If instrumental guitar fusion is your jam, then head right over and lap up some of Chemical Compositions from virtuoso Michael Harris, a guy who has quite the discography for someone that's nowhere close to a household name to anyone other than, well, guitar players and fans. With nine solo albums, two with progressive metal act Thought Chamber, four with Arch Rival, plus a few more with Darkology and Surgeon, Harris has certainly been a busy guy since he burst on the scene over 30 years ago. With Chemical Compositions it's all about clever 'compositions' as it is the shred factor, as the album contains ten tracks that run the gamut from rock, to prog, to funk, and metal, all while keeping the melody factor very high and the chops ever present. Joining Michael on this latest release is brother Brian Harris on drums, and bassists Jeff Plant & Adam Nitti.
Tracks like the funky space rock/prog of "Surface Tension" and the catchy metallic rock of "Nuclear Tri-Fusion" show off Harris' compositional sense, ear for melody, and a sense of humor, his killer guitar tone and chops of doom saying 'hi, I'm here!' yet it's never shred for shred's sake. "Earth Elements" is all sorts of memorable, bits of Latin jazz and funk mixing with some good old groove laden rock 'n' roll, while the atmospheric "Anti-Gravity" takes a bluesier stance and allows the emotion to drip through each and every note. "Nitro Burn Down" is big, ballsy and majestic, as Harris out Satriani's Joe Satriani himself in delivering a stunning, rocking, and highly memorable instrumental anthem. Prog and classic fusion return once again on the adventurous "Augmentia", as nimble rhythms and crushing riffs pave the way for some complex lead guitar work, and for a cool journey into some blues/jazz weirdness, check out "The Acid Jazz Trip", which sounds like a jam session between Steve Vai, Jimmy Hendrix, and Frank Zappa. Another highlight is the funk metal of "Identity Crisis (Re-torched)", and the majestic, funky grooves of closer "Dopamine Swing".
Not a weak track to be found on Chemical Compositions, just lots of memorable pieces jacked with sensational guitar riffs, licks, solos, tight grooves, and plenty of attitude. Don't miss this one!
Track Listing
1. Nuclear Tri-Fusion 05:21
2. Earth Elements 04:07
3. Surface Tension 07:00
4. Anti-Gravity 03:32
5. Nitro Burn Down 05:00
6. Augmentia 06:53
7. The Acid Jazz Trip 05:10
8. Identity Crisis (Re-torched) 04:16
9. Resonance 03:47 l
10. Dopamine Swing 05:41
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
