Recent Reviews

May 2025

March 2025

February 2025

January 2025

December 2024

November 2024

[ More Music Reviews ]


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
Website Facebook MySpace
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.




CraigHartranft.net - New fiction, crime fiction by Craig Hartranft

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

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.

Find A Review

Alphabetical Index

a b c d e f g h i j
k l m n o p q r s t
u v w x y z #
New & Notable
Read the Gotthard: Stereo Crush Album Review

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 ]