Review | Impellitteri – War Machine

Frontiers Music srl

Records by monster shredder Chris Impellitteri are rather scarce these days, as the last one (‘Nature Of The Beast’) was released some six years ago. Still, ‘War Machine’ is the twelfth studio-album of the man who started out in the eighties with an EP on which he promised his guitar solos would only become faster and faster. But we all say things when we are young and feeling cocky. In a way, Chris kept his deal of the bargain as all his records are heavily guitar dominated.

But throughout the years the guitarist has realized that it is not only a matter of being fast on the draw. It is also about good songs and melody. And when you have followed his career, you can only conclude that the man has built up a solid reputation as guitarist but also as a composer and producer. But is he as famous as for instance Yngwie Malmsteen? Only by the happy few.

CURRENT BAND

Chris has been using powerhouse vocalist Rob Rock (Driver) for most of his career as his singer. He worked with other singers such as Graham Bonnet on his album ‘Stand In Line’ (highly recommended) but most of the time he fell back on the superb qualities that Rob Rock brings to the table. James Pulli has been the bass player for some years now (and he gets a few solo spots on ‘War Machine’) while on drums this time a certain Paul Bostaph makes an appearance.

The man has had a long career in the thrash scene with Slayer, Forbidden, Testament and Exodus plus he played on the recent Kerry King-album. The music of Impellitteri fits him also like a glove as the intensity, power and speed of this album are high indeed. I believe Bostaph has been hired to play on this album. He most likely will not be touring with the group.

GUITAR ACROBATICS GALORE

If you are into classic guitar acrobatics galore, you will be very pleased with this album. As from opener ,,War Machine’’ until closer ,,Just Another Day’’ it is a matter of getting strapped in tight and enjoy this euphoric ride. Rob Rock is just as good as he was with Joshua or Driver. His power is relentless, yet he is the man who steers the songs into a melodic direction. Amazing job by the singer. Pulli and Bostaph take no prisoners, laying down an airtight cast iron bottom. They provide Chris Impellitteri to fire his riffs and solos into the air, leaving fans behind in utter amazement. It is impressive, to say at least.

IMPELLITTERI – THE CONCLUSION

The only form of criticism could be that the album could have done with a power ballad or two. On the other hand, the hurricane that races through your speakers leaves no room for a ‘soft’ touch. Especially with a superb track like ,,Superkingdom’’ (dealing lyrically with Artificial Intelligence), it is really a matter of women and children first. This is as classic as heavy metal gets these days. Add to that a super crunchy production (mix by Jacob Hansen) and ‘War Machine’ is without a doubt a clear and loud sign that the now 60-year old Chris Impellitteri has still got what it takes, assisted by excellent musicians. In the guitar/shredder genre ‘War Machine’ is a must have release.

Release date: 8 November 2024