Released by : Shredguy Records
Release : Out Now!!!
Genre: Instrumental/Shred/Heavy Metal
Links: http://www.myspace.com/knapptoby
Links: http://www.myspace.com/shredguyrecords
Toby Knapp – Guitars, Bass, Drums
Andy Jones – Additional Drums
Guest Vocalists – Attila Csihar, Dean Sternberg, Tom Cline, Jeff Gruslin
1. The Campaign
2. Conspire**
3. Towards Power Unimagined**
4. We Are Legions
5. Telekinesis
6. Wicked**
7. Reanimation
8. Plutonium Race**
9. Lack Of Inspiration
**Hot Tracks
Who says shred is dead? The guitar driven independent label Shredguy Records names as it’s slogan, and a good one that best describes their artists who reminds us that Shred is a good thing and is not dead indeed. Toby Knapp’s release of “The Campaign” displays how true metal still alive and well today as it showcases the skilled guitar player in a heavily driven guitar metal album. The influences here range from all aspects, moments of Malmsteen, some dark vibes echo In Flames, etc.
If you we’re expecting just another over the top guitar wankery example, then this is not for you, as some more then half of the tracks are well composed songs featuring guest vocalists ranging in style from traditional heavy metal to death metal growls. The first vocal track “Conspire” displays a thick thrash metal riff that leads to a firestorm of a guitar solo. Listen to the ferocious shred fest in “Telekinesis” and is obvious Mr. Knapp can strike a chord or two. “Wicked” reminiscent of some Alice In Chains inspired melodies with a unique vibe on the bass rhythm section and some catchy lyrics.
We have to give some props to Knapp as a multi-instrumentalist here as he plays all 3 instruments quite well, and as a one man wrecking crew doesn’t come off as a showoff like some claim with previous instrumentalists in the past. One down note for me was probably the death growls, I could of probably heard less of them if I could, it seemed a little over the top in some spots, but I suppose given the lyrical comprise of the record I can see why they we’re added. The production may use some improving in the future though. Overall the instrumentation is pretty solid, the styles cover traditional metal, thrash and some neoclassical guitar driven assault to make an even and fair experience. If you’re heavy on guitar driven metal I would recommend you check Toby Knapp out and give him a try.
Written by Denys
Ratings Denys 7/10
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