On last year's Black Utopia release, Derek Sherinian proved that he is one of the most ferocious and creative keyboard players in the world. Now with the release of his latest opus, Mythology, Derek again surrounds himself... more » with some of the greatest talent from the worlds of rock and jazz. He takes the listener on a roller-coaster ride of musical passion that features the incredible talents of Steve Lukather (Toto), Simon Phillips (Toto, Jeff Beck, The Who), Zakk Wylde (Ozzy Osbourne), Grammy award winner Steve Stevens (Bill Idol), John Sykes (Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy) and Jerry Goodman (Mahavishnu Orchestra, Dixie Dregs).« less
On last year's Black Utopia release, Derek Sherinian proved that he is one of the most ferocious and creative keyboard players in the world. Now with the release of his latest opus, Mythology, Derek again surrounds himself with some of the greatest talent from the worlds of rock and jazz. He takes the listener on a roller-coaster ride of musical passion that features the incredible talents of Steve Lukather (Toto), Simon Phillips (Toto, Jeff Beck, The Who), Zakk Wylde (Ozzy Osbourne), Grammy award winner Steve Stevens (Bill Idol), John Sykes (Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy) and Jerry Goodman (Mahavishnu Orchestra, Dixie Dregs).
"The newest release by Derek Sherinian is yet another treat for not only the fan of Progressive music but also those that enjoy a most creative use of the keyboards. Derek seems to have taken them into the 21st Century even further with rich colors and experimentation in his music. He also makes sure to have a cast of talented players joining him on each CD. People participating this time around are Zakk Wylde, John Sykes, Allan Holdsworth, Simon Phillips, Brian Tichy, Tony Franklin, Marco Mendoza and others. This cast of musical luminaries assures you that the music while fun at time plays no games. It is intelligent and well composed. It also is a progression from his last release and that is what one expects from a professional like Sherinian.
"Day Of The Dead" is no-nonsense and perhaps my favorite track on the entire CD. Zakk lays down some killer guitar riffs and I admit reaching for my air-guitar for this one in particular. When you combine this with the magic of Allan Holdsworth you can see why it rocks so much. It is also the most epic of the pieces on the recording running a full 8 minutes plus. The Prog-head might enjoy that there is a lot more difference on this piece than the straight-forward heaviness of the last CD "Black Utopia" (also on InsideOut Music). Songs that try a little difference are most apparent in "El Flamingo Suave" and "Goin To Church". "Flamingo" employs a lot of Latin flavors while "Church" could almost pass for a slow Steve Vai tune. People don't always realize that sometimes where seems to be a guitar, it is actually Derek on the keyboards.
"One Way Or Another" is interesting in its use of violin by Jerry Goodman. There are also some fast movers as well like "God Of War" and "Trojan Horse". Overall the CD does not disappoint and the booklet has a nice little Derek Sherinian "Bandology". You can trace his career from this point with no difficulty. I look forward to Derek's future since the past has become a memory. One that can be reflected upon with pride and inspiration."
Breathtaking Performances!
Russ Bellinger | Bradenton, Florida USA | 12/17/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Sherinians new CD Mythology is very, very impressive. Just having Allan Holdsworth playing alongside him is rare and unique, let alone pairing him alongside Zak Wylde has unbelievable results! I'm a long time fan of Holdsworth and have seen him play live about four times and he is still one of the most gifted original guitarists of the 20th and 21st century. The other guitarists (Steve Lukather, Steve Stevens, etc.) also give amazing performances that rock with precision and feeling to blow us away! Excellent CD for fans of great musicianship and instrumental rock/fusion/metal."
A masterpiece
V. Sequeda | San Juan, Puerto Rico United States | 11/11/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Derek once again proves himself. The arrangements and complexities of the songs are amazing. Such type of music has been made for intelligent people. The musicians who collaborated in this project are outstanding. Each shine in their own way. Buy this. you will not be dissapointed."
Guitar greats
S. Miller | Wichita, KS USA | 07/14/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"As one of the other reviewers said, for a keyboardist's solo album, you would swear it is a guitar album. Guitar greats Zakk Wylde, Allan Holdsworth, and Steve Lukather all shred and Derek Sherinian manages to fit in, often in the background. As when he was with Dream Theater, many of Derek's solos have guitar tones and sound like guitar solos.
A good shred fest. Going from Zakk to Allan Holdsworth in one song was masterful. My favorite track is Going to Church, which has the most tasteful Steve Lukather solo and tone around. And don't forget the prog song with the shredding violin that doesn't sound quite like a violin."
Almost 5
Robert W | 08/31/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Very refreshing to hear some originality through out this CD. A lot of fine musicianship going on here. My only gripe is that some of the songs seem to just fade away and end almost like he ran out of thoughts for the music. You expect that it's going to keep going but it just fades away. Too bad. Rather short on time too. 45 minutes or so. Much too short for this good of music in the age of CD's. Quite well engineered too which is more than I can say for his previous Black Utopia. A great CD too but with poor engineering."