by John Kindred
— Publsher —
As Ethan Brosh gains notoriety he finds himself landing bigger gigs, the most recent was joining Stryper’s frontman Michael Sweet on his latest studio album One Sided War.
His musical journeys have led him to perform with bands such as SteelHeart, Carmine Appice (Ozzy, Rod Stewart) and Eric Martin (Mr. Big). Brosh has also shared a stage and/or recorded with the likes Yngwie Malmsteen, Jake E. Lee, Michael Schenker, George Lynch, Greg Howe, Dave Ellefson, Pat Travers, Eddie Money, Uli Jon Roth, Joe Lynn Turner and Mike Mangini.
Sharing the stage with the innovators of the guitar, which each has used as a vehicle for self-expression, Brosh’s own musical journey continues as he has released another instrumental album chalk full of tasty riffs and solos, a true treat for all instrumental-rock-guitar aficionados.
Conspiracy is Brosh’s third solo instrumental studio album; Out of Oblivion was released in 2009 and Live the Dream released in 2014, and follows his trend for creating melodic, artistic arrangements for the listening pleasure of his captive audience. In all the album features 14 new songs, and includes brilliant supporting musicians including Steel Panther’s guitarist Satchel aka Russ Parrish.
The album was produced by Brosh, showcasing another set of skills, and mixed by industry legend Max Norman (Ozzy, Lynch Mob, Lizzy Borden, Y&T, Megadeth). In all Brosh took 3 years to bring Conspiracy to life and deliver to listeners. Lots of care and effort were put into making this a top-notch album, from recording, mixing and mastering.
Overall Conspiracy offers fans moody, atmospheric arrangements that highlight Brosh’s virtuoso guitar skills. Brosh isn’t merely a ‘shredder,’ he has a strong sense of melody and delivers what each song needs, versus taking the spotlight to ‘show off.’ Conspiracy falls in line with the ‘80s Shrapnel releases, which featured the best upcoming instrumental guitarists of the time. Many of whom went on to lengthy solo careers or joined prominent bands.
It’s apparent that the time put into crafting the music on Conspiracy was well worth the wait. Fans know what these types of ‘albums’ are all about. The musicianship is excellent. The production is brilliant, as all aspects of the instrumentation are audible and mixed to perfection.
Conspiracy is an enjoyable listen. Full of energy, the album’s spirit is infectious and Brosh’s performance and musical ideas are refreshing to hear.
Genre: Instrumental, Hard Rock
Musicians:
Ethan Brosh – (g)(b)
Giorgio Mongelli – (b)
John Anthony – (d)
Dan Whitelock – (d)(k)
Nathan Montalvo – (g)
Jay Rigney – (b)
Satchel – (g)
Track Listing:
1. Revival 00:28
2. Escape Route 03:52
3. Tomb Of The Gods 04:35
4. Collision Course 04:07
5. Sweet Evil 05:54
6. By Hook Or By Crook 03:41
7. Forgotten Melody 03:03
8. Mediterranean Breeze 03:12
9. The Road To Victory 04:56
10. No Spring Chicken 03:40
11. Unbreakable Spirit 02:57
12. Down Memory Lane 04:47
13. Cydonia 03:02
14. Major Sadness 02:26
Label: Monster Tone Records
Web: http://www.ethanbrosh.com/ – https://ethanbrosh.bandcamp.com/releases
Hardrock Haven rating: 
(8.5 / 10)
