Lion Music is presenting here the 10th Anniversary edition of Columbian guitar/keyboard virtuoso Nicolas Waldo's debut album from 2007, The Secret Place. Containing 10 all-instrumental tracks, Waldo plays everything here, and shred's the word as he snakes his way through one neo-classical metal melody after another, his guitar & keyboard skills of course top notch but it's also his ability to write a hook or two that makes him stand out from the many shredders on the scene. Tunes like "Arkangels" and especially "Breath of Life" really stand out with their soaring melodies that stack up well with his sizzling chops. While for some the programmed drums will sound somewhat sterile, Waldo's impeccable guitar solos will quickly make you forget about all that, especially on the futuristic "Pillars of Creation" and the Satriani influenced "The Last Seven Cups".
Though a fairly short album overall with most tracks falling in the 2-4 minute range, The Secret Place doesn't overstay its welcome and serves up a boatload of tasty, acrobatic guitar pyrotechnics within some pretty catchy tunes. If for some reason you haven't yet discovered Nicolas Waldo or perhaps just missed out on this debut, now's the time to get caught up.
Track Listing
1. Alpha Force
3:52
2. Arkangels
2:29
3. The Secret Place
3:18
4. Breath of Life
3:24
5. American Ground
6:15
6. King of the Universe
3:16
7. Lost World
4:05
8. Pillars of Creation
2:34
9. The Last Seven Cups
4:43
10. Angel Tears
2:45