GREG RAPAPORT
~ AZRAEL BLOCK ~
THE ARTIST & THE DISC
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AZRAEL BLOCK is the newest CD by Greg Rapaport, a well rounded,
if not all encompassing musician. He played all the instruments, composed
these intricate and at times complicated songs, programmed the drums and
did all the studio work where he showed surprising skills. He even did the
incredible artwork for the CD. After hearing AZRAEL BLOCK I was amazed
that one mind had conceived, executed and created such a stunning piece of
work. Something this great is usually the work of a team. Greg is obviously
seasoned in all areas of the trade, a true consummate professional. This
is the kind of do it yourself greatness that the Record Industry fears with
it's cold heart. Right On Greg!! Power To The Musician!! Sorry man, I got
a little carried away.
I reviewed Greg's last CD "WYRD"
so I'm no stranger to Greg's music. But I had forgotten how deeply his music
could cut, or how quickly it could heal. Much of the music here has a Jeckell
and Hyde quality that I just love. One minute he's Dr Jeckell, the articulate,
calculated creator of visions. Then in a heartbeat he's Mr Hyde, insane,
powerful and dangerous. Greg just loves to lull you into a false sense of
security, and then without warning slam you head first into a wall of Metal.
This keeps you looking over your shoulder every time a song takes a calm
turn. You just know he's waiting around the next corner with an axe.
AZRAEL BLOCK is a very groove oriented CD partially do to Greg's
certifiably mad bass playing. I do find myself switching off between
listening to the guitar and the bass. Just check out the slappin' on
"Interlude-B" or the highly funk induced "Difunckt". This CD would undeniably
appeal to Bass guitar fans as well. There are a some ferocious funky parts
that would make Bootsy Collins take notice!
But, back to the CD...A line from John Kay (Steppenwolf) best
describes this CD, "It's Evil, Wicked, Mean and Nasty". AZRAEL BLOCK is exciting,
forceful and full of heavy moods and dark colors with moments of beauty and
light. But even in some of the most beautiful moments there is still this
uneasy vibe. Not a feeling of doom, just uncertainty, the kind that makes
the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. But this isn't entirely a metal
CD, although it is HEAVY.....I have to say that I love the relentless attacks
that come out of nowhere in Greg's music. He is among the masters of shred,
and his attacks will leave you bruised. But when he slows it down and put
away the flash, his music reaches a whole new level, becoming spiritual,
even transcendental. Expressing a beauty that no eye has seen, but thanks
to Greg, the mind has. He reaches this point in both "Interlude-A"
and "Flatline". Where we get to see Greg at his most creative and imaginative.
He paints a highly detailed background. Right down to almost ambient sounds.
The production of the entire CD is nothing short of exceptional. I've heard
CD's that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to record that aren't even
in the same league as AZRAEL BLOCK.
Whoooaa! Rockers and Shred lovers, this stuff will beat you
up and leave you for dead. Any calm moments are usually followed by an all
out assault. Greg is a conquerer that shows no mercy, and knows no mercy.
I don't make comparisons, (Vai with a bad attitude meets Satriani with too
much caffeine meets Petrucci) so I will say that Greg is among the masters
when it comes to Rock, Metal and Shred. But when it come to shear merciless
aggression/force/power/attack/ Greg has no equal. And his understanding,
and powerful use of dynamics make these attacks that much more
damaging. Trust me, when you're drifting off into space during one of
the softer moments, and you forget where you are. Then suddenly Greg rips
off your head with some deadly Metal riff/solo you'll get it.
"A Highly Technical Guitarist Who Sets New Boundaries For
Progressive Metal. This Is The Standard By Which All Other
Metal Guitarists Should Judge Themselves".
click to go to Greg
Rapaport's Site Now...
THE TRACKS
if you don't know what the heck I'm talking about
(and who does?)....check out the samples below.
And read my comments while listening to a streaming 30 second sample of all
songs.
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Here To Sample the CD
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The CD opens with "Azrael Block" - Right from
the beginning this song throws you head first into the darkness. Opening
with a wicked shout sound bite that get placed again in strategic points
to enhance the already ominous vibe. Then all of a sudden there's a moment
of sanctuary, the music is calm and soothing, your heart rate slows bringing
you a sense of security. But the attack is back on!
