Alejandro Silva - Orden and Chaos (2007)

Tracklist:

01 - New Chaos
02 - 4+
03 - Jakobshavn
04 - Marea Solar
05 - Retrievolucion
06 - Black Iron
07 - Mantis A
08 - Omicron
09 - Prostitucion
10 - Respira
11 - El Llamado
12 - El Reto
13 - Purificacion
14 - Lo Desconocido
15 - Metal Himno

Chilean guitarist Alejandro Silva is back with a vengeance in 2007 with Orden & Caos, a mostly all instrumental CD (one vocal track, "Respira") that blazes in the incendiary style his legions of fans have come to know and love. The band, again featuring second guitarist Cristobal Arriagada, truly brings order to chaos and chaos to order, as they pound metal riffs, tear out aggressive grooves, deliver incredible, soaring solos and produce metallic mayhem in this over one hour package. Put the four Alejandro Silva CDs (Orden & Caos, along with "Alejandro Silva I", "Dios Eol" and "ASPC Live") into a CD changer or portable device and you'll be spending over four hours with some of the best metal south of the Panama Canal. Of note: second guitarist Arriagada contributes terrific solos to "NewChaos", "BlackIron" and "Prostitucion". Instrumental Guitar (Electric (Heavy)/Heavy Metal/Shred).

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Alex Masi - In The Name Of Mozart (2004)

Tracklist:

1. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Serenade No.13 For Strings In G Major Eine kleine Nachtmusik K.525 Allegro
2. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Serenade No.13 For Strings In G Major Eine kleine Nachtmusik K.525 Romanza
3. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Piano Sonata No.5 In C Major Sonata Semplice K.545 Allegro
4. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Piano Concerto No.24 In C Minor K.491
5. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Piano Sonata No.11 In A Major Alla Turca K.331 (K.300i)
6. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Piano Sonata No.15 In C Major Sonata Semplice K.545 Andante
7. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Piano Sonata No.6 In D Major K.284 (K.205b) Thema With 12 Variations

Alex Masi's follows up the stunning "In the Name of Bach", his most appreciated work to date, with In The Name Of Mozart. Forget enjoying Mozart's pieces only on violin or keyboard, this CD is all guitar. This time Alex has taken on the challenge of performing the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart on a Manne Semiacustica Guitar and a Farnell electric bass. On the Piano Concerto (track 4), Masi is joined by the Stuttgart Symphony Orchestra (conducted by Emil Kahn). Overall, Masi has selected upbeat composiitons which will be familiar to music fans who have a working knowledge of Mozart's output. The result: a stunning, must-have guitar album unlike anything else out there. No drums or percussion -- In The Name Of Mozart is Masi's all guitar tribute to these masterworks. Instrumental Guitar (Acoustic/Classical).

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Jasun Tipton - Seduction (2005)

Tracklist:

01 Tears from the Moon
02 Seduction
03 Question & Answer (Dedication to Jason Becker)
04 A Rise of Tension
05 Christina
06 Falling from the Sky
07 The Way You Move
08 Slow Dancing
09 Sunrise
10 Ya La Blu Tibia
11 Question & Answer II (Featuring Scott McGill)

If the goal of the musical arts is create a mood - a vibe - a slice of raw emotional energy, then the medium one chooses to paint these moods can be vibrant in countless different ways. Forms and textures, variety and originality, honesty and compassio... these are the brushes that Jasun Tipton has chosen in his musical endeavors. Tipton's CD, Seduction, is a collection of material reflecting a more subtle and nuanced side of his musical personality. Along with the fretted and fretless bass work of brother Troy, Tipton recruited the powerful percussive genius of drummers Sean Flanegan (Enchant) and John Perrine (Dali's Dilemma). Jasun himself uses both electric and nylon acoustic guitars along with keyboards to provide a sensual, cinematic and unforgettable melodic flair. Each song communicates a feeling. Contrasts and subtle style shifts create an explosively rich journey, sometimes romantic, sometimes ponderous, always thrilling. Upon hearing the final note, one thing is clear: Tipton has committed to creating music that is communication at a deep and profound level; music that touches you at your core, not only taking the Seduction, but taking your own as well. Instrumental Guitar (Electric/Progressive/Rock).

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John5 - Remixploitation (2009)

Tracklist:

1. Dorsia
2. Monsters and Gods
3. Say Goodnight To Your Soul
4. Sin
5. Eat It Up
6. Unbelievers
7. Shoot the Dog
8. 2 Bullets
9. Plastic
10. How Do You Like It

2009 release, the most bizarre album to date by the guitarist best known for his work with Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie and others. Remixploitation features 10 tracks from his previous solo albums all remixed by top notch guys such as Jeff McDonogh, Bob Marlette, Chris Baseford and Sid Riggs. The songs definitely carry the signature John 5 sound but now brought in a totally different and very interesting way which will take his music to a wider audience. Mascot Music.

