by John Kindred
— Publisher —
So here we are in 2018, several years removed from Michael Abdow’s 2013 release of Life Symbolic on Shredguy Records. In that time, Abdow has become a touring guitarist with Fates Warning, a member of the cover band Aquanett, a group certainly tipping its hat to ‘Hair Metal,’ and released a CD with the group Amber Waves.
Abdow returns with his third solo album dubbed E.S.O. or Echo Source Omission, which features nine new instrumental songs that run the gambit from Rock, Fusion to experimental. Abdow takes on the role as producer, writer, arranger, and performer, handling guitars, bass, keys, and programming while Mike Lamagna handles the drums and percussion.
For those that want to pin the idea that ‘Metal’ guitarists are one-dimensional, well they would certainly be missing the boat here. A shredder Abdow is, but he brings more to the table than that.
As with Life Symbolic, there is so much going on within the audio landscapes of Abdow’s compositions, the listening experience always offers one’s ears something new to be heard with each listen. Described as, “…well-versed in jazz, all forms of rock and metal, and is recognized for his soulful character and technical ability.” It is apparent when exploring Abdow’s solo work that he comes exactly as described.
E.S.O. is nine songs of pure instrumental bliss. Whether listening with headphones on or blasting from your stereo speakers, the music evokes a state of calmness and introspection. It could be soundtrack music to your life if you listen at a lower volume, and while the Jazz/Fusion episodes can be a bit jarring, all the musical elements meld into a perfect picture painted by the maestro himself Michael Abdow.
A bit Vai-ish with his experimentation, Eric Johnson-ish with his clean tonality … at the end of the day, it’s all Abdow.
Genre: Instrumental, Rock, Fusion, Jazz
Band:
Michael Abdow – Guitar, Keyboards, Bass, Programming
Mike Lamagnar – Drums
Track Listing:
1. Apple In The Sky 13:19
2. The Alexandria That Is Leaving 05:51
3. Black Reach 02:56
4. Now You’re Gone 02:36
5. Solheim 03:55
6. Children Of Greater Men 10:22
7. Sally 01:50
8. Better In The End 01:56
9. Facing East 02:02
Label: Independent
Web:
Official: https://www.michaelabdow.com/
Physical: http://www.michaelabdow.bigcartel.com/products
Digital: https://michaelabdow.bandcamp.com
Official Site: https://www.michaelabdow.com
Hardrock Haven rating: 
(9 / 10)
