T.D. Clark Shreddtime Stories

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by Trevor Portz
Staff Writer

Instrumental shred-guitar metal is an interesting subgenre. While it is arguably home to some of the greatest guitarists on the planet, it doesn’t seem to get nearly the widespread infatuation that it so deserves. Of course, this could be due to the fact that many shredders begin and end with speed. Sure, they can play a million notes per second, overhand, with a guitar strung upside down. But ask them to write a melody with substance and feeling? No chance. That’s why it’s so refreshing when someone comes up with an awe-inspiring shred track that also happens to be a great song. T.D. Clark has not only defied the odds by doing that once, but he’s done it 11 times over on his latest release, Shreddtime Stories.

Hailing from Aurora, Illinois, noted home of Wayne and Garth, T.D. Clark has been sweeping his way into metal hearts for over 15 years. While he may not be as famous as Steve Vai or Joe Satriani, he’s certainly deserving of the accolades those two receive. Similarly to Vai and Satch, what stands out about T.D.’s writing is the great melodies. These don’t feel like songs that were written to be shredded over, rather great songs that just happen to be made for soloing.

Cryptically titled opening track “The Introduction” has a very Megadethy feel to it, loaded with double leads and great melodies. With no offense to the red-headed thrash lord himself, however, it should be noted that T.D. takes the solos a bit farther and faster than Dave Mustaine has ever dared.

Title track “Shreddtime Stories” could easily replace Satriani’s “Summer Song” as the ultimate summer shred track, with its upbeat, sunny vibe. If it’s designed for pre-bed listening, as the name hints, however, it has failed a bit, as it’s likely to encourage a trip to the beach rather than a jaunt to dreamland.

Things aren’t all blistering metal here, with “Moroccan Bedtime Story” and “5 Dirham” carrying more sparse acoustic arrangements. Boasting a Spanish tango vibe and Middle Eastern influence, respectively, these songs show the diversity of T.D.‘s writing, and also show that he’s capable of playing something less over the top, but no less effective.

Other stand out tracks include “Arctic Sun,” a track featuring a very Scorpions-esque riff that Rudolph and company should consider stealing for the theoretical final Scorps album, and the power metal frenzy of “Drop D Symphony.” The latter features Dave Shankle (of Manowar and DSG fame) playing, as always, a ridiculously high-speed, finger-shattering guest solo. Dave never ceases to amaze with his seemingly fast-forwarded (though completely real) hyperspeed playing.

Closing track “Just South of Dublin” is a cheerful, [not surprisingly] Irish sounding song that wraps things up on a positive note, though that positivity seems to be the name of the game for Mr. Clark. This isn’t dark, depressing metal. It’s metal with playing that blows your mind, but songs with actual feeling. It is nice to occasionally crank up something with a bit of a cheerier vibe.

There’s really not much else to say about Shreddtime Stories. It’s a great album by a great guitarist, and barring the depression aspiring guitarists may feel when they realize they’ll never play as well, there’s no reason not to pick it up.

Genre: Shred Metal

Band:
T.D. Clarke (g)

Track Listing:
1. The Introduction
2. When the Lights Dim
3. Shreddtime Stories
4. Moroccan Bedtime Story
5. Grabbing Some Air
6. In the Here and Now
7. 5 Dirham
8. Arctic Sun
9. Drop D Symphony
10. It Came in the Night
11. Just South of Dublin

Label: Guitar 9 Records

Website: www.tdclark.com

Hardrock Haven rating: 9.6/10