Guitar Jams: Christian Rock Metal Reviews Nick Layton: Storming the Castle

ABOUT THIS PAGE
Welcome to the Christian Rock & Metal Music Reviews section of Guitar Jams! My hope is that this section of the site will provide two services: 1) a platform for Christian rock and metal artists to showcase their music, and 2) a place for Christian Rock and Metal Music fans to discover and learn about some awesome Christian rock and Metal music!

I will update the pages periodically--as I complete reviews. And I will announce new rewiews in the MAX LIFE Ezine. You can subscribe to the Ezine on the right side of this page. As a gift for subscribing, I wll send you a link to download 16 of my Christian Metal tunes for FREE!

Metal Blessings,
Pastor Brad

punch, aggression and fluidity that swept me up and carried me away to another place (a mark of great song writing). The vocal tunes very much reminded me Rob Rock's work -- powerful and spot on. The instrumental pieces reflect a host of influences, but most notably, I hear Yngwie Malmsteen - especially in the song writing and rhythm sections. Great stuff -- very enjoyable to listen to.

PRODUCTION:     RATING 9/10
When I judge production I ask three questions: 1) Is it pleasant to listen to? 2) Can I hear each instrument? 3) What signs are there of creativity in the mix? This album receives high marks on each of those. It's very pleasant to listen to--which is probably the most import criteria of the three. You can easily hear each instrument. The rhythm section is strong, the lead guitar and vocals are prominent and clear but not "in your face" or "abrasive" - really nice. And it's clear that whoever mixed this album took some time with it. The stereo imagery is great - you experience a nice, spacious, wrap around feel while listening. The Dynamics are alive and varied enough to keep things very interesting… again, nice job!

THE MUSICIAN'S PERSPECITVE:     RATING 9/10
I'm going to focus on Nick's playing here because this is his project, but I want to say right up front that all of the musicians on this project put in a sterling performance!

This album, on top of being everything I stated above, is a musician's album. Every instrument is played with a wonderful level of proficiency, emotion, feel and creativity. Nick Layton posses a very nice bag of chops, riffs and licks - and even more importantly - he has the ability to express them in his own unique, firey way. While I hear various influences (like Malmsteen), I would in no way say that Nick Layton is a clone of anyone. He is his own player.   Nick employs a nice blend of legato and various picking techniques throughout the album, both is left and right hand techniques are honed and sharp. And he wraps every song up with a great big bow of fire, passion, feel and warmth that make his playing uniquely his.

FINAL WORDS and FINAL SCORE: 9/10   (The "Final Score" is the average of the above three ratings)
Great album! Fans of instrumental, virtuoso guitar rock will love it! And fans of great power-rock, like Dio, Rob Rock and Malmsteen's Vocal tunes will also really dig this stuff! Way to go Nick! I'm glad we crossed paths. I look forward to hearing more from this great artist.

WHERE YOU CAN GET THIS ALBUM
Nick Laytons Official Website
CD Baby

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