MARC RIZZO

Former ILL NINO and current SOUFLY guitarist Marc Rizzo has just released his second mostly-instrumental solo album called "The Ultimate Devotion" on Shrapnel Records (Mascot in Europe). Instrumental guitar shred albums tend to appeal only to a specific group of folks; any number of albums on both Shrapnel and Leviathan would be well suited to this bunch. However, there are always exceptions, albums that have the potential to appeal to a wider audience. While "The Ultimate Devotion" may not cause the masses to run out in droves to purchase it, there is a good amount of enjoyment to be had with Rizzo's mixing of shred metal and Latin music.

Several tunes incorporate flamenco guitar and Latin rhythms into thrashy and shredding compositions, beginning with a slamming tune called "Skankin' to the Shred". "The Riddle of Steel", "Ascension", and a handful of others would fall into that category as well. The ultimate combination of styles is heard on the nearly 11-minute title track, one that includes plenty of metallic bombast, a bit of Pat Metheny-style smooth jazz, and Rizzo's always alluring Flamenco guitar playing. Even on the heavier end of the spectrum, Rizzo's melodic leads can be quite memorable, making for an arresting experience, rather than an exercise in instrumental masturbation. In addition to the beautiful Latin music of "Angelina's Song" and the Salsa beats of "Mamasita", the album ends with two ripping, basically thrash, tunes called "All For Nothing" and "Lived and Learned" that include vocals; yes, you read that correctly. And both are pretty solid compositions.

In the final analysis, I can honestly say that I enjoyed "The Ultimate Devotion" a great deal more than I thought I would. It is an example of the kind of album from a talented player that works as far more than a guitar clinic for the diehards. If you're looking for something a little different to add to your metal collection, then give "The Ultimate Devotion" a chance; you may end up surprised as well.