by Joe Mis
– Sr. Columnist —
Despite a busy schedule with his Progressive Metal band AlogiA, guitarist and songwriter Srdjan Brankovic somehow found the time to front Srdjan Brankovic’s Expedition: Delta, a “supergroup” that has recently released its second album entitled simply 2 – and it was worth the effort. Expedition: Delta has put together 11 tracks of solid music that span genres from Classically tinged instrumental Rock to AOR to Modern Progressive Metal – giving this talented guitarist a chance to stretch outside his comfort zone.
For those not familiar with his music, Srdjan Brankovic is one of the founders and guitarists of AlogiA (arguably the best Progressive Metal band hailing from Serbia). He also works as a guitarist, songwriter, and producer for other Serbian bands such as Numenor, Despot, and Lunar Pocket. His contacts in the Serbian music scene allowed him to assemble the group now known as Expedition: Delta. The group has a huge cast list, but most vocals are sung by Nikola Mijic (AlogiA, Eden’s Curse) and Andjela Isic – although Srdjan himself fronts the band on one track.
The upbeat and radio-friendly rocker “Spectacular” opens the release – a track with uplifting lyrics and some very neat guitar riffs and an intricate solo. “Break The Rules” features a spectacular solo from guest guitarist Bobby Koelble (Death), and has a much heavier, progressive tone. Mijic’s vocals are at their best on this track, and the interesting guitar lines and tempo changes make this tune quite enjoyable. “Thank You for The Good Times” is a quick up-tempo pop-rock song that proves Brankovic’s songwriting skills can extend far beyond the progressive metal genre. “Canis Major” is a short but beautiful classical piano piece that leads into the edgy AOR “Fly With Me.” Despite being a more pop tune, the band weaves a number of Prog style keys and tempo changes into the music that nicely support the duet vocals provided by Mijic and Andjela Isic.
Isic takes the vocal lead on the rocker “Without You,” a track that features brief but impressive acoustic guitar work by Nicola di Già. A long instrumental opening sets the mood for Brankovic’s lead vocals on “The One Who Lives A Dream”. Srjdan does a decent job as a singer, but he wisely limited himself to a single track – as his talents on the guitar far outshine his vocal abilities. Hints of Dream Theater run through the very Progressive rocker “House of God,” a well-done song with strong guitars, while “I Don’t Believe” is a straight-on rocker with great hooks and sing-along chorus. “Remember Me” is a simple and soft slow rocker that suits Isic’s voice perfectly. “Connected” is a progressive metal instrumental showcasing the six-string talents of Bobby Koelble & Santiago Dobles (Aghora) – a nice way to end the album.
Overall, Srjdan Brankovic’s Expedition: Delta has created a lighthearted and upbeat release that blends many genres into a cohesive whole. Brankovic proves himself to be a complete musician and songwriter, displaying a wide variety of influences across a number of distinct styles. 2 is nicely arranged and recorded with a strong sense of emotional depth and warmth. Couple good production values with passionate performances and you get a very decent album – a friendly and fun listening experience.
Srdjan Brankovic’s Expedition: Delta’s 2 is highly recommended listening for fans of Modern Melodic Metal and AOR Rock.
Genre: Melodic Metal
Band:
Srdjan Brankovic (guitars, bass, keyboards, lead vocals on “The One Who Lives A Dream”)
Nikola Mijic (vocals)
Andjela Isic (vocals)
Marko Milijevic (drums)
Bobby Koelble (guitars)
Santiago Dobles (guitars)
IP Maesstro (bass)
Nicola di Già (acoustic guitars)
Vladimir Djedovic (keyboards)
Mladen Gosic (keyboards)
Nevena Zivkovic (piano)
Track Listing:
1. Spectacular
2. Break The Rules (feat. Bobby Koelble)
3. Thank You for The Good Times
4. Canis Major
5. Fly With Me
6. Without You (feat. Nicola di Già)
7. The One Who Lives A Dream
8. House of God
9. Don’t Believe
10. Remember Me
11. Connected (feat. Bobby Koelble & Santiago Dobles)
Label: Perris Records
Website: http://www.srdjanbrankovic.com/
Hardrock Haven rating: 8/10
