Metal for grown-ups
Marius Cipolla | 07/17/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Fans and musicians are sometimes aggrieved that metal isn't taken seriously by those outside the faith -- after all, the virtuoso performances of drummers, keyboardists and guitarists are often dazzling. One problem is that so much metal is repetitious. Every hemidemisemiquaver that Yngwie Malmsteen plays is utterly predictable and pat. Many metal fans like that. The astonishing thing about Sherinian is his endless inventiveness. True musicality never ceases to progress and surprise the listener. A lot of reviewers who don't like Sherinian have just been left behind by him, or are unable to tell that the whirlwind playing is not simply the usual arpeggios and dreary riffs, but something creative and thrilling.
Derek Sherinian is a wonderful performer and a very serious musician, and this album deserves a listening from everyone who loves to hear new music."