Andy James - In the Wake of Chaos

I’ve been eagerly anticipating this album along with many other fans of the instrumental metal genre. Those who have seen Andy at music shows will know that his ability to play technically extreme material with an incredible tone and superior authority can be somewhat mind-boggling. Judging by the gathering crowds around any stand Andy was playing at during the LGS, it would seem that I’m not alone in being impressed.

I’ve always wondered how well this technical wizardry would translate to a recording, well fortunately for us we now get to find out. Lets take a look at the album track by track.

1. In The Wake Of Chaos

After an atmospheric introduction, we’re taken on a journey through heavy riffing in odd time signatures and confident melodic playing. The use of guitar harmonies in this tune is surprisingly fitting an “un-cheesy” which can only be a good thing and speaks volumes about Andy’s abilities as an arranger. Obviously there’s also some killer technical stuff on this track… sweep, tap and picking junkies will all be satisfied.

2. Broken Ballerina

Incredible tapping theme in this one. Think Michael Romeo on steroids, anyone who’s seen Andy’s “Crazy Tapping” will know a thing or two about this. I’m pleased to say it translates very well into a new musical context. Melodic use of harmonics here and overall feel of the tune is also superb.

3. Shine On Through

The anthemic ballad of the album, which is usually reserved for later but here got pride of place up front. Andy demonstrates his soulful touch on this one and the killer vibrato and tone prevailent throughout the album really stand out here. Somehow, Andy manages to work some killer technical material in later in the song and make it sound tasteful. Bastard.

4. Devils Day

More odd time riffing in this one to appeal to the proggers amongst you. Wylde influenced wah work for the theme which quickly develops into some Satriani esque melodicism. Nice track.

5. Tapt

It says in the liner that this one is dedicated to Mattias Eklundh which is very apparent in both the playing and arranging style. With unexpected switches, weird harmony, mental tapping and ear bending dissonance all present, looks like Andy appreciates Mattias for the same reasons as the rest of us! However, its also a good tune in itself so don’t skip it on the count of it being a Freak Guitar rip off because it isn’t, its just Andy getting a little freaky, which he does very well.

6. Revelation

Things become a bit more relaxed with this tune with a real focus on the melody and arrangement. Another one where the vibrato and tone shines through. However, Andy still finds time to rip up some crazy tapped arpeggios when you least expect it as well as a crazy break down section with some innovative shredding on it.

7. Lost Without You

Another ballad but this time with a very weird and beautiful chord progression. Andy plays acoustic on this one and shows that he’s just as natural without his usual metal monster of a musicman. A much needed break between the craziness elsewhere on the album.

8. Octavia

We’re back into the heavy riffing with this one and the long sustained melodies that are part of the Andy James signature sound. This track also features a crazy B section which leaves you wondering just what Andy was doing there (when did that last happen on a metal album?), some tasteful whammy pedal work and more Mattias Eklundh influenced playing. This track sees Andy really pushing the boundaries of shred with such an effortless grace about his playing. One of my personal favourites on the album.

9. Chaos Theory

Somewhat similar in nature to some of the other tracks on the album but perhaps slightly more progressive in nature. Nevertheless, sterling playing and a technically INSANE solo played with an incredible command of the instrument.

10. Against the Gods

Some nice riffing in this one and some more tasteful harmonies. It also features some tasty acoustic playing, the most mental picking passage on the album (think John Petrucci on Train of Thought).

11. Gates of Heaven

A wide leaping theme, interesting melodic development and a few Vai-isms thrown in for good measure. A very “artistic” finish to the album… well that’s if you discount the bonus track which you’ll have to buy the album to find out more about.

Whilst much of this album has a similar feel, there’s no denying that its all really good stuff and if you’re a fan of bands like Symphony-X, Dream Theatre or the instrumental guitar genre in general, you owe it to yourself to give this album a listen. It really does break new ground in terms of guitar playing, its not that Andy is playing licks, melodies or riffs unlike anything that has ever come before him but he’s combining them in a way that’s very refreshing in our current climate of copying the big names of the previous decades and he’s playing the most technically impossible things with an authority and tone that to my ears hasn’t been achieved until now. His playing reminds me of Michael Romeo in that his technical ability is just a cut above most and he can make it sound so effortless and purposeful but to my mind, Andy’s stepped up the game even further. This my friends, is the new benchmark in instrumental metal guitar playing and you would do well to check it out… and he’s only 26. Bastard.