New York guitar virtuoso & composer Kevin Hufnagel, whose talents have graced the music of bands such as Gorguts, Dysrhythmia, Byla, Vaura, and Sabbath Assembly, returns with his latest solo outing of extraordinary sounds, titled Messages to the Past for Translation Loss Records. Whether it be through the realms of extreme metal, prog, avant-garde, jazz, or classical, Hufnagel's skill set is always intact and mesmerizing, and this latest solo album sees the guitar wizard utilize all these elements for another stellar collection of instrumental music.
"Pulse Controller" starts off the show with some blazing lead lines and complex rhythmic patters, multiple guitars firing away in different directions but the results are pleasing ear candy. "Separations" is just lovely, a floating, atmospheric mix of jazz, classical, folk, prog, and rock lead guitar, while "Through the Neon Forest" sees Kevin's guitar take on a distorted metal tone as it slices through some gorgeous soundscapes. Yearning, melodic lead guitar soars over tranquil passages on the lush "The Eyes of Another" , which reminds of vintage Genesis, a trait that "Moment of Leaving" carries as well thanks to some wonderful acoustic guitar work, and "Circling the Grave" is a wild, quirky ride into complex progressive metal. Honestly though, as cool as the ripping, metallic tracks are, it's the more pastoral acoustic pieces with the searing electric lead work, like "A Flame to Guide" that really impress the most, Hufnagel embracing both his prog & folk side as well as his metal leanings. And wait till you hear the uplifting closer "In Our Time"...gorgeous stuff, and the lead guitar is spellbinding.
Great songs, killer tone, blazing virtuosity, and gently melodic, Messages to the Past is all guitar and all Kevin Hufnagel. THIS is what you call a guitar album folks.
Track Listing
1. Pulse Controller
2. Separations
3. Through the Neon Forest
4. The Eyes of Another
5. Circling the Grave
6. Secret Shelter
7. Moment of Leaving
8. Inner Unseen
9. A Flame to Guide
10. In Our Time
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