TRACK #2 "Sever" - A beautifully/aggressive song that seems
more aggressively/beautiful at times. An aural attack that's rooted in Rock,
with a Metal edge. Some highly emotional/soulful playing here. Even though
this is a very pretty song, that ominous vibe from track one seems to carry
over to this song, creating a pleasant but uneasy feeling.......
TRACK #3 "Tech Support" - Opens with a sound bite of a phone ringing
over and over. Funny that's the exact sound I hear whenever I call Tech Support.
But that's a story for another time. A very funky Jazz song with plenty of
no bull sh#t Metal attitude. Damn this song is downright wicked with it's
danceable Funk and nasty Metal. This song will have you shakin' your ass
and thrashin' your head at the same time. Greg's attack and sound of the
solos on this one is really dirty. I turned this one way up when I first
heard it!
TRACK #4 "Interlude-A" - Greg paints an aural landscape on this track,
and I would call it a masterpiece. Slowing it way down creating a tranquil
state with not only the notes, but the space between the notes. This guy
seems to be able to control both space and time. On this track I loved the
weightless drifting feel of the solos. Each note with a voice of it's own.
This is where we see Greg go from destroyer to creator, madman to genius!
Oh! Man! Beautiful..........
TRACK #5 "Skitzophraniac" - I love this track, alright I love the
whole CD. But this is the way I like it. There's always a new twist that
you just don't see coming. And anyone who has actually read my reviews knows
how much I like being blind sided musically.
TRACK #6 "Uncle Knucklez" - An infectious
groovathon that turns like a mad dog and bites you in the ass, shifting between
smooth smokin' Jazz and smolderin' Metal. This track is tighter than a pair
of Britney you know who's hiphuggers. The odd time changes make this danceable
track contrast the bodies natural timing. So if you try bopping your head
to this one, you better be ready for a neck brace.....
TRACK #7 "Flatline" - Whoa..this is what I'm talking about. This song
shows Greg at his softest, and some of his hardest. A beautiful, spiritually
moving song with a couple of surprise attacks where the "beautiful" turns
brutal, and the "moving" means run! At a full 9:47 this track still wasn't
long enough for me. Greg ends the song with a sound bite of the heart monitor
flatline____. To remind you that it's a beautiful song, but it's an odd
beauty.
TRACK #8 "Interlude-B" - Greg is clearly an amazing Jazz player, so
I was indeed pleased to see him include a real Jazz number. In Greg's own
inimitable style he challenges the boundaries, but he keeps it Jazz, smokin'
and sweet. Mercy me...that's a deep groove! The good time feel and the
funky danceability draw you immediately under it power. (a side note* It's
also a very cool song to play air guitar to. For real fun try the bass line.)
A radio friendly song that instantly feels comfortable..
TRACK #9 "Deceiving The Industry" - This song shifts back and forth
between a wall of industrial metal and a very pleasant Rock groove. The outro
solo on this one is breath taking. I think I heard a little classical influence
too.
TRACK #10 "Difunckt" - Remember how on the track "Interlude-B" above
I said how much I like Greg's Jazz playing. And how on that track he stayed
within the boundaries. OK, this is another great Jazz song, but forget the
boundaries, there are none. Greg plays this Jazz song with a real Metal influence
and piercing solos. This one begs to be turned up to "11".
TRACK #11 "Dinner And Dancing" - I don't know about dinner, but he's
got the dancing part right. A white hot funkified and obviously danceable
song. I can picture BB Kings Horns behind this, with BB and Greg trading
off. It's got that kinda funky blues feel that makes you want to shake
something..It's in you and it's gotta come out.
TRACK #12 "No Solace" - Maaan! This one comes at you like an angry
pitbull out for vengeance. No Solace indeed, this track leaves you nowhere
to hide. I was hoping for one no holds barred all out attack song. This is
exactly what I was hoping for, Greg unleashed with an attitude and six strings
to back it up. Greg does give you time to rest. It's only after 5 minutes
of relentless assault though. For the next 3 minutes Greg takes you on a
smooth ride through a dark intricately woven background, making you feel
safe but unsure. But as the title might suggest, you're not safe. And in
a split second move, Greg comes in for the kill. I didn't even see it
coming!
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