THE DARK CHAPTER

Michael Romeo is without doubt one of the most talentated, inspired and skillful guitarist in last couple of decades. I'm a big fan of his style both solo as on Symphony X. Before or actualy in same time with born of legends Symphony X, Michael Romeo released his first and in same time his last solo album under his name - The dark chapter, issued in 1994. Well, this is awesome to my ears, instrumental prog metal with neo classical passages, from up tempo twists and turns to delightful arpeggios and inventive mellow parts, this release is more the enjoyble to me. Even I know Symphony X for long time, since around Damnation game, I never really look to this album, I don't know why, I bought this one only few years back, and I was instantly hooked, knowing his work with his mother band , this one was a sure delight to me. His style his very reminescent of Vinnie Moore, Malmsteen in places, and with his own touch, the result is almost perfect. The skills are top notch, he playing with an amazing ease even some said that this release is more a show of then a real album, I don't care, this is fantastic and all guitar lovers must listen to this one at least once. Also Michael Pinella is present here on keyboards, no other then his mate from future Symphony X, he done a very solid job here aswell. Pieces like Masque of the Red Death, Cask of Amontillado or The Premature Burial are real winners, showing how big potential this guy has in prog metal world, no wonder he will become quikly a very respected guitarist worldwide.Not only did Michael play the majority of all the instruments on the album, he also engineered, mixed and produced the album showcasing his versatile abilities in the studio. For me personaly 4 stars, quite connected with Symphony X, but only instrumental. A total winner.