Artist: James Byrd CD Title: "Anthem" Reviewed by: Nick Martinelli Reviewed: 9/26/02

    James Byrd is back again this year with another neoclassical guitar driven masterpiece. "Anthem" breaks new territory for its push forward in neo inspired music with heartfelt melodies and blazing guitars. We here at The Shred Zone take pride in our reviews and players we promote here. James Byrd is on of our favorite artists and a friend. James is featured all over our site, and we strongly support this musician's existence in the guitar world and will seek to push his music to everyone that visits our site. "Anthem" is on hell of a record guitar fans, and this review will touch upon every aspect of it. James covers all fronts with slow melodic ballads to in your face heavy metal riffing. Byrd is no stranger to intense song writing, he makes every note sound like his last. It only took thirty seconds into the first song before I knew this song was going to kick some major guns. So lets get on with it.

     "Anthem - Death by Darkness" starts up the album with some beautiful keyboard orchestrations. This song is very melodic and each movement in the track progresses nicely. Check out James's classy lead starting at 01:48, its packed with emotion and soul. Byrd is one of the few neoclassical guitarists that can play with pure soul. He's like the Stevie Ray Vaughn of neoclassical playing. James plays straight from the heart and every note that pours out of his soul comes from that central location. Michael Flatters vocals are amazing as well. He has a superb vocal range, and matches his pitch to the feeling of the song.

    In song two "Omen," James Byrd doesn't wait to enthrall you with his blazing guitar playing. The intro licks are super melodic and catchy. I also appreciated the complexity and detail of those lines. Listen closely for the killer arpeggio idea blended in right before the main verse starts. The main verse depends on the keyboards for the main backing. James using his guitar like an accent, bringing attention to certain areas. He does lay down some heavy riffing though, so don't worry. Another highlight, was the multipart vocal harmonies. These are present throughout the CD and add more dimension and layers to each piece.  Check out James's lead  02:44, it breaks open with a short double harmony leading into some amazing WAH drowned lead phrasings. James doesn't rely on over saturated guitar tones. He keeps it pretty easy using a DOD Pre Amp 250 pedal for overdrive on leads, WAH, Marshall 1968 PLEXI 50 HEAD, and some plate reverbs for added layering. This would explain why Byrd's tone sounds very natural.

     "Messages from Home" really packs a punch. This track is a testament to the style that is Mr. James Byrd. The main palm muted guitar riff defines and carries the song along. I'd have to say this is one song to add to your favorite mix cd. Byrd's chops are astounding. He doesn't go over board with speed, but embraces you with some of the most intense and soulful bends you'll ever have the chance to hear. 02:07 marks the beginning of the main lead section. James shreds up the fret board with his effortless arpeggio antics then moving into some tactfully selected phrasing. Lastly, please don't miss the bend and vibrato that James nails you with.

     Track four "Some Day" takes the albums mood back down to a more deeper level, with a beautiful guitar performance accompanied by very deep and meaningful lyrics. This song is very inspirational. This song was dedicated to those who lost their loved ones on September 11th. I only wish that all those families could hear and have a copy of this song, I think it would really bring some words of encouragement and faith in a better world and humanity. Those events sickened the hearts of every American that day, and we'll endure on knowing that our place in the universe will not be disturbed by anyone.  Hands down this is my absolute favorite song from "Anthem." The acoustic guitar kept the song flowing and the keyboards helped create and amazing atmosphere. Michael Flatters vocals were just perfect with every note that passed. I particularly fell in love with chorus lines, the lyrics are very cool and you'll be singing along with Michael every time. The orchestrations and arrangements were so well put together. Its almost like James has a magical formula for writing every note that he does. The main lead line just screamed with emotion and feel. If you were to buy the album for just one song, this one would be it.

     "All I Want" is a little darker and mystical than the rest of the songs on the cd. The track opens with a very eerie keyboard line.  Then Michael comes in with a more laid back vocal lines. Flatters again gives a flawless performance. Keep your ears peeled for the many multipart vocal harmonies throughout the track. They are unbelivable. I also enjoyed the main guitar line during the verse. It reminded me of Savatage meets neoclassical, if you can muster that. Byrd has a unique style that can't be matched by anyone in the world. He is true a connoisseur of guitar perfection and mastery. His leads throughout the song are executed with the highest of caliber and melody.