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VA - Guitar's Practicing Musicians (1989) @320kbps

Tracklist:
01. Giant Steps - Jennifer Batten
02. Gamera Is Missing - Buck Dharma
03. Born to Be Wild - Leslie West
04. Free - Vinnie Moore
05. Southern Steel - Steve Morse
06. El Becko - Paul Gilbert
07. Tree - Randy Coven
08. Western Vacation - Reckless Fable, Western Vacation
09. NV4 3345 - Billy Sheehan
10. Bodhisattva - Elliott Randall
11. Shakes - Blues Saraceno
12. Sixgunz - Vivian Campbell
13. Rodo Lana/Play That Funky Music - Jeff Watson

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Tony Hernando - High (2000)

Tracklist:

1) The Underworld
2) First Target
3) Blue Mirages
4) Outsiders
5) Mirror With 2 Faces
6) Altered Statements
7) The Edge
8) Electric Mistress
9) Eleven Thirty
10) A Secret Promise
11) Race Another Day
12) Where's A Wish There's A Way

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Tony Hernando - The Shades Of Truth (2002)

Tracklist:

01 At The Crossroads
02 Behind The Catwalk
03 House Of Glass
04 Uncommon Vision
05 Slow Blues
06 The Silence Of Loss
07 Broken Hero
08 The Edge
09 Outsiders
10 Eleven 30
11 Still Believe

Tony Hernando, the number one guitarist from Spain, has released The Shades Of Truth, his second solo album. This CD features Mike Terrana on drums, while Hernando's playing ranges from chicken picking to funky, and from hard rock/shred to fusion to progressive. The Shades Of Truth is an album for guitar fans who are looking not only for "high tech shredding" but beautiful compositions. Keyboard wizard Vitalij Kuprij guests on one track ("Outsiders"), while super Texas guitarist Andy Timmons lays down fiery solos on "The Edge" and "Eleven 30". Demonstration of tremendous guitar ability and crystal clear production set this energetic CD apart from the pack.

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George Bellas - Mind Over Matter (1998)

Tracklist:

01. Fast and Furious[03:09]
02. Lost Time[05:29]
03. Reflections[02:29]
04. Warcry[00:45]
05. The Awakening[03:59]
06. Breath of Life[04:16]
07. Violin Solo[00:43]
08. Airborne[04:08]
09. Destiny[06:16]
10. God's Garden[04:01]
11. Collage[01:39]
12. Black Hills[04:48]

13. Orchestral Suite[30:06]

"Mind Over Matter" is George Bellas' second Shrapnel release, and finds the guitarist perfecting his neo-classical approach, while evoking shades of Jason Becker in places. Bellas' latest effort leads the way for a new breed of neo-classical guitar players. With a solid resume and exceptional skill as a guitarist, George Bellas will amaze even the most accomplished musician. When listening to "Mind Over Matter", be prepared for an aural assault as Bellas shows why this shred monster is considered one of the fastest players around.

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Roland Grapow - Kaleidoscope (1999)

Tracklist:

1. "Walk On Fire" – 4:30
2. "Under the Same Sun" – 5:23
3. "The Hunger" – 6:05 (Grapow/Michael Vescera)
4. "A Heartbeat Away" – 5:26
5. "Hidden Answer" – 5:03 (Grapow/Vescera)
6. "Till the End" – 3:50
7. "Kaleidoscope" – 6:45
8. "Angel Face" – 5:47
9. "Listen to the Lyrics" (Instrumental) – 3:55
10. "Reaching Higher" – 5:10
11. "Lord I'm Dying" – 4:34 (Grapow/Vescera)
Asian version (Victor Records VICP-60679) adds the following
12. "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)" – 5:28 (Jonathan Cain/Steve Perry)
All songs written by Roland Grapow except where noted
* Track 12 originally recorded by Journey on the album Frontiers.

Line-up:
Roland Grapow – guitars
Michael Vescera – vocals
Barry Sparks – bass guitar
Mike Terrana – drums
Ferdy Doernberg – keyboards
Jens Johansson - keyboard solos (Tracks 9 & 10)
Tammy - howling intro (Track 10)

1999 second solo album by Helloween's guitarist. Musical guests include ... Full DescriptionMike Vescera (ex-Loudness & Yngwie Malmsteen vocalist), Mike Terrana (Artension's drummer), Barry Sparks (M.S.G.'s bassist) and Furdie Dohenberg (Rough Silk's keyboardist). 11 tracks. Terrana & Sparks both also played with Malmsteen.

