GORDIAN KNOT

Sean Malone is one of most diverse bassist I know. He could be easily the second Jaco Pastorius, but for some amount of time he was associate with death-metal scene because of his contribution in bands like _Cynic_. _Gordian Knot_ was started so that Sean could flex his playing on bass guitar and Chapman Stick and composing creativity as well. He employed his friend Sean Rainert (drums), ex-_King Crimson_ touch guitarist Trey Gunn and two guitarists: Ron Jarzombek (from _Watchtower_ and _Spastic Ink_) and Glen Snelwar (his first recording job). _Dream Theater_ bassist John Myung guests with his Chapman Stick on Srikara Tal" and "Redemption's Way". The result? A fantastic heavy-fusion recording that will keep you captivating from beginning to the end.

"Galois" starts the album in a fantastic way. Slow and atmospheric, ambient-like tune that calms me down and prepares for the next track . Once the soft darkness of Galois fades the album kicks into high gear with Code/Anticode. A fast, furious, fun fusion peace with some slower moments supported by organ-work by Malone. "Reflections" is my personal favorite, with haunting melodies and some stunning acoustic work by Glen Snelwar who's also the main composer of this great track. "Mergez" is another peaceful, ambient like tune containing only Stick and touch guitar work. This one can also be find on Trey Gunn's "Raw Power - Surfacings, Vol. 1" "Singularity" is one of the heavier track on recording, however it has a beautiful section in the middle. "Redemption's Way" takes the record in a world music/ new age oriented direction with some exotic percussion work. "Kom Süsser Tod, Kom Sel'ge" is a short, dark tribute of an old J.S. Bach piece, separating the previous track from the most complex and frantic composition on this record. "Rivers Dancing" starts of with some really heavy blast, to move into one of the most beautiful moments in music created (so maybe I'm exaggerating but it is beautiful!). It end with a fantastic, chaotic, exceptional guitar solo by Ron Jarzombek. "Srikara Tal" returns to the eastern influenced music started by "Redemption's Way", this time being more dark and disturbing. The album ends with a hidden track called "Grace". It closes the album with a positive, peaceful feeling that compliments the spiritual vibe of the rest of the songs perfectly.

Overall the first _Gordian knot_ release is one of my favorite CD in my collection. Complex and beautiful at the same time. Highly recommended, especially if have taste for challenging and original composition.