ADRIAN WEISS

I could probably say just about the same about the qualities of "Criminal Record" as I could say about Weiss earlier solo albums. Instrumental music is the name of the game here, hard rock and metal the main and dominant styles explored, and taken on in a manner that will give this album an appeal also beyond the spheres of the guitar hero fans. The latter will obviously be a key audience, but those who may want to check out a guitarist solo album made with a regular rather than instrument-oriented listener in mind should take note of this album too, as well as Weiss previous solo albums.

All in all, I find "Easy Game" to be an interesting album. Not a production with the same mass appeal as, for instance, Joe Satriani's earliest excursions, but a fine and good-quality affair that showcases a versatile instrumentalist, and one who is able to create songs that will have some appeal also outside of the typical instrumental metal guitar interested crowd. When that is said, I regard this album as one that first and foremost will intrigue that specific market, and then in particular those who tend to enjoy instrumental guitar albums featuring material of a more sophisticated manner in general and somewhat dominated by a progressive metal in particular.

Adrian Weiss has made an intriguing solo debut with "Big Time". He has a taste for diversity in pace, intensity and expression that suit an instrumental guitar-oriented album well, and is a clever composer who manages to construct good moods and distinct melodies, whilst also allowing his virtuous capabilities as an instrumentalist to shine through. That he provides ample room and space for this supporting cast of musicians is a nice bonus too, as far as such productions go. A well made effort that should interest both guitar aficionados and those with more of a passing interest in such creations both, as long as rock and metal oriented music of this kind is of interest.