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Roland Grapow - The Four Seasons Of Life (1997)

Tracklist:

1. "Prelude No.1/Presto" (Instrumental) - 1:31 (Grapow/Ferdy Doernberg)
2. "The Winner" – 5:51
3. "No More Disguise" – 4:42
4. "Show Me the Way" – 3:45
5. "I Remember" – 4:33
6. "Dedicated To...?" (Instrumental) – 4:33 (Grapow/Raimund Burke)
7. "Searching For Solutions" – 4:43 (Grapow/Uli Kusch)
8. "Strange Friend" – 5:35
9. "Bread of Charity" – 4:56
10. "The Four Seasons of Life" (Instrumental) – 9:30 (Grapow/Doernberg)
11. "Finale De Souvenir" – 1:06
Asian version (Victor Records VICP-60031) adds the following
12. "Release Your Mask" – 4:15
All songs written by Roland Grapow except where noted

line-up:
Roland Grapow - vocals, guitars and sitar
Markus Grosskopf - bass guitar
Uli Kusch - drums
Ferdy Doernberg - keyboards
Ralf Scheepers - vocals (Track 7)
Axel Rudi Pell - guitars (Track 2)

The Four Seasons of Life is the debut solo album released by former Helloween guitarist Roland Grapow.

"I Remember" was released as a single.

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Andy Timmons - "That Was Then, This Is Now" (2002)

Tracklist:

01 - Super '70s
02 - Pink Champagne Sparkle
03 - Falling Down
04 - Beautiful, Strange
05 - Turn Away
06 - I Remeber Stevie
07 - Cry For You
08 - Farmer Sez
09 - Electric Gypsy
10 - It's Getting Better
11 - That Was Then, This Is Now
12 - Groove Or Die
13 - A Night To Remember
14 - Carpe Diem
15 - Donna Lee (Twist - Live!)
16 - Slips Away

Guitarist Andy Timmons has experienced great success with several of his solo releases in Europe and Japan, but "That Was Then, This Is Now", subtitled The Best Of X-tacy is his first worldwide CD that includes a US release! This CD features 11 newly re-mastered tracks from his first two highly acclaimed solo releases, "Ear X-Tacy" and "Ear X-Tacy 2", as well as five new instrumentals recorded especially for this compilation ("Super '70s", "Pink Champagne Sparkle", "Falling Down", "Beautiful, Strange" and "Donna Lee (Twist - Live!)") that contain some of Andy's best playing ever. Songs such as the Hendrix inspired "Electric Gypsy", the homage to Stevie Ray Vaughan, "I Remember Stevie", a beautiful ballad "A Night To Remember", the country chicken-picking barn-burner "Farmer Sez", and the incredible tribute to George Harrison, "Slips Away" are just a few examples of why Andy has long been respected and admired in the guitar community. The common thread through all these musical genres seems to be Andy's passionate style and sense of melody.

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VA - Guitar Visions (2006)

Tracklist:

1. Isn't She Lovely - Sylvain Luc
2. Bei Dir Was Es Immer So Schon - Birell Lagrene
3. Mundi - Tomatito
4. A Foggy Day - Barney Kessel
5. Truly Your Friend - Lucky Peterson
6. Bouncing Around (Rhythm In G Minor) - Django Reinhardt
7. La Vuelta - Luis Salinas
8. Minor Swing - Birell Lagrene
9. Summer Night - Philip Catherine
10. Eraldi - Sylvain Luo Trio Sud
11. Bolero - Charlie Haden
12. Vivaldi Tribute - Patrick Rondat
13. Si Tu Savels - Django Reinhardt
14. Mojo - Sylvain Luo
15. Swing To Bop (Charlie's Choice) (Topey) - Charlie Christian
16. Tones For Elvin - John McLaughlin
17. Recuerdos De La Alhambra - Sylvain Luc Trio Sud

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Impellitteri - Screaming Symphony (1996)

Tracklist:

1.Father Forgive Them 03:28
2.I'll Be With You 03:39
3.Walk Away 04:04
4.Kingdom Of Light 04:09
5.Countdown To The Revolution 03:58
6.17th Century Chicken Pickin' 02:29
7.Rat Race 04:11
8.For Your Love 04:21
9.You Are The Fire 02:43

