Marty Friedman True Obsessions CD

The fourth solo release from Megadeth guitarist Marty Friedman finds the guitarist mostly repeating the same formula that worked so well on Introduction. This time around, though, there is less emphasis on new age stylings in favor of a more rock-oriented approach. "Rio" is impressive, and the session's best track, "Intoxicated," offers a glimpse of what Friedman sounds like without the metal riffing. ~ Robert Taylor

The fourth solo release from Megadeth guitarist Marty Friedman finds the guitarist mostly repeating the same formula that worked so well on Introduction. This time around, though, there is less emphasis on new age stylings in favor of a more rock-oriented approach. With the exception of the impressive "Rio" and "Farewell," there isn't much space here, which he used so well previously. There is also fewer solo space for his accompanying musicians, causing this to be a rather banal session. The vocal tracks "Last September" and "Live and Learn" may have been attempts to add variety; however, the bland arrangements and vocals just add to the session's unevenness. The session's best track, "Intoxicated," offers a glimpse of what Friedman could sound like if he shelved some of his stereotypical metal riffing. It wasn't likely that Friedman would top Introduction, but it wasn't expected that this cerebral guitarist would show signs of stagnation and even regression. ~ Robert Taylor

Recording information: Fat Planet Studios, Van Nuys, CA (11/06/1995-02/??/1996); Jai Winding Studios, Santa Monica, CA (11/06/1995-02/??/1996); Vintage Recorders, Pheonix, AZ (11/06/1995-02/??/1996); Wilkinson Productions, Sun Valley, CA (11/06/1995-02/??/1996).

Personnel: Marty Friedman (guitar, synthesizer); Stanley Rose (vocals, background vocals); Brian BecVar (piano, keyboards); Gregg Bissonette, Nick Menza, Carmine Appice (drums); Alex Wilkinson (percussion).

Audio Mixer: Steve Fontano.