to view Live at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Ballarat Australia -- Emmanuel’s latest DVD to be released on July 11 -- I can say that he is a lively character who wears his passion on his sleeve. The playlist for this concert provides an ample overview of his finest songs, including material from Endless Road and some new tracks from his upcoming CD, Mystery. In between songs, Tommy discusses his music as well as his life, which makes for an intimate setting. While his work is proof that he is a virtuoso with the ability to fuse a plethora of styles into his compositions, he showcases that talent with the greatest of ease all the while having some serious fun. Favored Nations Acoustic, which is co-owned by Mr. Steve Vai, did a wonderful job capturing that essence for the cover of this DVD. This show was recorded in November of 2005 at Her Majesty’s Theatre -- which has been in continuous use since 1875 -- because of its precise acoustics, which they take advantage of to fully utilize the 5.1 DTS Surround Sound Audio. The Director, Mark Bayly, used multiple cameras and presents the footage in the Widescreen Format so you feel like you are actually there. The menus have a nice design to them, aren't overloaded with demanding graphics and include some audio clips to entice the viewer. The DVD also includes some extras but you will have to purchase this fine product in order to find out what they are. The high point on this DVD for me is when Emmanuel plays “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”. Now, as a bonafide Metal Head who dabbles in folk, jazz, classical and other timeless genres, I thought I already heard the only justice that could’ve been done to this song outside the original. That was the version done by Mr. Chris Impellitteri on the impeccable Stand in Line CD. Granted, there was no singing, but I have to mention that Graham Bonnet (of Rainbow fame) did vocals for that CD including a remake of “Since You’ve Been Gone”. Anyway, Tommy Emmanuel’s interpretation is absolutely beautiful! His harp-style harmonics are phenomenal and I truly feel that this version could be used in any remake of The Wizard of Oz. Overall, this DVD is quite the chronicle of great songs for those who have been loyal fans and for those who have just learned of this brilliant musician. But moreover, who could say it any better than the man himself? “I think it showcases my entire musical life; you really get to see my different influences coming together quite nicely. And, being back in Australia made for a truly inspired evening.”Be sure to check out: www.tommyemmanuel.com for the latest news, tour dates and a complete discography.

HBO, Cinemax to Provide Movie Downloads ... Soon

Brian Garrepy — Thu, 29 Jun 2006 15:27:29 EDT

It is now in the works that HBO & Cinemax will come together to offer legal downloads. Even if you don't subscribe to HBO or Cinemax through your cable provider, you will still be able to pay a monthly fee to have 1500 movies, including all the original content, at your fingertips. The great thing about this service is that if you don't want to download the movies you can still watch them online, and once you subscribe you can view all of the content that they offer from any PC or Laptop, granted you must have a broadband connection. The only major drawbacks that I forsee is that you can't copy the movie(s) to a DVD and that you will actually have a "time-limit" to watch the downloaded media.I've always had an issue with this type of mentality from the video conglomerates. The reason why people buy DVDs of said content is because it is a better quality format, they usually have a nice graphical interface to navigate, and those releases offer special features. The movies that are available for download legally or illegally aren't the same quality and considering HBO or Cinemax hasn't officially released this news I'm not sure what the streaming rate or standard file size will be. Still, I can safely say that the downloaded content will not be 9+ GB in size even if the streaming rate is at 600Kbps because it wouldn't be cost efficient for this type of service at this time. If this is the case, their respective HD shows will not be available. As for the special features, HBO & Cinemax will have alot of those juicy "Behind-The-Scenes," "Outtakes," and "Cast Interviews" available on their service portal.Still, I feel this service will be a huge extension to their already robust line-up that they offer on cable TV. This also will provide a legit alternative to the BitTorrent community to get their "fix" of the ROME series, though I feel the major reason this is being offered is that HBO realizes the BitTorrent faithful cannot be beat.