Line-up :
Rob Rock - Vocals
Chris Impellitteri - Guitar
James Arnelio Pulli - Bass
Edward Harris Roth - Keyboards
Ken Mary - Drums

The band has somehow managed to improve on its sound from '94, with a heavier, rawer guitar base. There are occasional keyboard flashes, but perhaps only a note or two a song---if that. The music is still insanely driven through and through, as every single song rips. Somehow, taking the past/present/future into account, Chris Impellitteri manages to avoid monotany in his songwriting---which produces some of the meanest rhythms and chops ever recorded. Again, more religious undertones dot the horizon.
The rapid muted note drive of "Father Forgive Them" is strong, and similiar suit followers include "For Your Love," "You Are the Fire," and the faster tracks "Rat Race" and "I'll Be With You."
"Walk Away" is driving from its bonecrushing intro blaze, and takes flight with a majestic chorus frame. "Kingdom of Light" is nasty and intense, and the steady pace groove of "Countdown to the Revolution" bulldozes all.
Sit back and scratch your heads, kiddies. There ought to be a law against talent like this.

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Tony Hernando - III

Tracklist:

1) Into The Black
2) Truer Than Ever
3) Duelling Waters
4) Sacred Ground
5) Now
6) Souls Of The World Part I
7) Souls Of The World Part II
8) Sci-Fi To Reality
9) Men And Machines
10) Out Of The Sun
11) Embryo

Tony Hernando, the number one guitarist from Spain, returns with a killer album, entitled III, on which the production is much tighter and which showcases a new heavier sound. featuring drummer extraordinaire Mike Terrana. This is an all-instrumental shredfest which features a cover of Joey Tafolla's "Out Of The Sun" (Hernando was Tafolla's guitar student), and a guest solo on "Sci-Fi To Reality" by William Stravato. III sees Herando taking giant leaps forward in all aspects of his music and production, all of which is sure to make III a 'must own' release for any guitar enthusiast and further enhance his reputation as a musician of serious note. III is being promoted with concerts, with Hernando just playing at Guitar Fest 2004, sharing the bill with Stravato and Richie Kotzen. Also included on the CD is a bonus MPEG video clip with insightful footage of the recording sessions. Instrumental Guitar (Electric (Heavy)/Shred/Hard Rock).

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MVP(Mark Varney Project) - Centrifugal Funk (2004)

1 Actual Proof (7:36)
Soloist - Frank* , Freddy* , Steve*

2 So What (9:42)
Soloist - Brett* , Frank* , Jimmy* ,Shawn*
3 Hey Tee Bone (5:30)
Soloist - Brett* , Shawn*
4 Tokyo Blue (7:18)
Soloist - Frank* , Steve*
5 Splatch (11:56)
Soloist - Frank* , Shawn* , Steve* , Steve*
6 Elegant People (9:54)
Soloist - Frank* , Steve*
7 Love Struck (9:54)
Soloist - Brett* , Frank*
Soloist [Exchanges, Left Channel] - Frank*
Soloist [Exchanges, Middle Channel] - Shawn*
Soloist [Intro Solo] - TJ Helmerich*
Soloist [Right Channel] - Brett*

Recently reissued by Tone Center for 2004, this 1991 Legato Records release of MVP (The Mark Varney Project), "Centrifugal Funk", displays a warning, "Contains guitar performances of unparalleled speed, taste and virtuosity. Not for the faint of heart!" The lead guitar performances spoken about in such glowing terms are turned in by none other than Brett Garsed (lead guitar), Shawn Lane (lead guitar) and Frank Gambale (lead guitar). Mark Varney and Jimmy Earl produced the album of eight instrumentals, two of which ("Love Struck" and "So What", both clocking in at over eight minutes) feature all three gutiarists. The album also features Mike O'Neill on rhythm guitar, Steve Tavaglione on sax, Freddy Ravel on keyboards, Jimmy Earl on bass (he takes a solo on "So What"), Joey Heredia on drums and Kevin Ricard on percussion. T.J. Helmerich also makes an appearance on guitar, cuttiing the first solo on "Love Struck". Mesmerizing, extreme, attention-grabbing, aggressive, thrilling - all have been used to describe the music on "Centrifugal Funk" - and, like it's companion record "Truth In Shredding", recommended for fans ranging from fusion to progressive to jazz.

