Review by Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
No rating supplied
Jason Becker came roaring back after the break up of his group Cacophony
in 1988 with a solo outing entitled "Perpetual Burn." It promptly
acknowledged him as one of the best guitarists on the planet. Becker
moved into another phase of maturity and cycle as a guitar player
and technician on this album He pulled in all the reins creatively
and cut loose with some of his best guitar genius to date on this
release. He also played all the bass and keyboards while handling
the production duties. Atma Anur sits in behind the drum kit to keep
the Becker machine churning and friend and former partner Marty Friedman
was along for the ride to contribute his smokin’ guitar licks and
production skills. Besides those two gentleman giving Becker a hand,
he did it all himself. I think the reason that Jason came into his
own is because he was allowed to do it for himself and his way. I
must admit that the all-instrumental album was the best vehicle for
the talents of both men, and I think Jason knew it all along, hence
the break up of the band. It’s not necessary to have vocals accompanying
this music. There is simply too much body and importance in the music.
This project really showed everything that Jason had learned over
the years and it highlighted his all encompassing musical skills.
The amazing opener "Altitudes" enters the fold by ushering in immense
guitar layering, which seemingly glides upon a bed of keyboards. Track
four "Air" is a real beautiful piece of guitar work, or works I should
say. It would be putting things into improper context to say that
a song had one sound or nuance. Becker’s guitar is all over the place
flaunting his prowess amongst many different genres, giving every
song an all-encircling feel. If that isn’t enough, then track five
kicks you into hyperdrive with "Temple Of The Absurd." If there ever
was a perfect rock instrumental, this is it. It’s just one song after
another of intense guitar heat that never lets up. The final curtain
is drawn with "Opus Focus" which is perhaps a tribute to progressive
rock group Focus? This is the top of the mountain for Becker and where
only a few have stood before.
This was the pinnacle of Jason Becker’s career. It all seemed to come
together for him on this album. Although there were many more successes
to follow, I honestly believe that this is the one career defining
moment that will be forever frozen in time for Jason Becker. It really
was a perpetual burn in more ways than one…
1. Altitudes (Becker)
2. Perpetual Burn (Becker)
3. Mabel's Fatal Fable (Becker)
4. Air (Becker)
5. Temple of the Absurd (Becker/Friedman)
6. Eleven Blue Egyptians (Becker/Freidman)
7. Dweller in the Cellar (Becker)
8. Opus Pocus (Becker)
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