Power of Metal.dk Review

Adrian Weiss
Easy Game
Rating
Style: Instrumental Guitar
Release date: 6 July, 2014
Playing time: 52:48
 


Neo-Classical shred, an abundance of Blues, elements of Jazz and Funk…Adrian Weiss has found himself a large playing ground in which to indulge his creative guitar fantasies.

“Easy Game” is the second solo album from this German shredmeister after having debuted with “Big Game” in 2011. He recently joined Power Metal band Gloryful and in fact some members of Gloryful appear on this album as do other musicians such as Christian Muenzner (Obscura, Necrophagist) and Tim Schulte (Stigma).

But back to the music of this “Easy Game”…technically and compositionally the music is excellent. For example in ‘Awkward Silence’ Weiss uses a slapping technique pioneered by Scott Mishoe to complement some nimble solos and catchy riffs. ‘Aim To Please’ has an interesting combination of laid-back Blues with bursts of rough-sounding riffs and blazing guitar runs. ‘Night Owl’ reminded me of Beethoven’s ‘Moonlight Sonata’ but judging from Weiss’ song-title this was perhaps intentional.

One of my favourite tracks is album closer ‘Offbeat Frankenstine’ – I loved the way all the instruments interacted with each other despite them constantly missing beats (hence the title).

The album’s strongest point: Weiss’ creativity. The weakest link: sometimes the technical bravura undermined the emotive interpretation of Weiss’ music.

Whatever the case, “Easy Game” is a solid proposition that reaffirms the talent of Adrian Weiss.


Tracklist
01. Awkward Silence
02. Instant Relief
03. Aim To Please
04. Immediate Measures
05. The Last Days
06. Hacienda (feat. Christian Muenzner)
07. Camel's Dance
08. Second Sunrise
09. The Offering
10. Easy Game
11. Night Owl

12. Offbeat Frankenstine
(feat. Manuel Korsakow)
Label: Adrianweissmusic.de
Distribution: CD Baby
Artwork rating: 90/100
Reviewed by: Chris Galea
Date: 21 September, 2014
Website: www.adrianweissmusic.de