Musicians:
Frank Gambale: Lead Guitar
Brett Garsed: Lead Guitar
Shawn Lane: Lead Guitar
Mike O`Neill: Rhythm Guitar
T.J. Helmerich: Lead Guitar, Remastering
Jimmy Earl: Bass, Production, Arrangements
Steve Tavaglione: Saxes, E.M.I.
Freddy Ravel: Keyboards
Joey Heredia: Drums
Kevin Ricard: Percussion
Mark Varney: Production, Musical Concept, Executive Production
David Levitan: Cover Art, Design
Alan Hirshberg: Mixing

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George Bellas - Planetary Alignment (2008)

Tracklist:

1. Color By Numbers 08:14
2. Encoded In Light 04:06
3. Subatomic Particles 06:59
4. New Worlds Discovered 07:40
5. Parallel Universe 07:35
6. Overlapping Dimensions 05:24
7. Escape Velocity 05:38
8. Gravitons 05:49
9. Planetary Alignment 04:24
10. Supersymmetry 05:13

One of the most prolific and innovative composers of our time, world renowned Guitarist and Composer George Bellas presents his latest instrumental album "Planetary Alignment". This album is so uniquely crafted that most listeners will find many composition elements they have never heard before. The style of the album is extremely modern and very progressive, it does not contain any neoclassical songs that George Bellas is also reputable for, but the album stays completely within the progressive realm.

As usually the case on George Bellas releases, George composed everything one note at a time and performed all of the instruments, plus had Drummer extraordinaire Marco Minneman perform the drum parts. Marco's drum performance's are nothing short of awe inspiring. The time signatures and rhythms contained on the album are extremely complex which Marco brought to life with his organic and immaculate drumming style. Leading guitar virtuoso George Bellas is back with his most modernly progressive solo album to date - expect the unexpected.

The concept and inspiration behind Planetary Alignment was the science of astrophysics. Each song was based on a particular subject ranging from the smallest matter known to man, to the largest and distant most objects in the universe. The goal was to compose ultra-modern music using scales, chords and rhythms not heard too often in music. The main interval the songs are all based on is the Tritone, with the root tone as middle C. It is quite a mystery where inspiration comes from when one is creating music, and it seems to only all come together when one is well practiced, emotions are stirring and the planets are aligned.

COMPOSITION ELEMENTS:
CHORDS - Bitonal, Tritonal, Quartal, Quintal, Secondal, Pyramid Chord, Scriabin's Mystic Chord, Vienesse Trichords, Mother Chord, Grandmother Chord, Split Note Chords, Chord of the Minor23rd and more.
RHYTHM - Odd Meters, Polyrhythms, Polymeters, Pyramid Rhythms, Fibonacci Number Series Meters, Contracting and Expanding Meters and more.
SCALES - Numerous (no name) scales from Nicolas Slominski's Thesaurus, Scale of A. Therepin, Verdi's Enigmatic, Wholetone, HalfWhole, Pentatonics, Melodic Minor Modes, Harmonic Major and many more.

Planetary Alignment was initiated using only rhythmic motives, and then later on scale choices were determined while composing the melodic and harmonic content. Most of the musical elements appearing on this album have never been used on previous George Bellas albums and offer a very fresh, ultra-modern sound.
Most all of the compositions revolve around a Middle C root while employing various tritone based elements. The production on the album was kept dry and natural sounding, with effects used quite sparingly.
Expect the unexpected and enjoy listening to what may be the most progressive release by George Bellas.

GEORGE BELLAS DISCUSSES THE TRACKS:

Color By Numbers
This song was the start of creating numerous rhythmic motives and then adding notes (color) to the motives. This method was then used for the entire album.
This song contains many improvised guitar solos and has some nice dynamic contrast between the various sections.
GUITARS USED: Stratocaster

Encoded In Light
This song's concept was inspired by the idea of photons and what type of information can presently, and may in the future, be sent through this fastest known particle to man. We are currently using light to transmit sights and sounds, but perhaps in the future an entire DNA strand.
GUITARS USED: Stratocaster

Subatomic Particles
This song's concept was inspired by the smallest bits of matter known to mankind. Everything we know of in the universe contains these essential, tiny building blocks of matter. What is keeping it all together, and why isn't it all flying apart like the large objects in the universe?
GUITARS USED: Stratocaster, Baritone Guitar

New Worlds Discovered
This song's concept was inspired by the thought of discovering new worlds inhabited by intellegent beings. The fact that there are billions of other galaxies which harbor their own countless planets makes it seem that if we are the only ones in the universe that there is a lot of wasted space out there. Thanks to Carl Sagan.
GUITARS USED: Flying V

Parallel Universe
This song's concept was inspired by the idea that our known universe is one of many that are differentiated by unique actions we all choose to make. These implications are supported by factual astronomical observations.

