Here's a pretty exciting 'mostly' instrumental album (I say mostly because there are some narration bits across the album) from guitarist Terry Syrek, a guy who has monster chops that cross genres such as progressive metal, shred, fusion, and rock. He's assembled a fine cast here for this charming fantasy-based concept album Story, which includes Marco Minnemann (drums), Lalle Larsson (keyboards), Bryan Beller & Mohini Dey (bass), Florian Cristea (violin) and Keith Szarabajka on narration. Take parts Liquid Tension Experiment, The Dixie Dregs, and The Steve Morse Band, and you have an idea of what you are in store for here, guitars & keys blazing, the rhythms gymnastic, and just the right amount of violin to keep things interesting. While the 'story' of monsters, owls, and gnomes are straight out of children's fantasy books, and the narration seems a little weird on an instrumental album, it doesn't detract from the fact that this is seriously incredible stuff happening here, with Mr. Syrek leading the way with his commanding technique. This guy is a monster player, but he's not the only one here by any means. Tracks like "I Got a Lightning Bug", "I Think It's a Monster," and "The Perilous Flight From Castle Abathria" are just a few of the intricate, masterful prog-metal/fusion gems included on Story that will leave you breathless.
It's also a fairly heavy album in spots, but heavy as in Liquid Tension Experiment heavy. So, do yourself a favor and go check out this fantastic slice of instrumental prog-metal/fusion and be prepared to be amazed. Top-notch stuff!
Track Listing
1) Magic Lantern (Into the Woods)
2) I Think It's a Monster
3) Baloon Ride Over a Jigsaw Map
4) I Got a Lightning Bug
5) What the Owl Said
6) Starcrowned
7) The Perilous Flight From Castle Abathria
8) Strange Machine
9) Dandelion Sword
10) Gnomus Maleficus (Tea with the Angry Gnome)
11) Promenade
12) The End?
13) Home (Out of the Woods)
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