Search - Marty Friedman :: Dragon's Kiss

One Of The Best Albums Of The Genre

Nick Crowson | Stamford, Lincs Great Britain | 02/04/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This instrumental thrash metal album was the first solo album by guitar wizard Marty Friedman and is one of the better albums of the genre.Despite being recorded in 1988 it sounds as fresh today as it did then and perfectly showcases the talents that led him to become the lead guitarist for Megadeth.Throughtout the album the compositions are strong and feature many dark and exotic melodies combined to good effect with fast and heavy riffs. The lead guitar playing is flawless and features plenty of Marty's distinctive 'exotic metal' solos, which blend fluid licks and fast arpeggios with unusual melodies and harmonies.The only criticism that could be levelled is that the album is very short. But at a time when every other guitarist was attempting to emulate either Vai or Malmsteen, he can almost be forgiven for this!Incidentally I remember Marty giving his thoughts on this album a few years ago, and said he was 90% happy with it. With the benefit of hindsight he seemed to regret the amount of distortion on the final song (Thunder March) which he thought made the song sound a little too murky and detracted from the thematic melody (and as his fans will know the melody resurfaced on his 'Scenes' album in a quiter context). For the benefit of any potential purchasers it should be reassuring to know that Marty - quite rightly - does not regard this album as 'a skeleton in his closet!'"

Guitar Clinic caught on Tape

Fusion Lord | Dallas, TX | 02/24/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Being a drummer by trade/birth, I was drawn to this album because of Deen Castronova. I also thought Marty was just "another guitar player in the long line of shredders"...boy was I wrong. The songs on this disc are awesome, the guitar playing covers all of the riffs, phrases, etc. that a guitar hero MUST possess. This is truly a guitar clinic on tape and for drummers, Deen does not disappoint. The drumming is over the top (to match the guitar playing) and his double bass skills are peerless. If you want an album that will help you determine the true "state of art" for your instrument, look no further. It is a "must have" for virtuosos worldwide!"

Dragon's Kiss

a guitar player and music lover | USA | 01/23/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Marty Friedman's composition and arranging are very unique and inspiring to the heart of music. Anybody that has an ear for speed metal, melodic, and a heavy metal style of guitar playing will enjoy this selection. Take a few minutes and listen to the samples, even though they don't do the album any justice, it just might enlighten and intrigue you."