SULTAN OF STRING 'Electric Storm' (Geek Records 2004)
Now this will either be a joyous exploration of progressive metal guitar instrumentation,
or a horrendous disaster. For that is the lot of the men (and women) who choose to
exercise their chops in this particular genre.
Normally, I'd be shoving women and children out of the way trying to reach the lifeboats
first, but the self proclaimed Sultan Of String (known to his kin as Dan Keller) manages
to lift his sound out of the mire and make something worthwhile.
Although firmly based in the shredding world of arty Friedman, Jason Becker and Steve
Vai, Dans particular tip involves exotic metal. Which seems to mean adding in some
Middle and Far Eastern influences to the usual array of guitar effects, whammy bars and
tricky tempo changes. It's when he utilises these influences to the extreme that it pans
out best. Look no further than one of the album highlights, "Old Salt" and compare it to
more it's more traditional neighbour "Ghost Light" to see what a difference a lick makes.
Dan first came to public notice with his contribution to a Jason Becker tribute CD, so ot
should come as no surprise that there are some distinct tonal similarities between the
two, but when he stretches out in his own direction, there is every indication that the
Sultan Of String could become a name of note.
There is one vocal track on offer where Dan’s wife Natali Keller steps up and lends some
Doro like wails, but it was wise to leave the vocal version of "Slaves Of Pyramid" to the
end of the CD, as it only distracts from the instrumentation. Stop at track 10 and you'll
be pleasantly surprised.
***** Out of this world | **** Pretty
damn fine |
*** OK, approach with caution unless you are a fan |
** Instant bargain bin fodder | * Ugly. Just ugly
