Heavy Mental is the latest release from guitarist Bruce Arnold, and his first in 9 years since the debut Give 'Em Some back in 2001. Once again, Arnold blends a tasty mix of rock, jazz, avant-garde, and metal styles here, making for a potent brew of instrumental guitar music.
The trio is filled out by bassist Andy Galore and drummer Kirk Driscoll, and the three rip through 7 numbers here filled with variety and tight ensemble playing. Arnold shows his influences throughout the CD, like the Satriani-ish "12 Tone Boogie", the Mike Stern meets Allan Holdsworth "Multiplicity", the Terje Rypdal inspired jam "Lock and Key", and the sensitive & tasty "Heard Instinct", which recalls Eric Johnson. Arnold's individuality comes out on the jagged blues-rock of "Dakota Gumbo", a dark, menacing track that sees the guitarist deliver torrents of white hot, blazing guitar shards that mix blues, rock, and fusion into one terrifying union."Blues for Arnie" is a more restrained number, as the rhythm section locks into a steady groove, allowing Arnold's notes to cry and soar. Closer "Numbers" is a bizarro piece complete with a multitude of guitar effects & noises plus some funky grooves.
On Heavy Mental, Bruce Arnold proves he is guitar player and composer of high magnitude. Let's hope that the world takes notice and gets this guy on a bigger platform so the masses can also enjoy and appreciate his talents.
Track Listing
1. 12 Tone Boogie 5:03
2. Multiplicity 7:49
3. Lock and Key 3:46
4. Heard Instinct 6:39
5. Dakota Gumbo 4:43
6. Blues for Arnie 6:19
7. Numbers 4:30
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