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Michael
Knight – Mechanica Diablo KM Records – 2002 |
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| Michael
Knight is back with a new solo album. Where as his previous release Dreamscapes was pretty
much straight ahead instrumental rock, Mechanica Diablo is a journey into a dark realm.
The whole album could be a soundtrack for hell. In "Netherworld" a demonic voice
introduces us to the macabre world we are about to live in for fifty minutes and four
seconds. Power chords drive "March of Destruction" but it’s the double bass
percussion and multi-dimensional keyboard parts that really give this song flavor. There
is a really interesting scratching rhythm guitar part way back in the mix that I found
really interesting. The slowdown part in "Neo-Demonica" is brilliant. If you
listen closely you can hear lambs and dogs besides the screaming tortured sounds of the
guitar. The moody rhythm played in this section is one of Michael’s best. The
clinking percussion sounds in "Dark Victory" are very different and lead into
"Mechanica Diablo." Michael Knight plays bass on the whole album and the bass
lines in the title track really open the door for beautiful lead guitar parts. Michael
smartly plays each lead guitar section differently. Shredding at times, moving into
beautiful Flamenco and back out with explosive rock power. "Necropolis" is one of Michael’s greatest songs to date. The beat of the song kicks ass! Michael matches it with furious guitar and a tone that will delight any fan of horror. I actually got a kick out of the little rap section, which believe it or not fits perfectly into the context of the song. The guitar tone in "Suspended Life" is exquisite. Michael plays masterfully in this track that was featured in the film Evil Streets. Bass looms large in "Halls of Terror." The guitar is heavy and chunky which tastes so good. I couldn’t help but think of Queensryche at the end of the song. Right after, Michael uses a nice merge of a frantic rhythm guitar with slide guitar over the top of it. I like the bongos and the way "Regenerator" is designed. I especially like the points the music stops and then rips. "Pandemonium in the Mausoleum" is a real treat for anyone who appreciates good playing. Michael sets up a high energy environment with creative percussion, bass and guitar. Guests Jack Starr, Steve Booke, Carl Roa and Rob Balducci take advantage of this by tearing things up on guitar. Next Don Lowerre has inspired musical dialogue with Michael Knight that elevates the track to a super performance level. "Lord of Death" has the nihilistic feel of a Buckethead track. "Birth of a God" is a free for all of soloing and power riffs. "At the Mouth of Hell" is pure madness captured in song form. With this release Michael Knight has improved his playing level and catapulted himself higher up the musical rank. You should definitely go to KM Records.com to experience Mechanica Diablo. |
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