Lion Music (2012)

Lars Eric Mattsson is a neo-classical metal oriented shredder, and this is his vocal outlet with Book Of Reflections. The two singers who trade off the melodies on “Relentless Fighter” are Carsten ‘Lizard’ Schulz on all of the odd numbered tracks, and Markku Kuikka on 4 of the 5 even numbered songs (the eighth song “Gates To Oblivion” is a 3:32 Middle Eastern oriented instrumental with Lars employing some odd phrasing and chord progressions).

Lars handles the guitars, keyboards and bass on this release, with Christer Jansson on the drums. Material such as the double bass propelled “Angel Shed A Tear” and arpeggio syncopated “Rise Up!” should go down a storm with the Yngwie minded brigade. I’m not really sure with the drum sound on certain songs, especially the distant snare/ bass combination for the ballad oriented “Somewhere Else To Be”.

This one won’t set cash registers on fire, it’s typical of the genre and as a result “Relentless Fighter” doesn’t outshine most of the neo-classical metal coming down the pike these days.

www.larsericmattsson.com
www.lionmusic.com

Rating: 3 / 6

Composed by Matt Coe