MYTHOLOGY

Reading the other 2 reviews available for this album, I am compelled to balance the palate. In my opinion, the two lower rated reviews seem to come from an awkward approach and expectancy, and therefore are not fully helpful in depicting this release. (Not that I'm any prime authority... but here goes...)

Two points before I begin; In my version of the album there is a different first track titled "Day Of The Dead". The rest of the album continues in the same order as listed above, but without the bonus track. Secondly, unlike my peers here, I am all at once a huge Dream Theater fan, as well as a traditional jazz-fusion and prog fan who grew up listening to "heavy handed spank-fest" metal.

Having been familiar with and owning his 3 prior albums, I was perhaps somewhat prepared for what he brings on Mythology. It is quite plainly a follow-up and natural progression of Black Utopia. While not as stark and surprising as BU, it is still a solid and well conceived effort. Beginning with a sinister key-riff straight from a George A. Romero nightmare, Derek embarks on another roller-coaster of memorable licks and diverse settings. While dissapointed at the absence of Malmsteen, and DeMiola, I was appeased by the appearance of Holdsworth and the return of Lukather and Wylde. Zack Wylde is beyond doubt the most talented mteal-blues whaler with a southern hangover, and Derek seems to inspire a hidden facet in the man. God of War is pure nosebleed metal, that doesn't try to impress any prog snobs or fusion dweebs (both of which I consider myself) and just rocks. Goin to Church conveys the precise feel of it's title. I can envision Zack hungover in a back pew, repenting... yeah right. River Song is probably my least favorite track. No big surprise that it's stashed away at the end.

My two favorite tracks are both with Holdsworth. Day of the Dead is just a catchy driving song, until Allan drops the tempo and the mood, shading all the rough edges with his otherworldly style. Trojan Horse makes a single and very clear statement: THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH VIOLINS IN HEAVY MUSIC. Goodman and his violin always outshone McLaughlin IMHO. It's like the refreshing splash of diversity you get when you hear Ian Anderson's flute. All in all the disc is peppered with some great moments... and strung along with very standard Sherinian moments. I would place this disc only second to Black Utopia in it's quality and importance in Derek's legacy.

I think Sherinian is among the most driven and spirited musicians on the scene today (this from a guy who prefers Rudess in Dream Theater). Mythology along with Black Utopia stand as monuments to what can be done with music in the 21st century. Seeing as he is able to bring out the best in some of my favorite guitarists, I would be thrilled to see him team up with the likes of Chris Poland... or Buckethead... perhaps in an interstellar time warp cut a few tracks with Stevie Ray Vaughan... well a guy can dream anyway...