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May 17, 2012 |
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01. Day Of The Dead
02. Alpha Burst
03. God Of War
04. El Flamingo Suave
05. Goin' To Church
06. One Way Of The Other
07. Trojan Horse
08. A View From The Sky
09. The River Song
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It would be really cool to take a look at Derek Sherinian's address book because the man sure has some cool friends. I thought that winning the "coolest friends of the year" award was a definite lock for that Foo Fighting man Dave Grohl and his "Probot" CD, however it looks as though he's going to have to share that title with this stellar keyboardist.
Sherinian is a wizard on the keyboard, and on "Mythology", he shines. But, being the master musician that he is, Derek knows that there are times when stepping back and letting someone else have the spotlight benefits the song. That is the case here and the results are very impressive. This doesn't really seem like a 'solo' album at all as the duties are shared throughout with the fine cast of players.
The album kicks off with "Day Of The Dead", a high-charged blast that features Zakk Wylde (BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, OZZY) and guitar master Allan Holdsworth trading licks. Oh, to have been a fly on the wall when the recording light went on for this rambunctious, yet sometimes ambient, song. The combination works so well with Sherinian that a full-fledged album would be near the top on any music fan's Christmas list for 2005.
The Atomic Playboy Steve Stevens (BILLY IDOL) makes an appearance on "Alpha Burst", and the interplay between Stevens and Sherinian is liquid smooth, with occasional blasts of speed from both players. Classy and flashy. Ex-WHITESNAKE and BLUE MURDER gunslinger John Sykes makes a rare guest appearance on the appropriately titled "God Of War", trading licks with Sherinian and Wylde. This tune does not hold back, and gives the listener the feeling that the music world hears far too little from Sykes.
"Mythology" surprises on the next two tracks in very good ways. The flamenco-tinged "El Flamingo Suave" showcases Steve Stevens in a different light - flamenco guitarist virtuoso - while the gospel-esque "Goin' To Church" sees guest guitarist Steve Lukather (TOTO) in a different light than anything he's ever done before. The bluesy guitar riffs tell a story from the very first note. Man, Lukather rocks on this tune. He plays with soul, class, and can be lightning fast when required. Steve Lukather is definitely one of the most underrated guitar players around.
The one song that kind of makes the listener scratch his (or her!) head is the final tune - "The River Song". While it's a good song, the fact that Zakk Wylde is singing (and it's the only song that has vocals), makes one wonder if it truly fits on this album. On a BLACK LABEL SOCIETY album...sure, that would be great, but it does seem a little out of place here on "Mythology".
Simon Phillips (drums), Tony Franklin (bass), Marco Mendoza (bass) and Brian Tichy (drums) are also featured throughout the album. It was once said that Eddie Van Halen could do what he does only because Michael Anthony and Alex Van Halen do what they do. This is the case on "Mythology" as well as the various rhythm sections, allowing the lead instruments to shine through.
Though some people may find an album without vocals a little difficult to listen to, if you listen closely, there is so much going on here that it's hard not to hear the brilliant musicianship. Prog-metal fans have a reason to rejoice as we wait for the next LIQUID TENSION EXPERIMENT album, and simply stated, this album smokes. "Mythology" should come with a warning sticker because yes, it's THAT addictive.
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