Lost Symphony: Chapter III

What do you get when you cross a classical composer with some of the most well respected metal virtuosos in the game? Well the answer is Lost Symphony. When multi-instrumentalist Benny Goodman composed a classical demo and sought to add another dimension to the music he invited guitarists Kelly Kereliuk and Conrad Simon to add their talents. When All That Remains guitarist Oli Herbert heard the track, he joined Benny as a regular contributor and the concept was born. Continuing on from last year's Chapter II in the same vein, with a large cast of characters, Lost Symphony again set about mixing classically inspired compositions with world class metal virtuosity from the many guest stars on board.

Lost Symphony, comprising of Benny Goodman as well as his brother Brian (compositions, arrangement), Cory Paza (bass, guitar), Kelly Kereliuk (guitar), Paul Lourenco (drums), and Siobhán Cronin (violin, viola, electric violin) are joined by the likes of Marty Friedman, Alex Skolnick, Nuno Bettencourt, Richard Shaw, Angel Vivaldi, Jeff Loomis, David Ellefson, Jimi Bell, Matt LaPierre, Joey Concepcion, Oli Herbert, Matt LaPierre and Ryan Formato.

So does a roster this stacked with talent lend itself to creating something musically compelling or is this just a shred-fest with little else? Well I’m glad to say that the former is the case. The compositions are true to both classical traditions as well as soundtrack scores, while the guitars work to enrich and expand the harmonic richness. Every piece is a progressive journey through many movements, emotions and explorations. There are no real standout tracks as the whole album is loaded with great moments. However, check out the unique approach that Marty Friedman brings to the great musical journey that is “Denial of Anger� or the faithfully classical approach of Jeff Loomis on “Decomposing Composers� which references well known and loved classical pieces. Also the wonderful interplay between Marty Friedman, Nuno Bettencourt, Alex Skolnick and Richard Shaw on “Take Another Piece� with its uplifting and at times Ayreon-like feel. All displaying a confident mastery that is very compelling.

Chapter III shows Lost Symphony reaching for the compositional heavens and coming very close to achieving that goal. The music definitely requires an appreciation for classical and symphonic music. However, Chapter III is ambitious, complex and harmonically rich. The performances from all involved are top tier and the album is a highly enjoyable and stimulating listen.

Track Listing
1. Denial of Anger (feat. Marty Friedman, David Ellefson, Jimi Bell and Matt LaPierre)
2. Bargaining Depression (feat. Marty Friedman, David Ellefson, Joey Concepcion and Jimi Bell)
3. Acceptance (feat. Alex Skolnick, Angel Vivaldi and Richard Shaw)
4. Decomposing Composers (feat. Jeff Loomis, Jimi Bell, Matt LaPierre and Joey Concepcion)
5. Take Another Piece (feat. Marty Friedman, Nuno Bettencourt, Alex Skolnick and Richard Shaw)
6. My Last Goodbye (feat. Oli Herbert, Matt LaPierre and Ryan Formato)

Added: September 23rd 2021
Reviewer: Benjamin Dudai
Score:
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 1114
Language: english

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