Impellitteri--Screaming Symphony

Impellitteri--Screaming Symphony (1996/Victor) Rating--9.5

Walk Away--RealAudio Countdown to the Revolution--RealAudio

The band has somehow managed to improve on its sound from '94, with a heavier, rawer guitar base. There are occasional keyboard flashes, but perhaps only a note or two a song---if that. The music is still insanely driven through and through, as every single song rips. Somehow, taking the past/present/future into account, Chris Impellitteri manages to avoid monotany in his songwriting---which produces some of the meanest rhythms and chops ever recorded. Again, more religious undertones dot the horizon.
The rapid muted note drive of "Father Forgive Them" is strong, and similiar suit followers include "For Your Love," "You Are the Fire," and the faster tracks "Rat Race" and "I'll Be With You."
"Walk Away" is driving from its bonecrushing intro blaze, and takes flight with a majestic chorus frame. "Kingdom of Light" is nasty and intense, and the steady pace groove of "Countdown to the Revolution" bulldozes all.
Sit back and scratch your heads, kiddies. There ought to be a law against talent like this.
HOT CHOPS: This disc is a clinic on rhythm and note fills, if you're an aspiring guitarist looking to add some juice to your playing. Set aside a weekend, and just learn and soak in the majesty of it all.
TRACK LIST: Father Forgive Them/I'll Be With You/Walk Away/Kingdom of Light/Countdown to the Revolution/17th Century Chicken Pickin'/Rat Race/For Your Love/You Are the Fire