In the tradition of recent strong progressive fusion releases like the latest from Planet X and Gordian Knot comes this project from German keyboard player Dzidek Marcinkiewicz. Comprised of eight blistering instrumentals, Marcinkiewicz, guitarist Frank Tienemann, plus a few drummers and bass players, manage to mix bombast, serious chops, and anthemic melodies for a wild ride.
Tunes like "Centre Opli Fuga" or the fist pumping title track, have huge sweeping melodies, symphonic synthesizers, complex unison trade-offs, and crunchy guitar work. Tienemann is a scorching shred master when he wants to be, with a thick distorted tone for leads and a massive rhythm sound, best displayed on the prog-metal meets fusion of "Kiss of the Vampire." Prog heads will love the symphonic complexity of the more keyboard oriented "Night Over Marakesh", with blinding synth solos from Marcinkiewicz, or the lush piano melodies and acoustic guitar strains on "King of Twilight." The latter piece has such gorgeous melodies you could almost imagine it with vocals, perhaps on a Lana Lane album with the soaring voice of the Queen of Rock. "Ametyst Eye" is a more contemporary jazz piece and perhaps the mellowest tune on the CD, but does contain an emotional, tasty solo from Tienemann, while the band gets the funk out on "Dark Angel."
This is a fun CD, filled with memorable songs and great playing. Dzidek Marcinkiewicz proves to be a superb keyboard talent and songwriter, while Frank Tienemann is a monster guitarist who I am sure we will be hearing more from in the very near future. With killer chops and a tone to die for, this guy rips it up on both electric and acoustic here. I'm ready for more!
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