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: : REVIEW : :
Originally an instrumental
trio, Arabesque has grown to include dual lead vocalists, and the results are
astounding.
Founding members Joop Wolters and Marc Van Mierlo, along with Rene Ubachs and Frank
De Groot lay down heavy, at times spacey prog metal grooves.
Joop Wolter’s guitar playing reminds me at times of John Petrucci of Dream Theater.
Chord choice and solo style are similar, but certainly not copy-cat. Joop’s rhythm
playing is powerful and interesting. His solos are melodic-shred compositions in and
of themselves, the kind of leads you have to rewind and listen to again.
Frank De Groot’s bass
is busy ala’ Geddy Lee/John Myung and simultaneously does an excellent job of
holding the low end. It is rare to hear a player who can hold the music’s low end
together so well, while weaving interesting and melodic lines.
I’m also impressed by keyboardist Rene Ubachs and drummer Marc Van Mierlo. Both are
able players. They do an excellent job of playing for the song. Rene has some very
cool keyboard solos sprinkled throughout the album. Marc’s drumming is very solid
and song oriented.
Certainly the most unique aspect of Arabesque has to be their dual lead vocalists.
Far from a gimmick, Katja Salemi and Nicole de Seriere du Bizournet are very, very
good singers with beautiful voices. Singing over odd times and complex chord changes
can be very demanding on a vocalist. Katja and Nicole have got it figured out. Their
voices are strong and passionate, even mesmerizing at times.
Fans of modern progressive metal are going to love this album. It is a unique,
passionate, progressive adventure. Easily one of the best I’ve had the pleasure to
review. I predict a bright future for Arabesque!
9 out of 10 stars.
Reviewed By: Jeffrey Ryan Smoots
Visit the artist website:
ARABESQUE
http://www.arabesque-site.com/
Record Label:
http://www.lionmusic.com/
You can purchase this CD from: http://www.lionmusic.com/
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