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Mattsson, Lars Eric: Aurora Borealis
Lars Eric Mattsson - Aurora Borealis album new music review

Mattsson, Lars Eric: Aurora Borealis

Instrumental Neo-Classical Guitar
4.0/5.0

Lion Music
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by Craig Hartranft,  04.04.2011

Lars Eric Mattsson, the founder and chief of Lion Music, is also an exceptional guitarist and composer. After the massive and excellent progressive rock/metal delight of 2010, Tango, Mattsson returns with another adventure, Aurora Borealis, wholly different than the former release. Mattsson combines his neo-classical guitar style with classical music to offer a 'concerto for guitar and orchestra'.

Well, that's hardly new you may say, and you're probably right. Uli Jon Roth, among others, have done similar things. Many others, including Mattsson's peers and some modern guitarists, recognize the intimate relationship between guitar technique and classic music. Should we conclude there is no new ground broken here? Possibly.

Using the northern lights, the Aurora Borealis, as his script Mr. Mattsson weaves his guitar with classical orchestration to reflect the brilliance and creativity of that natural phenomena. It's both rock and metal guitar meeting with classical music. Yet, there is little doubt that Mattsson's fret work leads the way. Wading (or possibly suffering) through the opening track Starfall advises you of the superior presence of his guitar. It also reflects the repetitive tone of his guitar as well; there seems to be little variation here. Often, and more likely, the orchestra/classical music provides atmosphere, a canvas upon which Mattsson colors. Yet, Midnight Sun, Eternal Cycles, Bounce, and Cold Water Spirit show a better integration of orchestra with guitar, and this makes the work intriguing.

With near absolute certainty, Aurora Borealis proves once again Lars Eric Mattsson creativity in composition and guitar mastery. This is a project for his peers and the aspiring student of six-string virtuosity, and those who simply love fine fret craftsmanship. Likely, Aurora Borealis will be lost upon the modern era musicians and other Philistines laughing and pointing from the streets.




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In Short

With near absolute certainty, Aurora Borealis proves once again Lars Eric Mattsson creativity in composition and guitar mastery. This is a project for his peers and the aspiring student of six-string virtuosity, and those who simply love fine fret craftsmanship.

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