2017 – KC Sound
By Phillip Smith;
Mar. 25,
2017
Age of Heroes, the fourth full length solo album from Finnish guitarist extraordinaire Elmo Karjalainen continues to push the envelope of rock when it comes to electric guitar instrumentals. For influences, Karjalainen mentions the guitar-greats, like Steve Vai, Yngwie Malmsteen, Pat Metheny and Jeff Beck.
Karjalainen
presents speed metal at its best in “A Meeting of the Gods (And This Guy)”.
Guest guitarists Janne Nieminen and Emil Pohjlainen, 2016 winners of the Guitar Gods Competition, kick in some extraordinary
solos for this shred-fest. Called “King
of the Keys” by Guitar World Magazine, keyboardist Derek Sherinian(Planet X,
Black Country Communion) give a
magnificent performance in “The Colour of Greed”, amid thunderous crashing
drums and melodic adrenalin-infused guitar.
The hypnotically driving rhythm of “A Fertile Discussion” clutches on to
me with a tight grip.
A feeling of tranquility
washes over me when I hear the ambient “Chikken Noodul”. It’s quite a soothing listen,
as is “Breathe”. There’s something galactic
about “Blue Eyes”. The song seems to shoot me into the cosmos with each listen.
Karjalainen
wears his passion for music on his sleeve, playing every piece with immaculate
precision. This album is a must for guitar enthusiasts.
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