Is there another you?
GUITARS USED: 7-String & Stratocaster

Overlapping Dimensions
This song's concept was inspired by the fact that Scientists are finding evidence of extraterrestrial presence in higher dimensions all around us even overlapping our immediate environment overlapping the Physical Universe. The idea is that our real being exists in a higher dimension and interacts with the visible one we know of.
GUITARS USED: Flying V

Escape Velocity
This song's concept was inspired by the amount of energy that is required to escape an object's gravitational force. The amount of velocity required to leave Earth is much less than one would need to escape the force of much larger objects, and ultimately no velocity that can escape a black hole.
GUITARS USED: Les Paul

Gravitons
This song's inspiration is drawn from the particles that carry the gravitational force. Gravitons are supposedly massless particles, which would travel only at the speed of light. When these particles were intercepted, and re-exchanged, gravity would be the intended result. A Graviton is a Boson particle and is theorized to interact with Quarks and Leptons.
GUITARS USED: Flying V

Planetary Alignment
If several planets are orbiting the sun at known speeds and current positions, how many years will it be before those planets are perfectly aligned and what effects will it have? Will the magnetic and gravitational forces be so strong as to create floods, earthquakes and other catastrophes? The next planetary alignment is expected to occur in the year 2438.
GUITARS USED: Flying V

Supersymmetry
This song's concept was inspired by the mathematical symmetry relating to bosons and femions. AKA an attempt of a Unified Field Theory using acceleration in place of gravity.
Force = Mass multiplied by Acceleration (F=MA).
GUITARS USED: Stratocaster

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Lars Eric Mattsson - Dream Child (2008 )

Tracklist:

1. Prelude To Life
2. I'm Coming Home
3. Dream Child
4. Killing Everything
5. This Is Our Time
6. See The Dreamer Behold
7. Until Our Last Goodbye
8. Moonlight Dream
9. Heart Of A Clown
10. Life In The Shadows
11. Heaven And Hell Unite
12. Goodbye

Line-up:
Adrienn Antal - Lead and backing vocals.
Björn Lodin - Additional vocals.
Eddie Sledgehammer - Drums.
Lars Eric Mattsson - Guitars, bass, keyboards and voices.
Strings and Woodwinds - The Astral Orchestra

Composed, mixed, recorded and produced by Lars Eric Mattsson at the New Lion’s Cage. Additional recordings by Adrienn Antal in Hungary and Bjorn Lodin in Sweden.
Composed and recorded between October 2006 and December 2007

“Dream Child” is the latest release to come from prolific composer and guitarist Lars Eric Mattsson which introduces the stunning new female vocalist Adrienn Antal. “Dream Child” represents the most solid album to date from Mattsson, building upon the solid foundation laid by 2005’s “War” the new album sees symphonic metal mixed with progressive and gothic elements spiced up with world music inflections to create an album which in Mattsson’s own words is “as complete as possible”.

“Dream Child” is a fine blend of interesting and deep compositions within great songs. The album took 15 months to complete with Mattsson taking great care to arrange and record very precisely with many ideas being reworked during this process to bring you the album you hear today.

The material on “Dream Child” is better structured and more accessible than before and with the inclusion of strings and woodwinds (courtesy of The Astral Orchestra) along with better recording and mixing techniques all show how Mattsson applies the musical influences he has gathered since day one making Mattsson in 2008 a unique experience.

On his new vocalist, Mattsson proudly states, “Adrienn Antal is the best singer I have ever had the pleasure of working with. She has a great voice, is very musical and we click together extremely well. Adrienn Antal is the star of this album. Without her the songs would not have come to life in the way they have, and in my view the main quality boost comes from Adrienn Antal”. Adding further depth to the vocal arrangements are the inclusion of vocals from Björn Lodin (Baltimoore) who will be a name familiar to fans of numerous albums from Lars over the years.“Dream Child” is a potent new album and sound for 2008

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Michael Harris - Orchestrate (2006)

Tracklist:

01. Opus Conceptus
02. String Theory
03. The Mad Composer's Rage
04. Notes from the Kursk
05. Battle at Storm's Edge
06. Guiprice
07. Mysterioso
08. Octavian II
09. The Anti Shred
10. Schizo Forte

Orchestrate finds world acclaimed guitarist Michael Harris back with the most ambitious album of his career. With a style best described as Neo Orchestral Metal, the album is a modern day masterpiece. One listen reveals the unique combination of electric guitar playing a very 'classical meets metal' style with an orchestra and metal drumming complete with stunning guitar virtuosity. On the album Michael comments, "My original vision was to go back to my "Defense Mechanizms" roots, yet to focus on one style, neo classical metal. As the record developed, I realized 'orchestral' was a better term, so I consider the record to be my one and only neo-orchestral record. My previous instrumental records have had some 'classical meets metal' compositions, but this record is focused exclusively on that style. I recorded all the backing strings, etc on my keyboard, and rather than playing chords, most of the time I treated it like scoring an orchestra, recording one 'voice' at a time. There is still plenty of guitar of course, and drummer Matt Thompson did an outstanding job. My focus compositionally was to create strong themes first and foremost, before the musicianship and full arrangements came into play". Instrumental Guitar (Electric (Heavy)/Neo-Classical Metal/Shred).