CD Review: Pure Will Ackerman

Brian Garrepy — Sat, 24 Jun 2006 11:33:12 EDT

A CD, a rich body of work spanning at least a decade, an auditory glimpse into the world of a master musician who pioneered an outlet and discovered such talents as George Winston, Michael Hedges and Michael Manring with his label Windham Hill Records. Pure Will Ackerman is a palette of emotion and musicianship that will add color to your music collection.Though this CD may be an accurate archive of Will Ackerman's talent on the acoustic guitar, it is also a testament to his songwriting skills and the ability to incorporate talented musicians while letting them shine. Its timeless beauty is a rare find in genres other than classical and jazz - so it's no surprise this release is inspired by those elements. This thoughtfully organized compilation aspires above those elements with such tracks like "Driving," "Climbing in Geometry," and "Ventana."There are moments on this album where you will feel like you are listening to the soundtrack of life, so exuberant and soulful are the passages. Organic spirituality can be felt on tracks like "Walk with Me" and "Briars above the Well," but do not mistake Mr. Ackerman's vision as New Age.These songs don't speak of a better life or of a different world; they speak about this life, this world. There is beauty in the Here and Now. These aspects come from the varying influences of folk and other worldly music, which lends human strength and compassion to each of these songs. Solo pieces like "Processional" and "The Bricklayer's Beautiful Daughter" highlight these human moments and showcase Mr. Ackerman's ability to soar through a song on his own."Hawk Circle" is a poignant masterpiece indulging us with the intimate chemistry of George Winston, Michael Hedges and Will Ackerman. Unfortunately, the passing of Mr. Hedges leaves me yearning at what an album by this trio would sound like. If you don't let the CD progress to the bonus track, "Hawk Circle" makes for a powerful ending; an ending to an audio journey that leaves you grateful and with a better understanding of what "pure" really is.Mr. Ackerman completely sold off Windham Hill in 1996 to live in Windham County, Vermont, where he still works on music and building. He will even perform a "house concert" in an intimate setting if you contact him. For more information visit Ackerman's nicely designed website.

Thrash Metal Update

Brian Garrepy — Mon, 19 Jun 2006 19:41:26 EDT

Monday....What a weekend!! The World Cup playoffs have been exciting.... Wait, Do I really give a shit about Soccer? NO!!! Fuck that shit!!On to some real news......Defiance, one of the biggest underground thrash influences from The Bay Area, is releasing a new album and DVD this year but it looks like it will be closer to Christmas.According to their Myspace page: "In March of 2006, Defiance signed with Corporate Punishment Records. They are currently working towards completing a full length CD and DVD, with the addition of Mark Hernandez on drums, replacing James Raymond."The current line up is:Doug Harrington - GuitarsJim Adams - GuitarsSteev Esquivel - VocalsMike Kaufmann - BassMark Hernandez (Vio-lence,Torque)- DrumsNon-published and hard-to-find,"Void Terra Firma" & "Beyond Recognition" are available for free download(Mp3 @ 214kbps) from their website. Thank You Guys... (Screw You RIAA) Please Support This Band!Displeased Records is working on re-releasing one of the most crucial thrash CDs in Metal History. That's right, Atrophy - Socialized Hate. They are also releasing Violent by Nature but I was never a huge fan of that release (No Offense guys). Their hasn't been any official word about the release date but I am gonna keep checking their website and I am also gonna contact them via email ... I'll keep ya posted!

