Impellitteri--Answer to the Master (1994/Victor)
Rating--9.4
Fly Away--RealAudio The Future is Black--RealAudio
An absolutely amazing all-around display of music. Axeman Chris Impellitteri flashes techniques of gods such as Malmsteen
and Bettencourt, with the grounded rhythmic solidity of George Lynch. As a band, there is continuous to-the-edge
Dokken riffing and distortion, as well as much more advanced displays of a band like Leatherwolf. The overall thickness
of the sound, coupled with the razor-edged velocity, is probably the most notable facet. Because of the sheer monumental force
of the tunes, occasional allusions to Euro power are inevitable. Few comparisons will do this band's music justice, though.
Vocalist Rob Rock is smooth and powerful, with Don Dokken
being the closest match. However, he can also reach down for an almost Dio-esque effect at times---though not as deep-throated.
Many of the themes are religious in nature, and Rock and Impellitteri are sincere in their beliefs. Don't let that lead you to any premature
judgments, should you have a problem with any of that. This offering---and the band in general---simply rips.
The melodic chorus of "The Future is Black" is astounding when placed against the cutting backdrop, and song after song follows
suit, including "Warrior," "Hold the Line," "The King is Rising," and the title track.
"I'll Wait" has a slower pace but
comparable weight, and the paced "Something's Wrong With the World Today" is solid as well.
"Fly Away" stands as one of
the band's top tracks in its catalog, as it melds spitfire guitar work with layered rapid vocals, and a soaring chorus.
This is
one of the great underrated units in metal today. Not much more to say.... other than the ratings may actually creep higher with
time...
HOT CHOPS: Well, just about everything! But, I'll narrow it down to one: The operaticly layered, almost chant vocal segments
during the verses of "Fly Away". They're placed in and around the staccato vocal approach, and allow the song to just plain
shred and groove.
TRACK LIST: The Future is Black/Fly Away/Warrior/I'll Wait/Hold the Line/Something's Wrong With the World Today/
Answer to the Master/Hungry Days/The King is Rising
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