PROJECT STEIGER
(f/ Ken Steiger)
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DEFIANCE~
THE ARTIST & THE DISC
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"DEFIANCE" is the newest release by Ken Steiger and band "The Steiger
Project". It's a forceful entry into a style he calls "Instra-Metal" music.
Which is more than just a catchy play on words, it's an attitude that runs
rampant on "Defiance". Clearly this is a CD and guitarist with a sole purpose,
world domination by force. Ken plays with a death before dishonor attack
so sharp and precise that he almost drew blood. There are the moments of
solace, but this is pretty much a fast and ferocious ride. Ken is an in your
face maniacal technician, and makes no apologies. He's like mixing Sugar
Ray Leonard with young Mike Tyson. Not only is Ken hitting you lightening
fast relentlessly, but man, he's hitting you real hard! Maybe it was the
volume, or maybe it was the killer rhythm section. But when I crank this
up I feel it.
I need to mention the extreme musicians that are here with Ken. They
too are a big part of the "Defiance" CD. Derek Sherinian on
Keyboards (Dream Theater, Yngwie Malmsteen, Kiss, Alice Cooper), Virgil
Donati on Drums (Steve Vai, Planet X, Freak House) and Tony Franklin on Bass
(Jimmy Page, The Firm, Blue Murder). They've worked with the masters, the
maestros and the maniacs. So I guess they were ready for a monster aka Ken
Steiger. Each of these guys is a threat by themselves. But bring all four
together at once and it's not a band it's a mob. Having played with the likes
of Dream Theater and Yngwie, it came as no surprise that Derek Sherinian
was able to run along with Ken, and make perfectly the shifts from aggressive
and progressive. And to be honest I couldn't help listening to Ken. But Virgil
Donati and Tony Franklin, Damn! Talk about a dangerous rhythm section. Those
guys are what I felt when I cranked it up. Virgil's playing is not only insanely
creative, but physically punishing. Without a doubt, the most aggressive
drummer I have ever heard (or felt). And the fretless virtuosity of Tony
Franklin. I'm very familiar with Tony's work, but this is by far the best
that I've heard him. I've been a fan for years and I had no idea he could
play like this. I need to go back and check some of his other work. I am
now a huge fan of Tony's.
Defiance is a heavy, to very heavy rock CD that instantly became my
favorite CD. I'm a big fan of over the top edgy guitarists. The problem has
always been that speed, power and melody don't always go hand in hand. And
in the hands of some players, melody suffers at the expense of speed and
aggression. But on Defiance Ken Steiger show exactly how to do it. Always,
always keeping the melody in sight this CD possesses a rich beauty despite
its overall forceful nature. The songs are well written, incorporating different
styles with in each individual song. Ken draws from the right influence
at the right moment to create the best experience. I have always believed
that the crowned jewel of Shred Guitar has been Yngwie's first (mostly
instrumental) album. Notice I said "has been the crowned jewel", because
that was 1980, 24 yrs. ago. We're in a new millennium, with a whole new breed
of hybrid guitarists. And I'm ready to say that this is "The Crowned
Jewel Of Shred Guitar".
By the second listen I was thinking that this could be the best rock/shred
CD I've experienced. By the third listen I was convinced this is the
quintessential rock/shred CD, bar none. On Defiance Ken is way over the edge,
putting you in a strangle hold at the very opening of the CD, and never ever
letting go. Some shred monsters can be abrasive if there isn't the inevitable
slow/mellow tune to balance it out and get the sense of the music back.
Especially the ones who are all attack and little melody. This is not true
however in Ken's case. He keeps such a close eye on melody that even in the
most aggressive times you find yourself hoping this guy never stops hitting
you. The faster, the harder, the better! C'mon! Hit me with your best shot!
(If you thought of Pat Benatar with that line, you'd better turn off VH1)
* personal note: Tony Franklin's Bass playing must be heard
to be believed. I keep switching between listening to Tony and Ken. Although
Ken does keep grabbing my attention.
To anyone who buys this CD, I'll give you one warning:
It's Ass Kickin' Time And You're It!
"One of the most original approaches to heavy instrumental
rock guitar in years, while still remaining true to the genre. I put him
along side the likes of Petrucci/Vai/Stump. This high adrenaline shred monster
attacks from all sides, giving you just enough time to draw your last
breath"
click to go to Ken
Steiger's PROJECT STEIGER 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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The CD opens with "Prince Of Souls" - An evil sounding track that makes
me think of the Dark "Prince Of Souls". This is a great song to introduce
the listener to the many styles and influences Ken incorporates into his
music. Rock, Metal, Thrash, Progressive, Neo-Classical, Blues (from the rock
foundation), and explosive life threatening shred at speeds that seem
unfathomable at times. It all here and throughout the entire CD. But this
is only the ticket, you've just entered the ride so hold on!
