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Constantine: Shredcore

Instrumental Guitar

3.75/5.0

7Hard Records
www.myspace.com/constantine3000
www.7hard.de
Review: Craig Hartranft,  07.26.2010

Guitarist extraordinaire Constantine (Mystic Prophecy, Descending) picked a good title for his first solo instrumental album Shredcore. There's no mistaking what you'll hear: pure unadulterated heavy metal shredding from first to last. The tunes and guitar licks here are probably less similar to his work in the modern death/thrash band Descending and more near the traditional heavy metal of Mystic Prophecy. Yet, there's a sincere undercurrent of heaviness throughout. Fellow Greek mate Bob Katsionis (Firewind, Outloud, et al) adds a dash of keyboard texture and flare with solos.

But the showcase here is Constantine's lightning fret fireworks as he single handedly wants to keep the shred flame alive on Shredcore. Say what you will about any guitarist's instrumental solo effort (pure egotistical pandering or not), the bottom line is: do they have the chops? Constantine definitely does. His fingers fly effortlessly over the fret board as he echoes his peers, both past and present. Is there anything extraordinary here? Possibly the interplay between Constantine and Katsionis on a Rose for Rejection. And Tear in the Open is blends lighter subtlety with more heavy shredding. Otherwise, Shredcore is a solid exploration of Constantine's immense guitar skills, and well done at that. It's work that he should be proud of for years to come.

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

Shredcore is a solid exploration of Constantine's immense guitar skills, and well done at that. It's work that he should be proud of for years to come.

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Here's a fun fact about Swiss legends, Gotthard: their last 16 releases, excepting their debut album, went to number one in their home country, making them one of Switzerland's most successful acts and ... [ Read More ]