DUSHAN PETROSSI’S IRON MASK -

DUSHAN PETROSSI'S IRON MASK - REVENGE IS MY NAME - LION
Belgian guitarist Dushan Petrossi not only is influenced by Yngwie Malmsteen in his playing style, but also looks like, strikes the same pose and follows the same path as the Swedish ego balloon. Petrossi is filling the down-time between albums of his main band Magic Kingdom by recording and releasing this essentially solo album upon the masses. The album showcases a guitarist influenced by Malmsteen and correspondingly several Classical composers. A quick Classical introduction leads to Revenge Is My Name which is a shredding and speedy guitar fest reminiscent of Rising Force. The album further features several fast songs, instrumental pieces and Classical interludes. There is hardly anything original here, but for those who have noticed the commercial banality of the last twelve or so Malmsteen albums Revenge Is My Name is a fruitful alternative. The man can really play his axe to pieces and has a good sense of melody. He is also not opposed to venturing into metal territory on a song like March Of Victory or The Witch Burner. Then again a song like You Are My Blood is downright abysmal and a filler at best. Were it not for a couple of fillers, a weak drummer and the blatant Malmsteen influences, Iron Mask would have been very easily recommendable to all 'shred' fanatics. Having said that, and given the man's obvious playing ability, the album is an above average one for the genre and an impressive opus. Has anyone else noticed how Petrossi is listed as a band member and the guest musicians' section?- Ali "The Metallian"