     Song six "Killing Machine" brings in the heavier riffing that James has been known for his whole carrier. I enjoyed the intro keyboards, they set the stage and vibe of this number. I could almost predict what was coming next. James's evil riffing! Check out all the double guitar harmonies he uses to tie each part together. The chorus guitar part is very powerful and melodic at the same time. I really liked his choice of chord voicing. The guitar riff and vocal line walk hand in hand in perfect harmony. It happens a lot in music where vocal lines perfectly fit with guitar, but this song is the best example of this I've heard in a while. The main lead at 03:08 takes the song off in a little more faster direction with James super clean and speedy runs. Pay close attention to how clean they are. Damn he's got game!  Lastly, really give the last minute of the song a hard listen. You'll hear some amazingly clean and concise arpeggios and bends. James tell us how do you do it?

     James won't let you get a gasp for air when track seven "Thank You" starts. His playing is powerful, with driving guitar riffs and soaring leads. Those leads are heaven sent! I enjoyed the lyrical content of this one as well. James has a knack for written with 100% feeling and emotion. His words and guitar in my opinion express his true inner thoughts and feelings. Byrd is truly a musical aficionado. Its rare that you find an artist that knows exactly how to convey every thought he has in musical terms. James has a gift from a higher power and I know he's using it to it's full capacity. It really bothers me that superior music like this doesn't get radio air play and MTV music videos. I think the problem is that labels (exuding our friends at Lion Music) and critics don't think that normal people would like this music and associate with it. Byrd and other players get pegged as "musicians for musicians" in another words ONLY GUITAR PLAYERS ARE SUPPOSED TO APPRECIATE AND LISTEN TO THIS MUSIC. Bullsh*t!!! Music like this would be like a cultural experience for most people. In the days where guitar magazines and MTV promote god awful bands, and you know who they are, I'm not even going to mention who, because they aren't worth the web space! Instead of promoting slacker musicians they should be showcasing figures who are true masters.  With that said, "Thank You" is another highlight track one this masterpiece of a album. Its very melodic and harmonious, and I know you'll love it as much as I did!

     Track eight "The Price of War" sounds like the soundtrack for war, hence the name. Its very dark and the imagery is quite apparent throughout the song. I thought the lyrics were very intelligent and well put together. The song arrangements were great. Check out Brian Hutchinson's great drum performance throughout this one. The drums give the song a marching feel. I you'll get tons of mental images of missiles and bombs and soldiers marching when listening to this. Its a very powerful song and I think its target is a very obvious one. Check out the ultra short double guitar harmony at 04:15 -04:20. It may be short, but the note selection was priceless. This is a characteristic that James seems to carry well. I don't know how he selects these combination of notes that he does, but they are breathtaking.

     Last but not least, "Only Love" brings this monstrous album to a close with a huge musical atmosphere. I totally dug the intro bass lines from Brian Hutchinson, and to tell the truth I think that was the first time I've ever heard anything like that before. Go Brian! Michael Flatters gave a top notch vocal performance as well. He has a great vocal range and it really fits the music to the T. Honestly I hope Michael stays on board with James for the long run. I think Michael has been the most talented vocalist he's worked with in his solo carrier and I hope Michael remains an integral part of the band. Speaking of Byrd give a listen to 02:50 for one of my personal favorite lead sections from the disc. James whips out a super happy upbeat lead that left me speechless. Again, how does he do it? What's his formula? James you blow this writers mind, my friend. Keep up the good work.

     Looking back what else can I say other than, James wins The Shred Zone's award for best Neo-classical guitar release of 2002. I know the awards don't come out till next year, but I think its safe to say its going to take a whole lot of perfection to top James Byrd's "Anthem." Folks I don't know how Byrd does it year in and year out, but I'm always amazed by his valor as guitarist. I've come to set new standards of musical tastes, because of James. His playing is truly inspiring and uplifting. I know I keep saying this, but its rare to find unique guitar players that have their own groove. I've seen him compared to other neoclassical players like Yngwie, but I think James is on a different playing level. Sure he sounds very neoclassical when it comes down to it, but he entices you with so much soul, I couldn't begin to explain it to you. James's soulful shredding is what sets him apart. Maybe being a Jimi Hendrix fan plays a part in it, maybe not. James can you fill us in? (I smell a third interview coming on). laughs

     So guitar fans, do you country and your music a service and pick up "Anthem" today at Lion Music or Guitar 9. I know for a fact your going to pass out after listening to this masterpiece. Its nothing short of a perfect release from an amazing guitar hero. I give this album the highest praise an album can get for its soul, melodies and amazing performances. If this isn't enough to make you want to pick up this cd, than I think you may have to go get your head examined by a doctor! Drop www.jamesbyrd.com for more info.