audio CDTHEODORE ZIRAS -
HYPERPYREXIA
The 3rd instrumental Theodore Ziras CD - "The new Ziras Era". Progressive/Fusion/Shred all uniquely blended in this masterpiece. Derek Sherinian (Planet X, Dream Theater, Yngwie Malmsteen, Billy Idol) on Keyboards, Brian Tichy (Ozzy Osbourne, Zakk Wylde, Foreigner, Billy Idol) on Drums. Recorded in Los Angeles by Derek Sherinian
Released in November 2007 by Sleaszy Rider Records
Produced by Theodore Ziras & mixed by Derek Sherinian
track listing (click link for sample clip):
1. Child of Scotland
2. Such and Such
3. Rapid Eye Movement
4. Solitude
5. Seven Courses
6. Salvation
7. Number One
8. Night of the Dead
9. Hyperpyrexia
10. Go East
total approx. running time - 41:00""It’s been four years since Theodore Ziras last struck the instrumental guitar scene with a piece of his virtuosity. Hyperpyrexia is a true collaboration of Theodore Ziras and the legendary keyboardist Derek Sherinian and is Ziras’s third full-length instrumental release. The record was created at Beachwood Manor studios in California (though Ziras laid down his guitars in Athens, Greece).The artwork for the CD was created by Mattias Noren (www.progart.com), known for his previous work for artists like Stratovarius, Evergrey, Epica, John Petrucci, and Kamelot.
Now that the introductory is out of the way, the reasons you need to care about this release are threefold.
First, Derek Sherinian (Dream Theatre, Malmsteen, Planet X, Solo) had his very agile and ultra creative hands on this disc, helping with the instrumentation as well as the production. Second Ziras is a rarity, a deft, agile and ferocious left-handed shred guitarist. And finally Ziras is one of the few modern day shredders not to lose his feel for traditional metal chops and riffing within the framework of the instrumental tracks.
Folks it is progressive in nature with tons of shred but it is also at times heavy and basic true metal.
The play from Ziras is rough and erratic, masterful and rudimentary but the prevailing sentiment when you listen is “wow.” Overall it is not very polished and it seems to be a bit improvisational, but that is actually the very charm of it.
You see these things evidently on the second cut “Such and Such.” The melody starts cool and calm and then a pretty basic lead comes in, then all of the sudden a ferocious Mach 4 single note explosion devours your ear canals. He continues to return to the melody and then speed over and over showing his feel for a strong properly structured song. The transitions are rough and blunt which make the speed even faster and more distinct but are so unique they are actually appealing. Whether Ziras tried to do this or it is the result of his “raw” ability that needs more seasoning is up for debate, but his pure talent certainly is not.
You see hints of some of the all time speed demon shredders of today and yesterday, as well as some more traditional players throughout the record.
The feel of Jason Becker during his Cacophany days appears at the end of the album's first track “Child of Scotland.” This track also sees an Adrian Vandenberg (Whitesnake) feel as well on some of the more emotional leads.
On the third and fourth tracks when Ziras launches into the 500 horsepower runs it’s Francesco Fareri of Italy that he resembles.
Many of the pretty parts on this record, like the melody of “Salvation” are of the Vai and Satriani quality as well.
Ultimately, though a compliment that he has the abilities of those other great axe men; his uniqueness is truly his rough edges and a straight passion for metal chops and traditionally heavy play (as seen on track eight).
He was also smart enough to bring in the talents of Brian Tichy (Ozzy, Foreigner Billy Idol) on drums to plot a tight deep percussion line to be shred over.
He also brought on Sherinian who had one of the top albums of the year last year which saw the likes of Malmsteen and Zakk Wylde tearing up leads over his frantic keyboard offerings. Sherinian’s best happens on the second half of the album as he races alongside Mr. Ziras allowing the listener the fun of trying to figure out who is who for a split second.
Ziras’s cleanest most diverse and also soulful play here is certainly track six where he speeds but as a controlled and beautiful progressive band’s guitarist not a shredder.
This talent for the basic is also seen on “Night of the Dead” with the towering hammering out an almost biker metal melody.
This diversity combined with the roughness makes the gifted Hellenic a force to be reckoned with in the shred community for sure.
For those that want impeccable “cold” Petrucci styled technique this is not for you, but for everyone else that actually has a heartbeat get one of these albums immediately. " - Matthew Hoffman - http://www.hardrockhaven.net.
THEODORE ZIRAS - HYPERPYREXIA: $16.00 (U.S.). Shipping not included - click here to see shipping rate information. All Chops From Hell online sales are handled thru PayPal. You can securely use most major credit cards (You do not need to have a PayPal account to place an order with a credit card). Alternatively, if you do have a PayPal account, you can place an order using it, or even place an order using an eCheck.
