Vanem, Toomas: I

Toomas Vanem is an Estonian guitarist who has been around for a number of years and has played with many Estonian bands and artists. Although he has appeared on many albums I is his first album as a solo artist.

Vanem (guitars, keyboards, percussion) and his bandmates, Henno Kelp (bass) and Andrus Lillepea (drums) are all top flight musicians. Although Vanem can shred with the best of them, he prefers a melodic approach to fusion which makes I a highly listenable instrumental album. Sometimes a lack of vocals can be a detriment to the music but that is not the case here.

The album begins with the progressive metal exploits of "Tomorrow's Child" where moody keys and atmospheric guitar work build before Dream Theater-like riffs take the song in a different direction. The guitar solo is both fluid and melodic as is generally the case throughout the disc.

The swirling fusion guitar in "Lonely proton" is another highlight. The slower section features pristine lead guitar and a lovely backdrop of keyboard textures. The virtuosic bass run is also exceptional. I was reminded a little of Jeff Beck here.

For a more Eastern sound, the melodic fusion of "Ghost Story" and "Operation S.S.E.S." should do the trick while still adhering to a heavier metallic sound while "Flower Power" is a little mellower with one of the nicest melodies on the disc. The breezy jazz rock of "Summer Samba" is another nice change of pace.

If the guitar work of Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Jeff Beck and Allan Holdsworth turns your crank, I may be just what the doctor ordered.

Track Listing:
1. Tomorrow's Child (6:14)
2. Lonely Proton (4:30)
3. Ghost Story (4:46)
4. Operation S.S.E.S. (6:25)
5. Birthday Illusions (4:56)
6. Summer Samba (5:19)
7. Orbital Man (4:43)
8. Attack Of The Killer Honey Bees (3:35)
9. Gravity Of Eiffel Tower (7:05)
10. Flower Power (5:31)
11. Butterfly Effect (7:10)

Added: December 29th 2014
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist's Official Site
Hits: 1801
Language: english

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