We remember Scott's early output from our heavy metal heydays - notably the Queensryche album "Operation Mindcrime" which is surely their most remembered release. The MP3 track we have looked at for this review is a definite departure from this earlier sound, being entirely instrumental and occupying a territory somewhere between Joe Satriani (minus the guitar widdle) and Steve Hillage in his less drippy moments.
There is a generally mythic feel to this decidedly adult rock and it will appeal to their evident fanbase, and also fans of understated rock guitar everywhere. It is quality music which lacks the pomposity which has marred much of the progressive guitar work we have seen in rock over the last thirty years.
Paul Speer and Scott Rockenfield are certainly artists with their fingers in several creative pies. Between them, they have racked up an impressive collection of platinum discs and awards, produced an interactive CD-Rom and collaborated on as many as ninety albums! This is not an average achievement. Rockenfield's "Queensryche" received an MTV viewers choice award in 1991.
Speer, for his part, has managed to claim two Emmy awards for music video. Beyond production, his musical career has encompassed nine albums and five music video albums - two of which have made it (WOW) to multi-platinum status.
This latest offering is known as "Hells Canyon", and we can certainly guess why - prepare to be swallowed up by the sound and never seen again..
KlubKat has recently received a copy of "Hells Canyon", and will be reviewing it in full in the next few weeks - Stay tuned!
