Search - Vitalij Kuprij :: Forward & Beyond

Vitalij did it again!

Jerry Baez | Caguas, PR, USA | 07/26/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is Vitalij's 4th solo album and like the other 3 Vitalij shows his incredible neo-classical prog. compositional techniques, his extreme virtuoso playing plus something that he did not did in his previous albums: A little more complex keyboard programming. That's right! He uses new lead sounds plus some cool special effects in some songs. He did the drums and the synth bass of the songs. Instead of the other 3 albums, this time he plays with different guitar players on each song (Every player is awesome). Now I'll explain each song and tell you their respective guitar players:



1. Forward And Beyond: The neo-classical-type song that you can expect from Vitalij, with a cool "Techno" effect thanks to his new Lead sounds. Fast blazing solos and the Incredible fast guitar playing of George Bellas. Very powerful melodies and harmonies.



2. Piano Overture: A fantastic rock arrangement of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata No. 14 (if I'm not mistaken) with the incredible guitar playing of Symphony X's Michael Romeo.



3. Time Will Tell: A song that It's melody remind me a MegaMan X song (or something like that). The song's main melody is very cool and it's harmony is fantastic. Cool modulations. Played by Michael Harris.



4. Variations In D Minor: Another arrangement of a classical piece. Jeff Kollman playing the guitar.



5. The ballad-type of this album. Javier Leal plays the guitar here. The ambience that Vitalij create is marvelous and the new lead sound is perfect for this because it is smoother than the one he uses in his previous albums.



6. Phamtom Flurries: Vitalij plays a very cool solo piano piece in E Minor.



7. Solar Impact. My Favorite!!!!! Sounds like a Castlevania themesong. A perfect dose of neo-classical prog. Guitar by Michael Harris.



8. Illusion: Like the title says, Vitalij create an incredible ambience with cool lead melodies, soft space-kind pads and special effects. It really creates an illusion.



9. Message Of Hope: Another neo-classical song. This song contains 3 guitar player: Artension's Roger Staffelbach, Borislav Mitic and Francesco Fareri.



10: Idol Tribute: This is a medley of different classical compositions of Vitalij's idols. From Beethoven to Mozart.



This album is a perfect one to those who like this kind of music. Those who heared the previous ones will love this one too and I hope that this review can be helpful to those who never heared before about Vitalij Kuprij. You will not regret it!!"