Impelliteri - Eye of the Hurricane

Chris Impellitteri is probably the fastest guitarist around with his only competition being that of Nitro's Michael Angelo or Joe Stump. He has released a steady stream of albums over the last decade or so and has been slammed as nothing more than a Malmsteen rip-off by the majority of the music press. Such comparisons were inevitable with his first major album 'Stand In Line' which featured Graham Bonnet on vocals where the songs were distinctly Malmsteen-ish at times. But now 12 years on from that album does the story still run true? Well the answer is generally no, sure their are a few Malmsteen traits scattered throughout the album [but then what neo-classsical album hasn't?] but there is also a distinctly personal sound and style of song writing that lets you know this is Impellitteri. If you want a Malmsteen rip off check out Narnia!

Having paired up with vocalist Rob Rock a few albums previously the pair have built up a strong song-writing partnership. This album has great riffs and solo's that are now a far cry from Mr Malmsteen with Chris's own style heavily to the fore. Their is a strong religious slant running through the lyrics which although not really my bag still sound pretty good with their strong melody lines. The musicianship from the whole band is excellent and all in all its a thoroughly enjoyable album.

1. EYE OF THE HURRICANE [4.30]
A devilishly good riff opens the album, the riff has bite and attitude, it transposes a little for the verse but the power is still there. 'Nations are rising up, their war and rumours of war. Still there is famine, floods and earthquakes. Persecution and distress see the love grow cold, Just another sign as the day unfolds'. The chorus has a catchy quality while retaining its metallic charm. The solo sees Chris' fingers flying all over the neck of his Stratocaster and this is pretty damn impressive. A little duet with the keyboards is also their before the chorus comes in to end the track. A delightful opener.
2. SHED YOUR BLOOD [3.23]
Its quickly into track number two and the pace doesn't slack one iota. More great guitarwork in the riff and some great drumming by ex-Fifth Angel man Ken Mary. The chorus is pretty majestic with Rob Rocks powerful yet melodic vocals belting out the lyrics. The bridge 'You defy the fire take up your cross, lifting me higher, saving the lost' sees more metallic charm before another stunning solo. Their is a bit of Malmsteen style stuff here but Chris throws his own slant on it. Another powerful track.
3. FUEL FOR THE FIRE [4.26]
A bluesy intro sees some nice bluesy Strat licks before the main riff smacks you in the face. Again the riff is ultra powerful and grabs your attention. This really is some start to the album with the quality not dropping off yet! This track has the same sort of direction and power as 'Slave To The Grind' era Skid Row, with Rob sounding a little like their vocalist Sebastian Bach. Chris' soloing is a million times better than the fretwork of the 'Row' duo however!
4. RACE INTO THE LIGHT [2.02]
A high tempo neo-classical instrumental workout which sees great doubling on the keys from Edward Harris Roth to Impellitteri's blistering fretwork. A nice melody which is a little similar to 'Trilogy Suite Op.5' but that's always a hazard with a neo-classical instrumental, original enough though.
5. BLEED IN SILENCE [4.11]
Another heavy weight riff that wouldn't be out of place on a modern Metallica or Megadeth album. The chorus has a quite melodic vocal line while the riff is as brutal as anything heard on the album so far. Their are some pretty good lyrics here also 'Twisted by tales of a demon, changing your leaves with the season. Tossed by waves in a delicate phase, And it leaves you alone with no reason'. The solo see Chris duelling with himself and it is again top notch, another string track.
6. MASTER OF DISGUISE [4.39]
A gentle intro is the basis for a spoken intro which is religious. The whole band kicks in for the chorus. The riffs are again heavy but melodic. Rob's vocals are again top notch, but the track seems to miss some of the quality heard on the other tracks. The main problem being that the guitar riffs for the verses and chorus are very similar. Their is a nice breakdown bone crunching riff before the solo which again sees Chris throwing some superb guitar magic into the track. A solid enough track but its one the weaker songs on offer.
7. ON & ON [3.24]
A gentle acoustic ballad that isn't that great, it has a nice enough vocal melody but overall the track is quite throwaway.
8. EVERYTHING IS YOU [4.57]
Another Skid Row sounding track. The chorus has more melodic metal greatness but the verse is a little weak. Their is an interesting bridge that brings some unexpected twists to the track. The solo is a mixture of bluesy licks and neo-classical smouldering. Not as good as earlier tracks though.
9. KINGDOM FIGHTER [4.09]
Another fast heavy riff that almost verges on thrash. More religious slanted lyrics are to be found but again Rob makes them sound pretty good. The pre-chorus sees the pace drop with a nice melody before the chorus which is quite majestic but not really to my tastes 'Kingdom fighter, Fighting the powers of the world, Kingdom Fighter ready to stand your ground.', the verses however are good. The solo is a little weak to others on the album and is short and to the point.
10. HALLOWEEN [2.36]
Another neo-classical instrumental. The sound here is very akin to stuff Testament did when they had the superb Alex Skolnick on lead guitar. This instrumental is not as strong as 'Race Into The Light' though but its a worthy addition to the album.
11. PARADISE [6.01]
Another ballad that hits the mark much more accurately than 'On & On'. Their are several different sections and a grandiose and majestic AOR style chorus that again sees Rob in fine voice. The solo is very good indeed with Chris seemingly able to build on the strong chorus melody while throwing some pyrotechnics in at well timed spots. A good way to end this generally very strong album.