TRACK #2 "Rock-It" - Changing back
and forth between a progressive metal and a thrash vibe, this song rivals
John Petrucci, making Ken possibly the finest player of his genre. The first
track was more Progressive rock, where "Rock-It" is pure unadulterated rock,
hard and heavy. And kens soloing is set to overdrive, delivering a barrage
of melodic mayhem that just seems to intensify as the song continues. I'd
like to make mention of Virgil Donati (drums) and Tony Franklin (bass). They
give the listener a physical pounding. Man I'm Bruised!
TRACK #3 "Run 4 Cover" - This song at first seems like the break track
( the mellow track that all heavy bands include as a break from the aggression).
But with the title "Run 4 Cover" you know Ken's just waiting for you to feel
safe so he can come in for the surprise kill. A beautifully aggressive
song.
TRACK #4 "Vertical Integration (V.I.)" - Like "Rock-It" this is a
non stop over the top shred-a-thon. This track however is deeply rooted in
metal giving it a wicked Medieval and a much more threatening sound.
There's a real Neo-Classical influence in the solos that give the song a
triumphant feeling despite the dark atmosphere. On this song Ken used his
Live band to record. Gene McEwen and Yolen Farias prove to be a formidable
force themselves, providing a bone shattering rhythm section. These
guys are downright frightening man!
TRACK #5 "Child Of The Storm" - A beautifully sculpted progressive
rock song that is perfectly suited for the radio (ala Satriani). It's not
as mainstream as Satriani. Ken maintains his "Instra-Metal" style but shows
a more subdued side here. Underneath though, it's a smokin' rocker that comes
out like a mad dog. And continues to build momentum before biting you on
the ass. And dig the incredible to mind blowing fretless Bass of Tony Franklin.
Damn!! Is it any surprise he's one of the most respected players today?
TRACK #6 "Neutron Flux" - This song starts out beautifully, with a
slower but just as powerful blues influenced solo. This part of the song
highlights the ocean deep emotion Ken plays with. Which is this articulate
guitarists secret to hitting you with devastating shred assaults and not
sounding abrasive or overpowering. About a third of the way into this song
it makes a 180° change and becomes a weighty powerful song with a
Neo-Classical influence. Oh Man! I love this song. A style swing that goes
from heaven to hell....Powerful!
TRACK #7 "Edge Of Forever" - A Neo-Classical piece that shows just
how easily this skilled technician could dominate this genre as well.
TRACK #8 "KT Boundary Event" - Oh
Yeaaa! We're back to the dangerous side of Ken Steiger. A master of all that
is shred, Ken set the track order just right. Because the beauty and finesse
of the last track perfectly sets up the reckless force of this track. The
mood shifts back and forth between evil and victorious, giving a mental image
of a battle of sorts. One that can't be lost or else. From the first note
to the last note this song never relents. I really do love this stuff!
TRACK #9 "Persuasion" - That's right the Carlos Santana song. Ken
recruits the extraordinary Gary Hoey to join him on this unbelievable version
of the guitar classic. Anytime these two guys are together you just know
it will be nothing short of memorable. They bring a new light to the song
without re-writing it. I've heard artists who try to pay tribute, and render
the song virtually unrecognizable. And end up doing just the opposite.
So to cover such a spiritually magnificent song can be tricky. It would be
a sin to bastardize such a player/composer. But these two guitarists maintain
the integrity of the song, while putting their own creative stamp on it.
I just know Carlos would be honored at this version.
TRACK #10 "Anti-Gone" - Another of my favorites from the CD. Can you
say attitude? How about bad attitude with nothing to lose? There's always
one track during my review that I turn up to an almost intolerable volume,
and this is it. Kens solos are beautifully brutal on this song. Everyone
is over the top so you need to pay special attention to the whole band here.
Derik Sherinian, Virgil Donati, Tony Franklin and Ken Steiger together form
an unstoppable force (who would wanna stop 'em anyway). Ken couldn't have
chosen a better group of guys to record with.
TRACK #11 "Here Comes The Heroes" - A pleasant rocker with a radio
friendly sound. I had this addictive melody stuck in my head for days. A
straight forward all out rocker with a classic feel, not retro but reminiscent.
I was instantly drawn into the party atmosphere of this song. That's it exactly,
this is a party song. "Here Comes The Heroes" indeed, now you Ken Steiger
are one of my guitar heroes.
click the logo to check out the
Project Steiger site!
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