CD Review: Neuraxis - Trilateral Progression

Brian Garrepy — Tue, 13 Jun 2006 21:04:09 EDT

As with any Technical Death Metal band, one can always make reference back to the pioneering work that bands like Atheist, Death, and Cynic unleashed on the Metal community. These bands focused on multiple influences, including Jazz and Progressive Metal, to bring forth a new sound for the Death Metal genre. Believe me, few bands have “pulled it off” the way the aforementioned bands have done to the extent they are actually acknowledged in Metal history. Granted those bands are the forefathers of Death Metal, I have thoroughly enjoyed the Death Metal scene, especially from Canada, since Death’s last release.Neuraxis, from Canada (who could’ve guessed, right?), comes right along after three previous works to enlighten the world with their technical masterpiece, <i>Trilateral Progression<i>, which was released in 2005. Granted, I can’t say that they surpassed such acts like Kataklysm, Cryptopsy, or Quo Vadis in the brutal sense, but they have incorporated those crucial influences with such an addicting melody that once you listen to the whole CD, you will go back for more. Ian Campbell is one of the few vocalists in this genre who has a truly unique sound and often reminds me of a US pioneer by the name Billy Milano of S.O.D. fame. But, Mr. Campbell can reach such impressive lows that I want to check for effects pedals if and when I get to see them live. (Just Kidding)This album is amazing from start to finish and never lets up. The songs don’t come across as negative in the sense of “Death” metal. They are quite upbeat and sustain a theme about the systems of mankind, intelligence, and a quest for moral achievement. Though, these are just my interpretations after pondering the lyrics to the 10 tracks of blistering blast beats and furious riffing that would lead many to think otherwise. Actually, if you never read the lyrics you would miss out on the Shuldiner-esque style of deep thought that utilizes the dictionary far beyond what your average stereotypical “Metal head” could understand. Thus, the term “Forward.Thinking.Metal” comes to mind and that is why the label the band is signed to has it as their motto. Which leads me to the technical precision of this album, because fine musicianship awakes the thinking process and makes you want to submerse yourself deeper into the realm of all that is Neuraxis. You have Robin Milley (guitar),Yan Thiel (bass) and Tommy McKinnon (drums); upon the second track which is understandably titled “Clarity” these guys make you realize their motive is clear. To create a wave of audio annihilation with accurate timing that penetrates your ears and cues you in on what kind of force there is to be reckoned with. With moments that roll in right around the 4:00 mark on songs like “Shatter the Wisdom,” you realize these guys are a powerhouse and can explode with the greatest of ease even after you think it’s going to end. The strong points on the album are the two songs I mentioned, which you can download from either the band’s website or the record label’s website. As for the third track, “A Curative Struggle”, you will have to purchase the album to hear it. It is totally unrelenting and once again showcases the band’s ability to lay down a massive audio attack.This is one CD I highly suggest you add to your collection as the band will probably be perceived, in due time, as pioneers of the Death Metal scene in this decade.

CD Review: S.Y.L. - The New Black

Brian Garrepy — Mon, 12 Jun 2006 18:35:28 EDT

Strapping Young Lad didn't need a four-year hiatus to re-introduce themselves to the Metal World. Actually, it hasn't even been a year since their release of one of the most amazing and crucial CDs to own in The Metal Universe, so aptly titled ALIEN. (This is something you could be called if you don’t own that one by now.) On July 11th 2006, The Lads launch their audio assault once again. It's entitled The New Black, but this time it’s deemed "a stunningly well-defined and more diverse effort that is soon to be a landmark in the epic pantheon of Heavy Metal." Ha! We’ll soon see about that! One could ask, as I have, “What does the album title mean?” Well, for a metal enthusiast like myself, I automatically think of The Black Album from Metallica. Considering that Metallica changed their sound drastically with the mentality of turning over a new leaf, which in turn led them to major success, that album was easier to listen to and probably more accessible, though I thought it sucked. So, with that being said, I feel that this album is a turn towards accessibility and a shot at getting noticed on a larger scale. Well, Mr. Metal Enthusiast, what about the CD review? Oops, I almost forgot! I am now done with my speculations about the ulterior motives of a sick band that only deserves to get the cash for the product that they produce and it was fucking quick might I add!! First off, like most people, I found out about the new album via their website and noticed that they had posted a new song in the MP3 format. That new song is called "You Suck" and it was in true SYL fashion with the full-on audio barrage of Mr. Devin Townsend’s vocal cords and pick, Mr. Gene Hoglan on his favorite Pearl kit, Byron Stroud on bass and Jed Simon on the axe. This happens to be my new favorite song especially with the part of the chorus that rants, "Even your fucking girlfriend sucks,” (group replies) ”Hell yeah, she fucking sucks!”There are some major strong points on this release where the above quote is within merit, like "Far Beyond Metal", "Hope," and "The New Black," even so that I fudge myself with mere envy at the grooves that these vicious musicians lay down. But, with tracks like "Fucker" and "Monument", I really questioned the direction of this album because those songs, while they are still material that only SYL can produce, are rather weak. Granted I really haven’t sat down and read the lyrics; "Fucker" is a funny tune and sounds like an attack on the Zombie-esque style of metal that made its way into strip joints and music history."Monument" pisses me off because the rhythm sounds like a rip-off of a shitty Marilyn Manson track. Other than those two songs, I am pretty happy with the CD and can honestly say that I would love to embrace these works live. And that’s where we come to the worst part for this here Herald.In support of the new CD, Strapping Young Lad will be performing their might and wisdom on the second stage at Ozzfest. (Author’s Note:*UUUGGHHH* I mean, COME ON!! This is the epitome of all shitty power/nu-metal shows and for a band like SYL to even acknowledge this atrocity is Blasphemy. This could be viewed as an act of audio subterfuge and can only bring to light their ulterior motive which is to make the transition from Heavy Metal Gods to Mainstream Peasants!!)You can check out the new MP3 as well as tour dates and other linger-ficken' good stuff at (yup,you guessed it!) the group's website.