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Joop Wolters - Speed, Traffic and Guitar-Accident (2004)

Tracklist:

1. Interludealloveintersection
2. Hijacked
3. A Day And This...
4. Disturbance
5. Loverslane
6. Beggin' For A Trip To The Stars
7. Cruising For The Soul
8. Resolute
9. To The G And Back
10. Acoustimas
11. Funkonexion
12. Some Time To Spare
13. The Crash
14. Meka Dance
15. Canned Heart
16. Avenue Le Reinnescance
17. Split Decision

Joop Wolters, the lead guitarist of Arabesque, Shadrane, and Lalu, returns with his second solo release. Speed, Traffic & Guitar Accidents is home to 17 instrumental tracks that see Joop delve deep into his emotions to produce a stylistically varied release. Wolters writes, "This was an opportunity to really let my heart speak, and just do as I feel. In my case, I have the good fortune to be in love with music and all that comes with it. It is my special roadmap, the one that gives me the chance to find my way in life and make something out of it." Music fans that appreciate strong focused guitar work will find Speed, Traffic & Guitar Accidents a true gem. Instrumental Guitar (Electric (Heavy)/Shred/Hard Rock).

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Ron Jarzombek - Solitarily Speaking of Theoretical Confinement (2002)

Tracklist:

1.Wait A Second
2.A Headache And A Sixty-Fourth
3.I've Got The Runs
4.Spelling Bee
5.911
6.Melodramatic Chromatic
7.To B Or Not To B
8.Dramatic Chromatic
9.Frank Can Get Drunk And Eat Beer
10.Battle Of The Hands
11.About Face
12.Having Second Thoughts
13.Two-Face
14.7 Up
15.Sabbatic Chromatic
16.297.222.200.112
17.Grizzly Bears Don't Fly Airplanes
18.Snuff
19.Sex With Squeakie
20.Two Thirds Of Satan
21.At The 7-11
22.On Second Thought
23.The Whole Truth, Nothing But
24.Sick, Dirty, Sick
25.Minor Yours
26.Minor Else!
27.Give Me A Break
28.Yum Yum Tree
29.At The Stop-N-Go
30.On A Scale From 1 to 10
31.Static Chromatic
32.Rigidude
33.Erratic Chromatic
34.Watchtower
35.Back And Forth
36.Dimented
37.1st And 10
38.Gimme 5
39.In The Name O

Assaulting the instrumental rock guitar fan with shredded bliss is Ron Jarzombek's CD Solitarily Speaking Of Theoretical Confinement, laying out 45 songs (and 'songlets') over 45 minute time span. If you remember 4th grade math, that's about a song a minute, with "Snuff" taking long song honors at a whopping 2 minutes and 46 seconds. What you get is a taste of incredible virtuosity that changes emphasis at a dizzying pace - never ponderous or boring, just high-tech, high-energy guitar work and rhythmic intensity. Jarzombek keeps the creative level high by including tracks in 5/4 ("Gimme 5"), 'spelling' out his name using the 'diatonic alphabet' ("In The Name Of Ron"), and two-handed tapping duels ("Battle Of The Hands"). Highly recommended. Instrumental Guitar (Electric (Heavy)/Heavy Metal/Shred).

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Greg Howe - Sound Proof (2008)

Tracklist:
1. Intro
2. Emergency Exit
3. Tell Me Something Good
4. Conoisseur Part 1
5. Reunion
6. Morning View
7. Walkie Talkie
8. Rehearsal Note
9. Side Note
10. Sunset in El Paso
11. Child's Play

12. Sound Proof

13. Connoisseur Part 2

Sound Proof is the ninth studio album by guitarist Greg Howe, released on June 24, 2008 on Tone Center Records.Greg Howe's highly technical, yet very melodic, guitar style has established him as one of the most innovative guitar instrumentalists of our time and a true guitarist s guitarist. On Sound Proof , Greg has assembled a hot band that has gelled together to create a freshly unified sound. This record is a veritable smorgasbord of hot chops as each player never fails to impress on these awesome jazz/rock/fusion compositions.

