CROSSFIRE

Crossfire, Turkish semi prog thrash metal band, was formed by guitarist Kaya Sevinc in 1999. It took them 3 years to finally form their original line up and unique sound. Ever since they have been one of the most popular bands in the Turkish Heavy Metal scene. Crossfire honed their sound by combining power and thrash metal with the classical metal approach. Their "Decisions of Hate" (2002) demo was an underground favorite that lead them to hit the road for a massive tour including 2003 Metal Bash Festival in Hamburg, Germany... more

BRYAN BELLER (Steve Vai, Mike Keneally, Dethklok)

Bryan Beller has maintained a frenetic, multi-faceted career as a bassist, composer, writer and clinician for over fourteen years. On his own, Beller released his debut solo album, the jazz/rock-flavored VIEW, in late 2003. His second album "Thanks In Advance", a deeply personal narrative set to advanced jazz/rock compositional confidence, came out a few weeks ago. more

New Grass Revival / On The Boulevard

New Grass Revival are one of the pioneers of progressive bluegrass. Formed in 1971 by Sam Bush (mandolin/vocals), Curtis Burch (guitar), Ebo Walker (bass) and Courtney Johnson (banjo), they immediately got the attention from the industry both in a good and bad way. First of all, they were often told that their music was not bluegrass, and they knew it wasn’t “bluegrass” in its traditional sense, and it wasn’t what they were trying to achieve anyways. They were blending rock, soul and blues rhythms with the traditional bluegrass music. They were not wearing suites, but instead they had a more casual style along with long hair... more

THE ESSENESS PROJECT

The Esseness Project consists of Steve Smyth (Testament, Nevermore, Dragonlord), Steve Hoffman (Sweet Leaf) & Atma Anur (Journey, Tony Macalpine, Greg Allman & Greg Howe). Impressive backgrounds from these accomplished musicians to be sure, but don't think for a minute that you can sum up what this album sounds like simply based on their resume. This disc is not only progressive, but a heart felt exploration into the psyche. Hoffman's bass sings, Anur's technique is impeccable and of course Smyth's fret work is flawless.

Three things I am thankful for when listening to this album:

1) It is not called "The Steve Smyth Project"

and rightly so, this collaboration is nothing short of a feature album for all three members. It could've just as easily been the Steve Hoffman Project as the experimentation of bass sounds and styles is seemingly without limit on this disc. Additionally, the dazzling approach to time signatures & complicated yet sensitive beats could have just as well made this an Atma Anur solo release with very special guests.

2) This is an instrumental album with absolutely no vocals!

Why should there be? Steve is a master of expression. It is obvious with every heart wrenching note he bleeds dry from his axe that the strings speak a multitude. He effortlessly portrays sadness, anger, joy, complacency or anxiety with every chord. Smyth is in the league with Steve Vai, Paul Gilbert & John Petrucci hands down.

3) This isn't JUST a rock or metal album

Yes, the shredding guitar work is there, and yes the band's metal roots come out, but this music is so much more than that. At one point a guitar solo kicks off with a jagged knife piercing into full fledge exploration of progressive rock (Afterlife). Then at another turn the group dives head first into a bluesy yet pop groove, even at one point skillfully executing a jazzy jam (It's All In Your Mind). This is in no way, shape, or form a negative reference as the band often returns to a hectic barrage of hard driving rock that is frequently interrupted by an odd metered schizophrenic break.

Have no doubt that this is a progressive album. Steve proves that he is not to be dismissed as a one-trick pony only capable of climbing up and down the fret board with Yngwie Malmsteen style precision. In fact it is his experience in metal that gives his music a sense of urgency and authenticity instead of being heard as self indulgent mood music only appealing to nerds. These guys KNOW their instruments and are constantly pushing them to the brink of their capabilities. They have set out to prove that bass, guitar and drums are not just simply the core lineup for rock. These three elements are stunningly used to orchestrate bombastic classical pieces like on "Just When You Think". As well, Only Time Will Tell is a rock and roll opus that is indeed very classical. You can almost imagine a half-crazed conductor violently directing with his baton.

I wont pussy foot around - this is a must have album if you are serious about your prog.

DALE JUDAY