Its funny the way one might approach this CD, what is this, another fine instrumental guitar metal album from multi-instrumentalist and underrated guitarist Michael Harris? Well if that is what anyone expects from him, you might be surprised when this record exceeds expectations. Besides showcasing the nimble-fingered axe attack from Harris, it's a fucking full blown prog-metal album, which makes anyone wonder, why the fuck is Harris still stuck within the underground, the guy is a full-on talent when it comes to making
Words Collide.
Appropriately titled obviously, seeing how this is his very first album that features his singing; and doing it very well so to speak with a rock/metal voice providing all the needed range; which marks a new phase in Harris' career. At first listen it is almost like you are listening to a "band," you might think that there are multiple members here due to the fact that the record's arrangements tend to be diverse, standing alone, as if the bass, synth guitar and multiple guitar parts come from a separate brain, well when looking to the liner notes it becomes clear that Harris plays everything, except the drums (for which his brother Brian pounds the skins), which to no surprise makes for a tight sound. Anyone who has tried to record a demo or a record as a one man band knows how frustrating that can be doing everything yourself, Harris shows no strain whatsoever.
Within the 14 cuts falling within this release, introducing the more introspective side of Harris, whether its songs like the Dream Theatre-ish
"Wash My Soul Away," the avant-garde power metal of
"Incarcerated" the aggressive acoustic opus of
"Myopia," the neo-classical composition of
"Coffee with Mozart" (going beyond just a nod to Malmsteen), the
Rush relative
"Prosthetic Brain" demonstrates his respect for progressive jamming, offering his own
"La Villa Strangiato," and the extended full blown jazz improvised prog-metal jam session meets soundscape
"Battle Fatigue," all show the many sides of Harris diversity. He even has created an opus tangling on the mystical Indian meets Spanish world music on
"The Cosmic Desert," complete with sitar and flamenco guitar.
Great record, fans of his work will thoroughly enjoy this, and for those who want a progressive metal album that puts the emphasis on the guitars, here is your album.
Written by
Hashman Sunday, May 9, 2004
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