Marc Rizzo Colossal Myopia
Mascot Records 1st August 2005
By Russell Garwood
Marc Rizzo, founding guitarist of Il Nino and axe-man for Soulfly, has just released his first solo offering via Mascot Records. Were in distinct shredding territory; all songs are instrumental and guitar led, with lengthy solos occasionally broken by a return to the tracks theme. Drums are well performed by a session musician, and tight, as required by the exact songs, while the bass tends to get lost at times in the mix. The guitars, as you would expect are excellent in all respects. Occasional acoustics are just as competently performed as the electrics, which showcase lightning fast solos, sharp rhythm work, melodic leads and occasional more mellow moments.
It would be hugely short-sighted (heh) to look into Colossal Myopia if you were expecting anything other than shredding. For those who require more than instrumental prowess in a CD, theres not a great deal to look for here, as Marc succumbs to all the pitfalls of shredding albums. The songs lack identity and structure, and often feel little more than soloing to a backing track. Occasional flamenco and classical elements mixed in with the rock are a very cool addition, however, and the more metallic nature of Rizzos shredding is makes this worthy of note for metal guitarists. Amazing guitar-work, but not much more.
6.5/10
Official Mascot Records website
Mascot Records 1st August 2005
By Russell Garwood
Marc Rizzo, founding guitarist of Il Nino and axe-man for Soulfly, has just released his first solo offering via Mascot Records. Were in distinct shredding territory; all songs are instrumental and guitar led, with lengthy solos occasionally broken by a return to the tracks theme. Drums are well performed by a session musician, and tight, as required by the exact songs, while the bass tends to get lost at times in the mix. The guitars, as you would expect are excellent in all respects. Occasional acoustics are just as competently performed as the electrics, which showcase lightning fast solos, sharp rhythm work, melodic leads and occasional more mellow moments.
It would be hugely short-sighted (heh) to look into Colossal Myopia if you were expecting anything other than shredding. For those who require more than instrumental prowess in a CD, theres not a great deal to look for here, as Marc succumbs to all the pitfalls of shredding albums. The songs lack identity and structure, and often feel little more than soloing to a backing track. Occasional flamenco and classical elements mixed in with the rock are a very cool addition, however, and the more metallic nature of Rizzos shredding is makes this worthy of note for metal guitarists. Amazing guitar-work, but not much more.
6.5/10
Official Mascot Records website
