MOSCOW

I think the most recent band that I've been listening to that would compare to IMPACT FUZE would be solo Virgil Donati. This is heavy and complex Fusion, that is surprisingly not all instrumental as we get some vocals on the title track. A trio that is really multi-national with two incredible session players from Russia, along with a session drummer from France. They spent about a year writing and recording this record, releasing it in 2011.

Feodor Dosumev is the main composer and guitarist, he also adds effects. The bio describes well his playing as he can be very Holdsworth-like, but also has those clean solos like Steve Vai. Even Alex Lifeson came to mind, mostly on the longest track. Bass player Anton Davidyants also adds synths, while Damien Schmitt the drummer basically puts on a clinic here. He is a freak of nature I'll say that. He is the singer on "Moscow".

While we get a lot of rampaging music here, they do mix things up very well. "Song For Elena" is ballad-like and my least favourite with some soaring guitar leads early. "Lost In Found" is the other relaxed tune, but this to my ears is far better. "Moscow" is fast paced(understatement) before a calm with vocals and bass. Some great contrasts on this one. Those spacey synths work well here. The other track that contrasts styles well is "Gladiator" and it's so heavy at times.

"Focused Power" and "Punisher" left some marks on me I'm sure. Like a herd of buffalos at times, an onslaught of epic proportions but 'Focused Power" also has those Fusion interludes where Holdsworth comes to mind. Best track in my opinion is "The Way To Itself" and not because it's the longest, but because it's the most interesting. So jazzy, and the drumming starting around 3 1/2 minutes in blows me away. This continues until around the 6 minute mark when the guitar chimes in, then dominates.

This was a pleasure, and while I'm not in love with certain aspects of it, 4 stars is a must, at the very least.