Review: DEATH - Individual Thought Patterns

Brian Garrepy — Sat, 10 Sep 2005 14:03:56 EDT

"If the devil played metal he would sound like Deicide........ God on the other hand would create Individual Thought Patterns, which is not merely a compliment." (Review of Individual Thought Patterns by Wim Baelus, in Aardschok Magazine, July 1993, Netherlands)This excerpt from a review by Mr. Baelus is an excellent portrayal of the work done by Chuck Shuldiner (DEATH) and it definitely covers more than Individual Thought Patterns. Here is my review.The sixth installation in a series of not just band changes but musical progressionw (the first noticable change was Human), Individual Thought Patterns was a testament to Mr. Shuldiner's vision, especially if you take a look at the professional musicians who took part on this musical journey...Steve DiGiorgio (Sadus) - Bass Gene Hoglan (Dark Angel) - Drums Andy LaRocque (King Diamond) - GuitarFrom a listener's perspective, without knowing any of Chuck's personal dilemmas or triumphs, this album covers the realm of emotion and deep thought. Starting with the blistering fast opener "Overactive Imagination", all the way to the epic closer "The Philosopher", DEATH demands that you understand that not all death metal is about finalizing your pact with the underworld nor is it for people who don't understand time signatures. In fact, the song "Nothing is Everything" begs to differ with the idea that death metal is for angry, evil youth with the lyrics:"...Emotions take control of life everyday. Unpredictable variations of behavior, hold the key to the mental door. Where nothing is everything, and everything is nothing. Staring beyond the wall a thousand times over."It is quite the short song lyrically, but it shows Chuck's capacity to think beyond the normal,boring and pretentious song writing that tends to happen in the death metal community as well as the mainstream. Granted this album is filled to the brim with "cookie monster" vocals (I hate that term), but that's what "death" metal is made of and Chuck really knows how to lay the aggression on thick with reason and intellect. Beautiful dynamics between the musicians show in abundance throughout the album and it's very apparent when Mr. LaRocque takes hold of the strings on his axe. Such mind numbing fret work makes you wonder if Yngwie is somewhere out there being envious.Chuck Shuldiner's guitar work is a source of inspiration, especially when he plays and sings at the same time. You can definitely hear how far he had come with his ability and skill. Steve DiGiorgio's fretless bass lines are sweet to the ears and far beyond what he was doing in Sadus (you can actually hear similar work on Cynics' Focus). As for Gene Hoglan, he is just a monster on the kit and an undeniable force behind the blazing symphony of technical brilliance on this timeless benchmark of all death metal bands.In 1993, there were some really great bands that had a similar technical progressive sense but I truly feel that none of them had the forsight and vision that Chuck had as to where death metal would go.R.I.P. Chuck (1967-2001)Ed/Pub:LM