The Wizard is the Lion Music debut from Italian guitarist Marco De Francesco, a 10 track instrumental album that offers up not only sizzling chops, but also some tasty melodies that help steer this away from pure shred territory into something that warrants your attention. Listing players such as John Petrucci, Joe Satriani, Paul Gilbert, Steve Vai and Andy Timmons as influences, one would think that we might have another hour of endless soloing, but if anything, De Francesco has learned the melodic phrasing that each of those legends has perfected over the years, and written instrumental songs that actually contain plenty of hooks to go with impeccable chops. "El Dorado" is just stunning, not only for the precise, melodic soloing, but also the fact that it contains some great riffs, and the gorgeous "Supernova" sees the guitarist inject some tasty electric leads complemented by beautiful acoustic guitar passages. The majestic title track adds in a bit more crunch in spots, some blues in others, but it's elegant all the way no matter which avenue he takes. The acoustic piece "Secrets" is just lovely, while "Nibiru" offers up gymnastic rhythms and some complex, challenging guitar shredding that really shows De Francesco's blazing style when he allows himself to really let loose. For "Moonsong", he cranks up the wah-wah pedal for a melodic, somewhat bluesy ride that is one of the catchiest tunes on the album. "Memories" dives into jazz, and the lengthy closer "Two Days After Disaster" is pure progressive metal, as keyboards, intricate rhythms, crushing riffs, and scorching lead guitar take the listener on an exciting 10-minute ride.
There's a new guitar slinger on the scene folks, and his name is Marco De Francesco. Make sure you check out The Wizard, as it's a good one, and there's no doubt in my mind we'll be hearing plenty from this talented player in the months and years ahead.
Track Listing
1) NUCLEAR ALARM
2) EL DORADO
3) SUPERNOVA
4) THE WIZARD
5) SECRETS
6) NIBIRU
7) GOLDEN SILENCE
8) MOONSONG
9) MEMORIES
10) TWO DAYS AFTER DISASTER
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