Ethan Brosh Out of Oblivion
by John Kindred
Staff Writer
Instrumental music enthusiasts should happily flock to the Magna Carta label. Just like Shrapnel Records did in the ‘80s (and still does), Magna Carta strives to keep the virtuoso musicianship of high-caliber players alive and well. Their latest “discovery” is Ethan Brosh.
Brosh is a guitarist who grew up in Israel. He learned to play the electric and classical guitar and soon found himself with a scholarship to Berklee College of Music in Boston. Progressing from student to teacher, Brosh has honed his skills and unleashes his instrumental excursions on his first CD, Out of Oblivion.
The 11-song CD was produced by Brosh and mixed and mastered by Chris Tsangarites, who has worked with Ozzy, Judas Priest and Yngwie Malmsteen. The album also features a “who’s who” of special guests including; Mike Mangini (Extreme, Steve Vai) on drums, George Lynch (Dokken, Lynch Mob), Greg Howe (Michael Jackson) and Joe Stump (Holy Hell).
Brosh follows the tried-and-true formula of performing complex and dynamic lead guitar solos and melodies over hard rock rhythm guitar arrangements. The bass and drums provide the typical musical bed for this style of virtuoso guitar performance. Although it’s your traditional hard rock delivery for instrumental music, the rhythm section is tight, if not flawless. Just don’t expect them to outshine Brosh showcasing his skills.
With the way that mainstream music and fans have turned their backs on skilled musicians, it’s nice to see and hear a new generation of musicians who want to be great at their instrument. Brosh sonically does it all; legato runs, sweeping arpeggios, classical interludes, neo-classical shredding and demonstration of speed and control. Replacing the vocal melody with a phrasing that you can sing along with, Brosh knows how to capture your interest. Saving the flashier playing for the spot where the designated solos actually fit within the confines of the song.
Great playing throughout Out of Oblivion keeps you ear tuned to the fluidity of the music. No song is too long, and 11 songs keep a fine balance of music without pushing you too hard to keep your head in the game.
Honestly, fans of instrumental guitarists in the vein of Yngwie Malmsteen, Joe Satriani, Vinnie Moore or Tony MacAlpine will love Brosh. He is not reinventing the wheel as much as keeping the torch alive for generations for yesterday and today. Brosh is also a member of the band Angels of Babylon along with Rhino (Man O’ War, Holy Hell), David Fefolt (Forgotten Realm, Valhalla) and David Ellefson (Megadeth). A new CD release from Angels of Babylon should be out soon.
Label: Magna Carta
Web: http://www.ethanbrosh.com/
Musicians:
Ethan Brosh (g)(k)
Eyal Freeman (b)
A.C. Black (b)
Yuval Golibroda (k)
Demian Apriaga (percussion)
Jessy Buller & Terry Taragano (drum programming)
Mike Mangini (Extreme, Steve Vai) on drums
Gerorge Lynch (Dokken, Lynch Mob) guitar solos on “Downward Spiral’”
Joe Stump guitar solo on “Ancient Land”
Greg Howe guitar solo on “Blade Runner”
Track Listing:
1. The Hit Man
2. Night City
3. Downward Spiral
4. Blast Off
5. Ancient Land
6. Illusion
7. In A Sentimetal Mood
8. Blade Runner
9. Last Hope
10. Bach Prelude No 04
11. Affliction
Hardrock Haven rating: 9/10