Michael Lee Hill: Frozen Thought

2002, Sy Vy Music, FT-70662

CyberHome: www.Michaelleehill.com

Michael Lee Hill's Frozen Thought is a collection of progressive, instrumental rock compositions that feature his highly-charged axework. Hill demonstrates a great command over the hard-edged guitar techniques that he integrates into his cohesive arrangements. Hill's voicings can be described as being similar to the active, riveting tones of Steve Vai. Aggressive for certain, the compositions are a balance of singeing melodies, pyrotechnic hard rock technique, and fluid movement with well-defined direction and vision. I liked the melody-centric nature of the compositions that keep the compositions grounded. The two handed tap-on technique is used with good effect, though it could have been complimented with some sweep picking and the sort to give a little more dimension to the texture. But, Hill's style is what it is and it is distinctive as it is.

MLH gets it going best on the driving track "Jibboom" that pulls all of the elements of his technique and style together with a powerful barrage that is nearly overwhelming in its drive and projection of vision. Another cool track on this CD is "Jimi's Communication". This track is built around the theme from "Third Stone from the Sun" by Jimi Hendrix and pays well-felt tribute to one of the original pioneers and forefathers of guitar-based instrumental rock.

Followers of the Satriani-Vai school of hard-edged instrumental rock may want to check out this fast-paced, straight-laced, rock-based release from Michael Lee Hill.

~ Christopher Ruel ~ www.ChrisRuel.com ~ Chris@ChrisRuel.com ~ Chris Ruel's Monthly Spotlight

Michael Lee Hill is a progressive rock guitarist from Ohio that fashions his strictly instrumental guitar work in the fashion of guitar technicians such as Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, and the like. The sonic texture is saturated with energy yet crisp without sloppy distortion. The leadwork features guitar pyrotechnics interwoven with singeing harmonic themes. Much of Hill's style on this CD is similar to what I have described on the review of his Frozen Thought CD as a straight ahead progressive rock style that is guitar centric. But, it seems as though Hill might have turned it up a notch on the Frozen Thought CD from this effort.

Fans of aggressive rock instrumentalism that showcases advanced leadwork of the likes of Steve Vai should check out this CD from Michael Lee Hill.