ALBUM REVIEW: War Of The Worlds, Pt. 2 – Michael Romeo
If you haven’t heard of MICHAEL ROMEO by now you must have been living under a pretty big rock. The master of the guitar has been blazing his own trail for decades as an invaluable component of SYMPHONY X. He has also not been afraid to venture into solo territory. The first instalment of his H.G. Wells inspired series was very well received back in 2018 and it’s now time for him to unveil War Of The Worlds, Pt. 2 which is due for release on March 11th via InsideOut Music. This is a release you won’t want to overlook!
Introduction Part II is pretty much as you’d expect. Dramatic, theatrical and a platform for the surging riffs of Divide & Conquer to springboard from. In true fashion Romeo launches face first into a pile of superb guitar wizardry bolstered by the powerful vocal prowess of Dino Jelusick who takes to this project like a duck to water. Vibrant, euphoric melodies and exhilarating shredding are reeled off in impeccable fashion. Destroyer takes a darker, heavier approach which possesses a formidable bite drenched in groove ridden hooks. The wealth of instrumentation on show is also a joy to behold. Metamorphosis keeps the pendulum in full swing as its addictive energy shines brightly. Punchy drum sections and uplifting vocal lines assist in elevating this piece and the chopping and changing pace grips your gaze tightly.
Mothership builds up the suspense with intense orchestration, leaving you poised with anticipation. Just Before The Dawn commences with soothing piano elements that perfectly compliment the emotive, ballad-like vocal work. The falsetto bursts are spine tingling. Hybrids charges onwards with a confident stride and impactful riffing. The sinister undertones really add an extra dynamic to the track and the phenomenal lead work continues to leave you struck with awe. Hunted keeps you on the edge of your seat, with a whole host of varied instrumentation slickly combining to provide a track loaded with cinematic excitement.
Maschinenmensch kicks it up a gear with swift galloping riffs and a menacing demeanour. Jelusick continues to put an emphatic stamp on anything his vocals touch. The extensive runtime of this track disappears rapidly as you are so enveloped in the sheer level of quality and skill exhibited. Parasite revisits the darker side of the spectrum with crunchy guitar work and pulsing drum beats. Whilst considerably heavier it is still packed to the brim with intoxicating melodies. Brave New World allows this release to come full circle and reprise the theatrical tones instilled in the first instance.
It wouldn’t be a MICHAEL ROMEO release if it didn’t have one final solo flourish now would it? Just as an additional treat there are two bonus tracks. Firstly, The Perfect Weapon offers up an additional basket of goodies to sink your teeth into in the form of mouth-watering guitar work, soaring vocals and potent drumming. The hooks introduced around the midway point are undeniably catchy and absolutely headbang-inducing. Last but certainly not least, Alien DeathRay contains sweeps aplenty, nimble piano segments and flamboyant drum runs to leave a pretty hefty exclamation point.
If you’re a fan of Romeo‘s work with SYMPHONY X you should have a good idea of what you’re getting into with this effort. That doesn’t make it any less impressive. The instrumentation and musicianship is of the highest order. The production feels polished and sounds razor sharp. You don’t even need to have heard the first instalment or even have an interest in the subject matter which inspired it, there is an abundance of stunning flair which any fan of guitar-driven music can thoroughly appreciate and continue to return to.
Rating: 9/10
War Of The Worlds, Pt. 2 is set for release on March 11th via InsideOut Music.
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