Shredding For All
A founding member of Ill Nino and current axe wielder for Soulfly, Marc Rizzo is a name that most metal fans are accustomed to and now having plied his trade as a band member Rizzo is going it alone – at least for this album anyhow. With Soulfly not actively putting anything out since 2005 it would seem that Rizzo has certainly had time on his hands, time that has been spent well with a debut solo release in 2006 in the form of 'Colossal Myopia' and now with its follow up, 'The Ultimate Devotion', an album of finger defying guitar wizardry that even manages to exhibit Rizzo's vocals on a couple of tracks.
Working on the philosophy that a well trodden path is the best to follow, 'The Ultimate Devotion' sticks quite firmly to the framework Rizzo mapped out for himself with his debut offering. Shredding is of course the core ingredient, the life line if you like of the entire album but there are some surprises and hidden treasures to tantalise also. Able to switch effortlessly between acoustic flamenco and full blown metal shredding, Rizzo manages to please both the avid guitar enthusiast and the reluctant listener, able to retain everyone's attention even when the shredding frenzy veers into the ten minute mark such is the case with title track 'The Ultimate Devotion', a task that is not easily achieved. From sweat drenched metal of 'Ascension' that pummels and bangs with a commanding force that is intoxicatingly insane to the melodic grace of a flamenco flavoured dose of tranquillity such as 'Angelina's Song', The Ultimate Devotion fails to remain stagnant, offering another treat around each corner that showcases the expertise of Rizzo. On top of this the guitar playing has upped the ante with his second album with the inclusion of his own vocals on two tracks, 'All For Nothing' and 'Lived And Learned'. Adhering very much to the metal of his day job, Rizzo's voice growls with passion, powerfully matching the shredding his finger's so expertly showcase and making for a pleasing addition to the album.
Being able to translate such guitar playing onto an album and make it seem so easy in addition to making it captivating is a trait that often falls at the first hurdle as the guitar shredding takes over, blocking out any melody or vocals to the point that it becomes annoying, something Rizzo on the whole manages to avoid. Inevitably there are times when only those who worship at the alter of the guitar god and for whom shredding is the key ingredient of any track will still find something refreshing and invigorating about as another bout of guitars are unleashed, but generally Rizzo has been able to side step this trap, making his follow up album one that will appeal to all, not simply the ultimate shredding fan.