Short Reviews [Marty Friedman - 2024 - "Drama"]

Marty Friedman will probably always be most thought of for his decade-long tenure with Megadeth and his input into classic albums such as ‘Rust In Peace’, ‘Countdown to Extinction’ and ‘Youthanasia’ among others, while many also point to his earlier time in Cacophony with Jason Becker. What some may not know is that for more than 20 years he has lived in Japan, still releasing solo albums, touring and acting as a music expert on multiple TV shows. This explains why most of his band on this release are Japanese as alongside Greg Bissonette (drums) we have Wakazaemon (bass), Mika Maruki (piano, keyboards, synthesisers), Miho Chigyo (violin) and Marty’s wife Hiyori Okuda on cello. Friedman has never liked the term “shredder” as he believes it refers to someone who gives up musicality for speed and is something I agree with – just watch the ‘Hear ‘n’ Aid’ video on YouTube to see the difference between Yngwie Malmsteen and Eddie Ojeda, one is blisteringly fast and the other is much in keeping with the music. However, he may not like the term but there is no doubt that many regard Friedman as one of the finest in the field, but he understands there is a time and place for ridiculously fast notes and others when it is all about sustain, as that is what the music demands. For more than 30 years there has been one guitar album which for me rises far above any other, Steve Vai’s ‘Passion & Warfare’, as there is something about it which captures the metal of the time alongside catchy tunes where the listener does not miss vocals. Here we have something quite different, moving into modern classical at times, metal at others, pop melodies here, all being brought to bear where the guitar is king but never downplaying the contribution of the others. Marty felt there was also need for a slower piece on the album, much more of a ballad, so we get vocals on “Dead of Winter” (by Chris Brooks), and then the album closes with a Spanish language version, “2 Rebeldes” (sung by Steven Baquero Vargas). Given his command of Japanese I am somewhat surprised we get Spanish instead of the language of his adopted country, as commercially that would have had an impact, but possibly it did not scan like it should. This is very much a band album with great songs, which for the most part do not have vocals, but the way the music has been constructed means they are not missed at all. The variation of styles means this is a guitar album which has much to offer to people outside the metal scene, while there is still plenty here for those who are still interested in Friedman due to his past efforts (he also rejoined Megadeth for some songs at Wacken last year, so possibly there may be more work with Mustaine in the future?). This is easily the second-best guitar album I have ever heard, only time will tell if it beats Vai for the top spot and is something well worth discovering.