Search - Emir Hot :: Sevdah Metal

Emir Hot debuts with John West (vox) and Mike Terrana (Drums

Nikiforos V. Skoumas | Athens Greece, Cambridge UK | 09/02/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Emir Hot is a rising Bosnian guitar shredder graduate of the Guitar Institute of London UK. Although Hot has been involved in a number of projects over the past decade, "Zevdah Metal" is considered his fully professional debut.



This guitarist, as most of his generation, is influenced (according to interview*) by the likes of Yngwie Malmsteen, Paul Gilbert and Vinnie Moore. However Emir is by no means a clone or even a blend of these players, his technique is based on Bosnian-Balcanic melodies subsequently incorporated within the songs of "Sevdah Metal".



This is very much an experimental record, probably a love/hate scenario for the majority of listeners; However the odds are on Hot's side, being a competent guitar player (won the "Guitar Hero UK 2005" contest) and supported by two figures much larger than the name on the front cover; these are Mike Terrana ("Rage","Malmsteen","Masterplan") on drums and John West (ex "Royal Hunt") on vocals.



After having listened to the album a good number of times it became apparent that Terrana's drumming fits surprisingly well with the compositions and Emir's guitar playing as the American percussionist is progressively minded music wise and a fan of funky/technical drumming himself.



A very different attempt than your average newcomer guitarist. Emir Hot enters unknown metal territory and opinions are expected to vary. Yet if two of the most accomplished and admired names in metal have placed their faith on this young guitarist then the audience should probably do the same.



Favorite songs: "Devils in Disguise", "Stand and Fight" and "You".



*"Fireworks" UK magazine (issue 32)



"

Something really amazing!!!

Haris Lelic | Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina | 05/23/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"... wow...

Emir, you really did something great on this album and I can only wish for many more to come. You have great team of ppl that worked with you so I'm not surprised. John West, Mike Terrana... I mean! Wow!!!

I just want to be brief and want to say that this is really great music and I'm sure that metal fans would love to hear this, especially fans of Royal Hunt and power and progressive metal. They will also enjoy ethno Bosnian sounds... nice done man!!!

"