UMR Discovery Impellitteri September 15, 2003 By: Axe Wielder How did I ever miss this? Why aren't these guys talked about like Iced Earth, Nevermore, and Dream Theater? They've been around since 1987?... Those were my first reactions upon hearing Impellitteri's 2000 release, 'Crunch,' for the the first time last night. Hopefully this article will capture the feeling I had after that first listen. Through the UMR CD Trading boards, I got my hands on 'Crunch' based solely on the UMR review. A 9.1 rating featured the following review commentary: "And the beat goes on. With the aptly-titled 'Crunch,' Impellitteri has released its heaviest and nastiest set of tunes yet. The drums are faster, the riffing is no-holds-barred, and the distortion is thick, blistering, and raw. The band still manages to imprint its patented melodic style, though, and continues to reign atop the power/melody world. Guitarist Chris Impellitteri shows no signs of slowing or mellowing out, and remains the benchmark against which all other shredders are judged." How could I pass giving this one a listen? Especially after being first hooked on UMR via the glam/hair metal reviews (Glam metal reviews that focus on the music and the time, not the look! What a concept!), and being led to the power of Iced Earth and the brutality of Black Label Society, I figured there wasn't too much risk. And I was right!... I listen to Yngwie Malmsteen and think, "This is awesome, but what if he concentrated on the vocal melodies just a fraction of what he must on the solos?" And I wonder, "If Dream Theater let Petrucci rip on every song like "Pull Me Under" and "Burning My Soul", wouldn't that just have to kick ass?" Well, here it is. Speed, shredding guitars and soaring, interesting, vocals, all wrapped into one. You've got to get this CD right now!! The first song, "Beware of the Devil," comes out smoking. "Fear No Evil" is just about perfect, and everything else rips with just as much fury. I'd go 9.5, but this isn't my site. I also picked up "Screaming Symphony" in the same trade. It contains even more good stuff from Impellitteri, Rob Rock, and the band. UMR's reviews laud just about every release. Somehow, these guys were never on my radar, even though they've been around quite a while. Needless to say, each disc is now on my "to get" list. Fear No Evil Well, off to give "Crunch" that second listen... Back to The Gathering of Souls Get Information on the Premium Package