SUFFER

GONGZILLA is a rightful extension of the larger GONG family tree. This debut album includes Bon Lozaga ("Time Is The Key," "Leave It Open," "Pierre Moerlen's Gong Live") and Hansford Rowe ("Time Is The Key up to "Full Circle Live '88") and Benoit Moerlen ("Gazeuse" to "Leave It Open.") The album definitely fits into the jazz-fusion category started by the Pierre Moerlen's Gong on "Gazeuse." The opening track starts off hard and heavy and in my opinion qualifies as jazz metal with its hard and heavy approach to jazz fusion but starting with the second track we get a steady stream of lifeless ballads that remind me of the worst of Pat Metheny and it just doesn't make my tail wag.

There are a few tracks on this album that make me happy but overall I would have to say that this is a very hit and miss affair. I absolutely love the name of this band and album cover and was expecting more but when all is said and done I find this to be an OK but not outstanding extension of the Gong heritage. Disappointing especially because of the large input of talented musicians but I find that many an Alan Holdsworth contribution sounds samey and this is no exception. Good for a few tracks but nothing more.