One of the criticisms frequently leveled at Metal guitarists is that while they can play fast, they can't compose anything but shallow, one-dimensional speed exhibitions. The problem with this allegation is that it's completely false in many cases. Metal guitarists often have their roots in Classical music or Jazz, which provides them a solid technical foundation on which to build their speed playing. Take the guitarist out of the Metal band, and let them get back to their roots, and you will often get some amazing results.

Such is the case with former Megadeth axe-man Chris Poland. After leaving Megadeth, Chris released an excellent, but under-recognized solo album called Return to Metalopolis, which was very much a Metal guitar record. After that, I hadn't heard much about what Chris was up to. When Grooveyard Records contacted me recently saying that they were releasing a collection of demos and such from Chris Poland, I was excited. I thought it would be another Metal shred-fest like Metalopolis. I fell into the same stereotyping trap that all the major media and big record labels do when it comes to guys like Chris! (Shame on me!) But I didn't realize it until I received my copy of Chasing The Sun from Grooveyard and popped it into my player. What I heard both surprised and delighted me.

On Chasing The Sun, Poland breaks out of the Metal guitar stereotype by weaving a collection of instrumental songs that are very much jazz/fusion influenced. Jazz players are some of the most skilled in the world, and Poland proves that he can certainly hold his own against the likes of Al DiMeola, Stanley Jordan, and Larry Carlton. Because this is a collection of tracks that were recorded at various times over the past several years, there are different musicians on different songs, but Mark Poland and David Eagle are both solid on the drums (a third drummer, "mac hine" was also used on two tracks. Hmmmm….), and Francis DiCosmo and Robertino Pagliari both prove to be more than capable on the bass. The result is an album that sounds remarkably tight for a collection of songs recorded at different points in time. The production is amazingly good, with none of the songs having a wildly different production feel to them (except for the bonus track, "Alexandria 99," which was recorded live). Kudos to everyone involved in the mastering and production.

Some highlights among the disc's thirteen tracks are "Salvador," which could easily be mistaken for an Al DiMeola tune with it's slight Latin influence and it's tight, hot little guitar runs; "Interference Blues," which is reminiscent of the immortal Stevie Ray Vaughan (think "Riviera Paradise"); "Song For Paul (31 Summers)," which starts out very soft and beautiful and then breaks into an awesome, dripping-with-emotion shred frenzy; "Robo Stomp," a fun piece with subtle but cool guitar effects and some ripping leads; "Chasing The Sun," which is a cool, dischordant jam; and "Hip Hop Karma," which features some sweet bass work (don't let the name fool you - there's no sampling or babbling rap vocals).

In order for instrumental guitar tracks to really grab you, they must at least have one of the following: a lot of unusual, experimental guitar sounds (a la Steve Vai and Joe Satriani), some very soulful, emotional leads, or some very sonically interesting, complex compositional elements. Chasing The Sun definitely has the latter two, making this a disc that every fan of guitar music should hear. Even if you are a die-hard Metalhead, pick this bad boy up and really listen to the songs. You'll definitely appreciate Chris Poland's skills as a guitarist, and you might even recognize his compositional skills, which immediately puts you one step ahead of all the "big" record labels. Thanks, Chris, for making this awesome music, and thanks, Grooveyard, for recognizing great musicianship and making it available to guitar fans everywhere.

One last thing: If you order this directly from Grooveyard Records, you can also purchase a limited edition Chris Poland "Rare Trax" CD for $12 (regularly $15). You'd get both discs for $27. Good deal!

Shred Pick: "Salvador" (3:14)

Reviewed by Kevin Ryan

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