MacAlpine, Tony: Death Of Roses

Anyone interested in progressive metal and fusion has at least heard the name Tony MacAlpine. His 80s’ work might even be considered some of the earliest examples of modern progressive metal. His neo-classical shredding style has been a huge influence in the world of metal and fusion, playing and recording with a number of artists including Vinnie Moore and Planet X, and over his career he has released thirteen studio albums, his latest being 2017’s Death Of Roses. On the album MacAlpine and his band mates exude confidence and the music bristles with creativity and technical brilliance but always weaving in some great melodies throughout.

“Chrome Castles� features tight riffs and melodic soloing, a mix of ultra-fast fret burning and slower, more nuanced passages. Progressive metal fans should love this. The band ventures further into fusion on the excellent “Electric Illusionist� where flurries of guitar fills demonstrate the song’s complexity. The heavy rhythmic onslaught of the fast and furious “Synthetic Serenity� and the more finely honed/slowly evolving approach in the title track contrasts nicely with the more furious soundscapes. MacAlpine’s virtuosic keyboard skills come to fruition in the dynamic “Axiomatic Jewels� where the band belts out some fantastic progressive fusion.

Although short by today’s standards, about thirty minutes, what it lacks in length more than makes up for in quality. Here’s a tip �" play it twice in a row as this music has much to reveal. As such, Death Of Roses comes highly recommended!

A Sundog Records’ release.

Track Listing:
1. Chrome Castles (3:37)
2. Electric Illusionist (3:37)
3. Synthetic Serenity (4:57)
4. Death Of Roses (4:07)
5. Axiomatic Jewels (4:17)
6. Entropy (4:10)
7. Shundor Prithibi (5:20)

Added: August 9th 2025
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist @ YouTube
Hits: 353
Language: english

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