The debut album from Australian shred king, Paul Wardingham, is a performance that is difficult to describe. To say he is a "good guitar player" is an insult, it doesn't even come close. The songs on this album are jam packed with pinpoint accuracy and mechanical precision. Be it the punishing rhythm section or the searing guitar solos, very few artists have even come close to achieving this level of greatness.
To start the album, the title track "Assimilate Regenerate" brings back memories of Fear Factory via the drums and guitar, only with a certain extra "edge" that I can't describe. Its a bit more modern stylistically, with the polyrhythmic showcase of modern "deathcore" only with far more melody applied. The same could be said for the second track, "Futureshock". Never did I imagine I would utter the phrase "it sounds like a mix between Fear Factory and Joe Satriani", but thats what I initially thought.
"Ghost In The Machine" stands as my favorite metal instrumental to date. Primarily so because I watched the in studio video, a humbling experience for any aspiring musician. Such seamless transitions from blistering solos to monster rhythm guitar parts have set Paul Wardingham high atop my list. The song is perfectly composed. The melodies, keyboard and guitar, powerful and moving.
"Brain Interactive Construct" follows as a reminder that you are still listening to a brutal metal album. However, "Fields Of Utopia" sets itself apart as a "ballad" of sorts. A slower song, but not in a bad way. That just leaves more room for the solo to stand out. The electronic atmosphere provided by the keyboards is ethereal. "Enter The Metaverse" and "Mindwarp" follow. The first being an amazing exhibition of all Mr. Wardingham is capable of, the latter of the two should be on the radio if it wouldn't fall on unappreciative ears. "Clones" brings to mind science fiction with the keyboard/synth effects and the modes/scales used for the solos.
The intro to "Cyber Warfare" sets the tone for the rest of the song. When the drums and guitars kick, mental images of an all out battle set in. This song could have been called "Soundtrack to Chaos" and it would have been just as fitting. If "Ghost...." is my favorite song, "Orbital Decay" is as close of a 2nd place as there can be. Standing out the most to me are the rhythm parts and the fire breathing keyboard line matched again by another solo. For once, since its a rare event, the closing track didn't taper off one bit. "Black Hole Device" is like the ending of an awesome movie that leads into a sequel. It leaves you wanting more so badly that the wait is excruciating. For now though, I will just start it all over again.
In closing, there is a 7-string master in town. The bar has been set, and set high. Any artists mentioned now have something to shoot for. I've been inspired for the first time in a long time by this record. Its a breath of fresh air, a moving listen, an experience all too rare in music these days. All hail the new King Of Shred, Paul Wardingham.
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