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Elias Viljanen - The Leadstar (2005)

Tracklist:
01. "Lord of the strings" - 1:24
02. "High-Powered" - 3:47
03. "Touching the sky" - 4:33
04. "Unity for life" - 3:09
05. "Northern storm" - 3:21
06. "Fast & Furious" - 4:31
07. "Magic seven" - 3:27
08. "Follow the leadstar" - 4:10
09. "Driving force" - 4:13
10. "Hello" - 4:10
11. "Evilized" - 2:23
12. "Home-coming" - 2:44

Elias "E.vil" Viljanen the Scandinavian guitar sensation gifted with Concord-fast fingers returns with the follow up to his successful debut album "Taking The Lead" with twelve new, all instrumental blazing hard rock tracks on The Leadstar. Lightning speed, spark flying chops, flashy moves, and supreme melodies that rise from below and expand beyond the heavens is one way to sum up Elias Viljanen's guitar work on The Leadstar. A simpler way would be kick-ass guitar with a great sense of melody. Check out his hard rock, instrumental cover of Lionel Richie's monster hit "Hello" for just one example of what he can do with a classic pop ballad melody. Elias Viljanen has been touted as Finland's answer to Joe Satriani, and his 2005 release entitled The Leadstar will appeal to both musicians and music fans in general. Instrumental Guitar (Electric (Heavy)/Hard Rock/Shred).

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Yngwie Malmsteen - Angels of Love (2009)

Traklist:
1. Forever One
2. Angels Of Love
3. Crying
4. Brothers
5. Memories
6. Save Our Love
7. Ocean Sonata
8. Miracle Of Life
9. Sorrow
10. Prelude To April

Showing his softer side, guitar god Yngwie Malmsteen buckles down and offers up a collection of ballads. Nine of the tracks on ANGELS OF LOVE are stripped-down and rearranged versions of previously released material spanning Malmsteen's 25-year ... Full Descriptionsolo career. (One song, "Ocean Sonata," is a brand-new composition.) Songs from TRILOGY, ECLIPSE, ODYSSEY, THE SEVENTH SIGN, FACING THE ANIMAL, WAR TO END ALL WARS, and CONCERTO SUITE FOR GUITAR AND ORCHESTRA are all given new acoustic life as the man with lightning fingers also utilizes his electric guitar to fill out the new arrangements. Soulful, delicate, and, at times, romantic, ANGELS OF LOVE displays a side of Yngwie Malmsteen few listeners ever knew.

Arranger: Yngwie Malmsteen.

Personnel: Yngwie Malmsteen (acoustic guitar, electric guitar, steel guitar, classical guitar, cello, keyboards, guitar synthesizer).

Audio Mixer: Keith Rose.

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VA - Guitar Battle (1997)

Tracklist:
1. Train Kept A Rollin'
featuring: Al Pitrelli, George Lynch, Michael Lee Firkins, Reb Beach, Steve Morse.
2. Something
featuring: Al Pitrelli, Brad Gillis, John Petrucci, Michael Lee Firkins, Reb Beach, Steve Morse.
3. Memphis
featuring: Al Pitrelli, Andy Timmons, Brad Gillis, Michael Lee Firkins, Steve Morse.
4. Purple Rain
featuring: Al Pitrelli, Andy Timmons, Brad Gillis, John Petrucci.
5. Mambo King
featuring: Al Pitrelli, Andy Timmons, Brad Gillis, Reb Beach.
6. Birdland
featuring: Al Pitrelli, George Lynch, John Petrucci, Michael Lee Firkins, Reb Beach.

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Michael Lee Firkins - Michael Lee Firkins (1990)

Tracklist:
1. Laughing Stacks (4:21)
2. 24 Grand Avenue (4:36)
3. Runaway Train (3:08)
4. Cactus Cruz (3:28)
5. Déjà Blues (6:27)
6. Space Crickets (3:44)
7. Rain in the Tunnel (5:23)
8. Hula Hoops (3:50)
9. The Sargasso Sea (5:25)

"Michael Lee Firkins" is the self-titled debut album from a genuine guitar monster from America's heartland, whose time to wail in the sun has arrived. This CD absoutely cooks from beginning to end, Firkins being backed up by the big time groove of ex-Dokken bassist Jeff Pilson and MSG/Scorpion's drummer James Kottak. "Michael Lee Firkins" features Firkins stylistic blues techniques, including his uncanny way of emulating the slide guitar with his whammy bar. This album has become essential listening for guitarists around the globe, and is a testament to originality and heart.

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