Simply a MUST HAVE CD if your a fan of hard rock/metal!!.
08/12/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Tone, Feel, Melody, Composition and superior guitar playing are but only the beginning for this disc. It's the SONGS that really stay with you. Each track is melodic, accessible and downright terrific. I have yet to hear something as enjoyable as this disc. Opening with 'The Crimson King' , with it's heavy, brutal beginning before exploding into a cascade of beautiful exotic melodies, possesses some of the finer points of Rob's signature music. The song is king and Rob simply weaves a web of intricate passeges and terrific lines that simply grab you and don't let go. Continuing with the terrific 'Amadeo', and the highly melodic title track 'Mantra', Rob displays why he holds the respect he does. His playing at times is remenicent of older Satriani, Gary Moore, John Sykes and a dash of Steve Vai as well, yet Rob possesses a voice and style all his own. The album sounds terrific, boasting top notch production, and the musicianship provided by drummer Mark Karmatz and bassist Mike Gukasi is stellar. This is a powerhouse band who play of each others strengths and deliver one terrific song after the next. Rob's shining moment is on the poignent ballad "Eve", which showcases the deep passion Rob's playing delivers."
A Relaxed John Petrucci with a pinch of Satch
Ryan Gavan | Liberty Lake, WA United States | 02/28/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This cd was the first of Rob Balducci's I have bought. I made the purchase based on a couple things. 1) Rob is on Favored Nations, which is Vai's label. If he is good enough for Vai....he's good enough for me. 2) He is endorsed by Ibanez guitars...good enough for Ibanez good enough for me. I was impressed with Rob's tone and his articulation. He is very aware of the song and the melody as opposed to just shredding away at a hundred miles an hour but it boils under the surface. Rob's New York accent is obvious in his playing. I would totally recommend this record to anyone interested in instrumental guitar....check out other Favored Nations stuff too."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1