CLINOPHOBIA

From the very beginning of this project,since the line-up was anounced,all the fans of hi-tech prog fusion were very excited and optimist that DEVIL'S SLINGSHOT will deliver a fantastic album!The expectations were huge and I must sat that the final result is not at all at the level of the hopes that fusion prog metal afficionados were a little bit cheated!Far from being a bad album,I don't know why,but I think that DEVIL'S SLINGSHOT is missing the target!What else can be sayed about the impressive line -up-truly fantastic!Honestly,I was one of those who didn't had much hopes that DEVIL'S SLINGSHOT will be a second PLANET X or a clone!I was more convinced that the music on this album will be more melodic orientated and TONY MACALPINE will be the truea star of the album!I can say now that I was pretty right,because,musically speaking,this album is very guitar orientated and we have the feeling to listen the new MACALPINE solo album!DONATI is efficient as usual,but he really doesn't shine here-he plays polite and calculated-but no sparks of genius or frantic measures either!SHEEHAN is equal to himself-impressive and technique-but like Donati-no spark or frenzy either !MACALPINE is,in my vision,the one who seems to be really excited to play this music and offers some excellent solos-diverse and attractive!The album is quite spectacular-but no jaw dropping or technical "on steroids fusion " like PLANET X-a reference of the genre!Anyway,the album is listenable from the first to the last track and the final impression is quite pleasant!I have serious doubts if a second try will be dobe,because the response of the media and critics were quite calm about this album who was fantastic on paper,but in reality was almost dissapointing!Hardly 3 stars for the value of the musicians,but for the music itself,not much that 2.5 STARS!Sorry guys!