GRETZKY

"Gretzky" is the debut full-length studio album by Canadian, Winnipeg, Manitoba based progressive metal act Electro Quarterstaff. The album was released through Willowtip Records in October 2006. Electro Quarterstaff were formed in 2001 and have relased two EPs ("Live (2002)" and "Swayze (2004)") before the release of "Gretzky". The album is named after the Canadian hockey legend Wayne Gretzky.

Stylistically the music is instrumental technical/progressive metal. On "Gretzky" the band consists of three guitarists and a drummer, but no bassist (they would add a bassist to the lineup in 2007). The material featured on the album is mainly re- arranged versions of tracks, which were originally featured on the preceding EPs. It´s busy music with many guitar layers and fast technical drumming, but there are also slower and more melodic oriented sections on the album. Sometimes the riffing style is thrash oriented and sometimes even touching death metal territory, but "Gretzky" is generally pretty varied, drawing influences from many different musical styles.

The material on the 8 track, 51:30 minutes long album is well written and relatively accessible despite the focus on technical playing, but it´s not necessarily instantly catchy, so it may require a few spins to sink in. It´s the kind of album where you´ll find new details with every listen. The sound production is powerful and detailed, but the choice to not include a bassist is a bit odd to my ears and occassionally a heavy bass or counterpoint melody would have been great. On the other hand it´s not necessarily something you´ll notice if you didn´t know it, but once you know, it´s almost impossible not to think of it.

Upon conclusion "Gretzky" is a hiqh quality instrumental technical/progressive metal release. Relatively interesting songwriting, a well sounding production, and high level musicianship are some of the assets and a 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.

(Originally posted on Metal Music Archives)