JAMES BYRD's ATLANTIS RISING ‘Crimes Of Virtuosity’
Lion (2005)
There was a bit of trepidation when I plopped this sucker in the CD tray.
After several recent bad experiences with guitar wizards and their god-awful
instrumental albums, I was a wee bit worried. I needn't have been, this is
in fact a group album from Atlantis Rising with that type of musical
instrument called vocals.
This is a re-released of 1998 album (with bonus tracks) and it is a rather good hard rock. While it won't be breaking any
sales records; it's competent stadium rock that does not disappoint.
Owing to the prescence of one time Fifth Angel guitarist Byrd, you can bet the
guitars on here are shit hot. Considering the compliments this bloke has
gotten from Malmsteen, its not surprising that much of the guitar playing
here shares some similarities with his as well as in style of the music.
I believe Byrd is rather fond of Malmsteen in his Rising Force guise, which to
be honest, so are the rest of us. There are other nods to Rainbow on such
tracks as 'Heaven on their Minds' as well as Deep Purple on 'Storm King.'
The vocal & guitar pairing on 'In My Darkest Hour' is rather impressive.
Basically my first impression of this disc were way the hell off. Quite an
impressive collection of tracks.
****
Review by Marty Dodge
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