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Hailing from Bosnia but
exiled in the UK, Emir Hot evokes memories of Yngwie while
adding in his own unique style with a blend of
melodic, progressive, neo-classical metal mixed with the “Sevdah” (Bosnian
blues) style of Bosnian music to create his sound.
Adding to this mix is
we have ex-Royal Hunt/Artension vocalist John West and
Masterplan/Artension/Malmsteen/Axel Rudi Pell drummer Mike Terrano, giving
an energy and touch of class to the project.
The instrumental piece
'Forspil' opens the album before
'Devils In Disguise' kicks in and John West
lays his vocals all over the song, while Mike Terrano double kicks his way
throughout the song and Mr Hot solos like a demon being chased by the
Devil himself.
'World Set On Fire'
continues the onslaught, slower in tempo than the previous track but
with West
once again putting in a fabulous vocal performance.
'Skies And Oceans' is
next and flies off the blocks like a 100m sprinter. Emir
really burns on this track with the Eastern
influence coming across at the solo and West really gives it some on here.
And then we’re onto
'Sevdah Metal Rhapsody', a medley of traditional
Balkan songs which features an accordian. This
is a glorious piece and also features
a short drum solo from Terrano.
'Stand And Fight'
starts off with a keyboard and acoustic guitar opening, a slow burner of a
song with a somewhat anthemic chorus. 'Endless Pain' follows, a
double kick and guitar led tune, great vocals from West and a searing solo
from Mr Hot.
'Hora Martisorului'
and instrumental that shows Mr Hot’s influences once again, break out the
vodka and dance like a demon! Next up is
'Land Of The
Dark', like driving at 100 mph down the autobahn with Mr Hot at the wheel,
fine melodic vocals and searing guitar work.
And finally we come to
'You', starting off ballad-like before becoming a grinding heavy rock song
with some additional female vocals and more searing Hot guitar work.
This is a good album
with strong performances from all involved but there isn’t one particular
song on here that sticks in the mind begging to be played again. Fans of
neo-classical, progressive metal will hear worse albums over the coming
months and Emir Hot has thrown his hat in the ring and made a statement of
intent.
*Review by Brassy |
