Pelata
Shred freaks rejoice! Prog's resident rock star Derek Sherinian (ex-Dream Theater, ex-Platypus, Kiss, Alice Cooper) returns with another installment from his prog/fusion band Planet X. This time around it's a live album called 'Live From Oz' which was recorded on the band's Australian Tour in 2001.
Sherinian and fellow X-er's Tony MacAlpine (guitar) and Virgil Donati (drums) as well as guest bassist Dave LaRue (Steve Morse Band, Dregs) absolutely tear it up on this record! There is more than enough virtuoso musicianship here to please even the most jaded skeptic. Sure, it's over the top, self-indulgent and at times ridiculously fast, but that's what makes bands like Planet X so cool. Heck, for fans of the individual members, there are separately tracked solos from Sherinian, MacAlpine and Donati so you can hear your favorite go off at any point you like.
Now, just because this is a shred record, doesn't mean there is no melody to be found. "Inside Black" is an exquisite display in melodic composition as well as amazing chops. "Warfinger" has a cool groove, which MacAlpine uses well to his advantage. This guy is an absolute legend on guitar going back to the mid-80's with solo albums like 'Maximum Security' and 'Edge Of Insanity'. His solo on this album is absolutely stunning. Virgil Donati has got to be one of the scariest drummers on the planet to boot, as evidenced by his solo. And what can be said about Derek Sherinian? He is without a doubt one of the greatest keyboardists of this generation.
If you're into prog or fusion at all, or bands like Liquid Tension Experiment and Dixie Dregs are your thing, pick up Live From Oz. Your CD player will thank you.