For those not familiar with his name, Marcus Jidell is actually the guitarist for the excellent Swedish progressive metal group Evergrey having previously been part of another prominent progressive group Royal Hunt. Marcus has now recorded his debut instrumental titled Pictures From A Time Traveller, this has been a work in progress and the final result is an album that is of substantial appeal.
Marcus's input isn't just confined to his masterful guitar performance, he also plays bass, piano ,cello, keyboards and percussion. Some of the others contributing to Pictures From A Time Traveller are Marcus's Evergrey comrades on drums Hannes Van Dahl and bass player Johan Niemann along with the added attraction of keyboardist Andre Andersen (Royal Hunt).
Their welcome input adds that extra charm to the album like the drum work on a song like "Arctica" gotta love those thunderous kicks, and the keyboards on the progressive "Tesla World System" with a ripping Hammond organ style then later switching to that scintillating more modern sound. Marcus's album sure isn't predictable Pictures From A Time Traveller has more than just metal and while there is that shred factor he lacks the tendency to over indulgence which some players do so you won't drift off while listening. Marcus is also an adept musician when it comes to performing different styles with a background in hard rock, metal, blues, soul, rock, country, latin plus more, allowing him the flexibility to draw on such a wide scope of musical genres.
"Artica" is an adventurous complex track to begin with and once the metal ignites it just gets better and better, "Huldra (Ruler of the Forest)" brings with it thoughts of some of the great blues/hard rock players of the 70's. "Tesla World System" is a fantastic display of varied music executed impressively, "Rei Zan" has such a potent foundation as Marcus unleashes his guitar soaring in style. "El-Amarna (Ruins of Akhetaton)" is very exotic with a gripping heavy groove that just makes you want to move along in time. "Space Dog" is next as Marcus's gives his guitar another workout reaching some seriously fast speeds in parts. Concluding Pictures From A Time Traveller is the lightest track "Wedding Song" with more of Marcus's sweeping guitar.
Marcus Jidell has achieved something special with Pictures From A Time Traveller so give it a go and let Marcus Jidell impress you also.
Track Listing
1. Arctica
2. Huldra (Ruler of the Forest)
3. Tesla World System
4. Rei Zan
5. El-Amarna (Ruins of Akhetaton)
6. Space Dog
7. Wedding Song
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