Derek Sherinian – Blood of the Snake
Inside Out
2006
CD

Reviewer: Rich Catino

Derek Sherinian , one time keyboard player for Dream Theater, releases his fifth solo effort once again joined by a diverse group of hard rock musicians. The list includes former Dream Theater mate John Petrucci on guitar who is featured on the lead off jazzy/fusion based “Czar of Steel” where he lets his chops fly, Zakk Wylde doing his thing singing/guitars for “Man with No Name” gives the tune that BLS flare(still I love the playing but not in favor of the voice at all) to Brad Gillis the one time guitar player for Ozzy (“Speak of the Devil”, still with Night Ranger) for “Been Here Before” and “On the Moon”. Brad's contribution's are much more relaxed and not hard rockin , bluesier than everyone else and adds another sound to the disc. Something you would here in a small lounge in NYC.

“Phantom Shuffle” is without guitars where Derek's keyboards have a very deep heavy organ sound joined by a sax player and the interplay of instruments is a different texture to the listen. Also with Simon Philips (AC/DC, Dio ) on drums.

The title track sees Derek tapping into another sound with his keyboards going for a more goth church organ joined by Yngwie Malmsteen playing leads sharing the stage with Zakk as he lays the ground work. Its interesting to hear the Neo classical meshed together with Zakk's way of writing rhythms. It works very well. “The Monsoon” sees both axe slingers return and what I found were Yngwie's parts are some of the best I have heard in recent years and very reminiscent of his work around the time of “Marching Out” and “Trilogy”. Zakk really cuts loose on this one too with guitar strings flying everywhere. With “Prelude to Battle ” the stage is set for a scene from “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom ” with Middle Eastern instrumentation and the single for radio “In the Summertime” features Slash from Guns n Roses on guitar and Billy Idol singing.

I know most don't favor instrumental albums but coming from someone who enjoys sitting down and just relaxing listening to some good music Derek's solo work offers such a variety of sounds and styles that I think many will find interest in this.

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