Here's a treasure chest of goodies from the vaults for all fans of guitarist James Byrd. Beyond the Pillars takes us back to 1987 when Byrd had just left Fifth Angel and was putting together songs with vocalist Freddy Krumins , drummer Ken Mary, and bassist Tim Wolf. Seven of the songs here eventually made it to Byrd's first Shrapnel solo recording Atlantis Rising, but these early versions are a bit different than what most will remember from that now long out of print album. In addition, there are now seven additional 'lost' tracks here, making this a must have for collectors.
If you love late 80's European metal, then there is lots to sink your teeth into here. Influences such as UFO, Scorpions, MSG, Europe, Yngwie Malmsteen, Whitesnake, and Rainbow can be heard all over Beyond the Pillars. Krumins has a great voice, sounding something like a cross between Gary Bardens and David Coverdale, and the mercurial shred guitar of Byrd has hints of Blackmore, Malmsteen, and Schenker. As for the songs, they are just splendid, each one memorable with plenty of catchy hooks and sizzling musicianship. " I Don't Believe in Love (Falling in Lust)" is a tune you just want to crank in your car while driving around on a beautiful summer day, and "Chasing the Shadows Away is a powerful fist pumping anthem complete with a great chorus and raging guitar riffs. If you love that classic 'euro-metal' guitar sound, look no further than "Fly to the Sun" and "Waiting in the Shadows", as Byrd's commanding tone and chops just permeate the mix in jaw dropping fashion. Of course, the guitarist throws in a few stunning instrumentals, of which "Requiem Atlantis" is perhaps the most dazzling, as he mixes sultry flamenco tones with scorching electric lines for a mind blowing experience. For my money though, the real killer track here is the heavy "Eye of the Storm", which is just a great, crunchy slice of melodic heavy metal.
Though it's a shame that this recording has been hidden in someone's closet all these years, thankfully it has finally seen the light of day today with the help from the folks at Lion Music.
Track Listing
01. Chasing The Shadows Away.
02. Fallen Warrior.
03. I Don't Believe in Love (Falling in Lust).
04. Fly To The Sun.
05. On My Mind.
06. Waiting in The Shadows.
07. Remember Love.
08. Angel of Mercy.
09. After The Fire.
10. Eye of The Storm.
11. Stranger in The Night.
12. Let it Out.
13. Gotta Find You.
14. Requiem Atlantis.
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