Having already seen a multitude of great bands in the last week we come to day number eight on our most metal of Advent Calendar’s, from concept albums to thrashing opus’ we’ve yet to discuss one sort of album that was released this year. The instrumental. One of the most creative and forward thinking guitarists came out of Japanese hibernation to unleash his latest work Inferno. Known for his work in the archetypal Megadeth catalogue along with rivalling one of rock’s true greats Jason Becker in Cacophony, I’m talking about of course, Marty Friedman.
Marty Friedman – Inferno
Having been in all sorts of bands the musician truly is one of the true masters of melody. Not just pigeonholing himself into sounding specifically thrash due to his career with Megadeth or that he is only going to be putting out Japanese tinged styles of metal due to his adopted love for the country. Knowing that this is one of the many strings to his bow the album is absolutely full of guest appearances. Which not only shows how truly versatile the guitarist is but also keeps the record interesting.
Far too often, particularly with instrumental albums many of the songs just become a jumbled up shred fest. Take Steve Vai for example, yes one of the most talented rock guitarists out there, nevertheless some of the material he releases can seem slightly samey. Now Friedman, has a particular melody employed in “Inferno” which an appearance at the beginning and end of the album giving it a nice sense of structure. Amongst that however anything goes. The collaborations go on and on from the spanish stylings of Rodrigo Y Gabriela on “Wicked Panacea” to the funk loving “I Can’t Relax” not to mention the appearance of a Saxophone with a vendetta on “Meat Hook” along with both metal revered players Alexi Laiho of Children Of Bodom fame and Dave Davidson of Revocation on “Sociopaths” and “Lycanthrope“.
All throughout the album retains that melody and signature flair that makes up so much of what the guitarist is known for, not just mindless shredding. Off kilter melodies, that are just as inspired as they are brilliant, but the most important sense obtained from the album is just good old fashioned fun! Everyone involved in the writing of this slightly experimental record had a seriously good time. It translates perfectly to the listener and makes for one of the most surprising records of the year. Sure to have been looked over by many, Inferno is not one to miss out on this year.
