Ivan Mihaljevic & Side Effects: Destination Unknown

Ivan Mihaljevic is a Croatian guitar player of some pedigree, having already performed with the likes Paul Gilbert, John Denner, Billy Sheehan and Les Paul. Not content with that, Ivan is also a member of the rock band Hard Time, as well as having competed creditably in "Guitar Idol 2009". That last fact and the style of musicians he has performed with will obviously let you know that Ivan is a shredder of the highest order, but thankfully his second release outside of Hard Time is not just (there are elements of it) a guitar wailing workout.

Actually style wise the album can be a little all over the place, with "Choose Pies", the songs Ivan used in Guitar Idol, being a mixture of George Lynch-esque riffing, Vinnie Moore shredding and progressive metal time changes and keyboards, while "The Pirate Song" seems to be a metal ode to all things shiver me timbers and walk the plank via a blistering solo and some horn pipes! That however is only half the story, as "Sorry Pt. I" and "...Pt. II" are beautiful little guitar numbers mixing acoustic motifs with electric solos that really show a far more introspective side to this album, while "Dreamscapes" is out and out Joe Satriani meets Dokken. Mihaljevic also sings in places on the album, with his passable efforts proving most effective on the humorous, if spot on "Instant Star (Just Add Water)", which contains one of the strongest staccato riffs on the whole disc. Although his singing is the weak spot of the Megadeth like "The Curse", which is an otherwise solid piece of metal.

Destination Unknown is an enjoyable, if somewhat unfocused romp through some great guitar led metal, with progressive and in places jazzy overtones and Mihaljevic is an undoubted talent on the fret board. Far from perfect, but well worth a listen, especially for those who like fiery, in your face six string work.

Track Listing
1. Instant Star (Add Water)
2. The Curse
3. Choose Pies
4. Post-apocalyptic Images
5. Dreamscapes
6. Shadows
7. The Pirate Song
8. Sorry Pt. I
9. Your Plane Flew Away
10. Sorry Pt. II
11. Hollow Wish

Added: March 7th 2011
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Ivan Mihaljevic Official Web Site
Hits: 2116
Language: english

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