Derek Sherinian - Molecular Heinosity
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CD REVIEW 
Hiruma Cyrus
Keyboardist Derek Sherinian is well known for his role in Dream Theater (1995-1998) and as the founder of Planet X, a band that came with the original proposal, a unique way to create a mix of jazz, hard rock and progressive.
In his solo career, keyboardist started very well with the album Inertia. In later works, with the participation of established names, guitarists Yngwie Malmsteen, Al Di Meola, Steve Lukather (Toto), John Petrucci (Dream Theater) and bassist Billy Sheehan, among others.
It was expected that this remarkable group of guests to raise the quality of the work of the musician. But the opposite happened: the CDs have different styles of Derek losing their sound unit. There was a collective work in favor of an idea, but several concepts scattered within a single album.
Molecular Heinosity represents an improvement in this aspect, but is still far better than the keyboard can provide.
The first three compositions closely resemble the Planet X. The presence of Virgil Donati (drums), a member of the band, Bret Garsed (guitar), who starred in the debut CD, reinforce this side. Add to this the remarkable ability of veteran bassist Jimmy Johnson.
"Antarctica" features guitars and keyboards influenced by the style of Allan Holdsworth , one of the masters of jazz fusion movement. The complex rhythms of the drums give way to the clean sound of Garsed, which alternates with keyboards in vibrant soil.
In "Ascension", the synthesizers are responsible for the tension, adding a dose of distortion, which use Sherinian know very well. Those who remember the introduction of the classic "Lines in the Sand" by Dream Theater, will recognize the personal style of the musician.
But it is in "Primal Eleven" trilogy that reaches its peak. Heavy guitar riffs supporting a wide variety of keyboard sounds, including the familiar sound of the Hammond organ. Light influences from Indian music to music. Dynamic and daring as accurate.
"Wings of Insanity" radically change the sound, it seems a composite of Ozzy Osbourne. The presence of Zakk Wylde lets not forget, especially when it comes to the devastating guitar solo. As the title of this insanity, the music follows a dark line and ends up leaving for the pure thrash metal. A different time Sherinian solo career. Positive point.
Zakk Wylde and Derek Sherinian (Disclosure)
Shredding is the term used to describe the guitar solos superfast, as the classic metal style usually adopt. This is what happens in "Frozen by Fire." Rusty Cooley is responsible for the notes above the speed of light, shape and epic scholars. This is where the album starts to grate, the technique becomes more important than creativity.
The following three songs on the guitar have Taka Minamono suffer the same syndrome and classic metal exceeded. It's like stepping back in time and redo all that Yngwie Malmsteen has used and abused to exhaustion. There are now shredding guitarists who use so much smarter.
"The Lone Spanyard" at least provides a good introduction to the piano. The vignette "Molecular" and the title track by repeating the tired formula, guitar solos a mile a minute and a lack of consistency in the compositions. Save up solos Sherinian.
"So Far Gone" features the vocals of Zakk Wylde, who does not compromise, nor impresses. Note clearly that he tries to be a disciple of Ozzy Osbourne. The sound of church bells and the intervention of the dreary cello create an authentic atmosphere of suspense. When the segment comes into play heavy metal, epic keyboards produce an effect that recovers the Middle East and recalls "Kashmir" by Led Zeppelin. Great closing track.
Molecular Heinosity strange feeling to hear. The impression is put in a CD player and in the middle exchange for another hearing. There are great songs and others that simply do not excite. The result is uneven.
Molecular Heinosity musicians:
Derek Sherinian (keyboards), Zakk Wylde (guitar, vocals), Tony Franklin (fretless bass), Brian Tichy (drums and guitar), Virgil Donati (drums), Rusty Cooley (guitar), Taka Minamono (guitar), Brett Garsed ( guitar), Jimmy Johnson (bass), Rob Mules (bass), Tina Guo (cello)
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