Alex Masi Eternal Struggle CD - Import

Symphonic metal fusioneer Alex Masi burns sonic rubber with this album, which features a melting cover of Foreigner's "Blue Morning, Blue Day."

Alex Masi is definitely the heart of the band that bears his last name, but the music of this group is not an exact duplication of his solo style. Well, in fairness, even his own solo albums are not really clones of each other. The man does know how to vary his work. Also to his credit, Masi (the man) seems very interested in crafting solid songs here, rather than just backgrounds within which to feature his guitar virtuosity. He also shows the good sense to know a good song even when someone else has written it -- note his cover of Foreigner's "Blue Morning Blue Day." The comparisons to Yngwie Malmsteen may run rampant in many reviews of Masi's work, but truly his understanding that the song is king separates him from the guitarists of that ilk. The overall texture of this album is that of a modernization of the '80s' metal sound with a more complex and creative compositional texture (and definitely a good helping of neo-classical structures). Comparisons to Ritchie Blackmore, both in Rainbow and Deep Purple, are deserved, too. Vocalist Kyle Michaels truly adds a great rock dimension to the piece and leaves you wondering, "Why have I never heard him before?" The end result is that of an album that is quite solid and entertaining. The only real complaint is that the production, although not really bad, falls a bit flat at times. This is arguably the best album from Masi (the man and the band) and even one of the best of the genre. ~ Gary Hill

Masi is back with a vengeance. After a stunning solo album based on music by J S Bach, guitarist, producer and band leader Alex Masi has dusted off his melodic hard rock band Masi featuring singer Kye Michaels. Eternal Struggle is Masi's finest hour: a commercial yet heavy collection of songs that will make all Yngwie fans convert. The CD includes a metallic cover of Foreigner's "Blue Morning, Blue Day", as well as eleven ferocious originals that each feature lengthy Masi solos full of blazing axework. Required listening for fans of early Masi and Alex Masi's solo work

Personnel: Alex Masi (guitar, keyboards); Paul Marangoni (drums, percussion); Mark Renk (background vocals).

Recording information: Haunted Forest Studios; Leigh Cates' Farm; Revolving Door Studios.

Photographer: Alex Solea.