Azrael Block

CD of 2003 The Guitarists.com GREG RAPAPORT ~ AZRAEL BLOCK ~ AZRAEL BLOCK is the newest CD by Greg Rapaport, a well rounded, if not all encompassing musician. He played all the instruments, composed these intricate and at times complicated songs, programmed the drums and did all the studio work where he showed surprising skills. He even did the incredible artwork for the CD. After hearing AZRAEL BLOCK I was amazed that one mind had conceived, executed and created such a stunning piece of work. Something this great is usually the work of a team. Greg is obviously seasoned in all areas of the trade, a true consummate professional. This is the kind of do it yourself greatness that the Record Industry fears with it's cold heart. Right On Greg!! Power To The Musician!! Sorry man, I got a little carried away. I reviewed Greg's last CD 'WYRD' so I'm no stranger to Greg's music. But I had forgotten how deeply his music could cut, or how quickly it could heal. Much of the music here has a Jeckell and Hyde quality that I just love. One minute he's Dr Jeckell, the articulate, calculated creator of visions. Then in a heartbeat he's Mr Hyde, insane, powerful and dangerous. Greg just loves to lull you into a false sense of security, and then without warning slam you head first into a wall of Metal. This keeps you looking over your shoulder every time a song takes a calm turn. You just know he's waiting around the next corner with an axe. AZRAEL BLOCK is a very groove oriented CD partially do to Greg's certifiably mad bass playing. I do find myself switching off between listening to the guitar and the bass. Just check out the slappin' on 'Interlude-B' or the highly funk induced 'Difunckt'. This CD would undeniably appeal to Bass guitar fans as well. There are a some ferocious funky parts that would make Bootsy Collins take notice! But, back to the CD...A line from John Kay (Steppenwolf) best describes this CD, 'It's Evil, Wicked, Mean and Nasty'. AZRAEL BLOCK is exciting, forceful and full of heavy moods and dark colors with moments of beauty and light. But even in some of the most beautiful moments there is still this uneasy vibe. Not a feeling of doom, just uncertainty, the kind that makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. But this isn't entirely a metal CD, although it is HEAVY.....I have to say that I love the relentless attacks that come out of nowhere in Greg's music. He is among the masters of shred, and his attacks will leave you bruised. But when he slows it down and put away the flash, his music reaches a whole new level, becoming spiritual, even transcendental. Expressing a beauty that no eye has seen, but thanks to Greg, the mind has. He reaches this point in both 'Interlude-A' and 'Flatline'. Where we get to see Greg at his most creative and imaginative. He paints a highly detailed background. Right down to almost ambient sounds. The production of the entire CD is nothing short of exceptional. I've heard CD's that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to record that aren't even in the same league as AZRAEL BLOCK. Whoooaa! Rockers and Shred lovers, this stuff will beat you up and leave you for dead. Any calm moments are usually followed by an all out assault. Greg is a conquerer that shows no mercy, and knows no mercy. I don't make comparisons, (Vai with a bad attitude meets Satriani with too much caffeine meets Petrucci) so I will say that Greg is among the masters when it comes to Rock, Metal and Shred. But when it come to she