Artist: BILL MAJOROS CD Title: "Dead Men Tell No Tales" Reviewed by: Shane Chess Reviewed: 8/26/2003

     I've got another c.d. review for you on Bill Majoros. I was expecting a lot after reviewing one of his other cds and he didn't disappoint me one bit. This cd is a nice progression from his last release. Bill definitely took the neo-classical route with this release. He beefed up his guitar tone as well and has an accompanying band for the recording. This cd is a must own for extreme shred fans. Bill had me sold after the first song.

     "Tell No Tales" is a cool number and by 00:38 into the song I can tell he took a deep neoclassical approach. Bill has a sound all his own and I was glad to hear his familiar tone. This song is an onslaught of heavy riffs and speedy death defining licks. Along with that Majoros uses plenty of soulful phrasing that will cut you in two.

     Track two "Life On The High" is very upbeat and has strong rhythm composition. There is some major sweep picking here so beware because Bill's arpeggios are mouth dropping. Nothing sounds out of place and every note is perfectly calculated.

     "The Dark Frigate" starts out very slow, melodic and you can sense the somber mood he is trying to create. At 00:59 he picks up the pace and you can sense the urgency in this song. As usual the lead work is flawless tying in a very neoclassical vibe. Also be on the lookout for a rockin' bass solo that comes just before Bill breaks loose with another fury of notes that leaves you breathless!

     Song four "Hoist the Skull and Bones" has a Black Sabbath feel to the rhythm work. This is definitely my favorite track from the cd. The heavier feel is something I haven't heard from Bill yet with his other releases. The leads throughout the song are blazing. One other thing worth mentioning was the addition of a harpsichord, that really gave it that pirate vibe. RRR me maties, there be shred in these seas!

     "Eye For An Eye" starts with a cool harpsichord intro that leaves you wondering where this song is going. The next thing you know Bill comes in with some screaming shred lines that will definitely turn some heads. Not only does he crank out killer electric guitar, he also brings in some acoustic shredding that anyone can appreciate.

     Track six "Mortal Embrace" has a orchestral beginning and breaks into some more neoclassical fret work that Yngwie would be proud of! This track has a lot to offer musically. Bass guitar is very dominate throughout the track with pounding lines that drive the song along. The drums are very powerful as well. All in all this piece compositionally sound, and action packed with guitar acrobatics.

     "Spirits From the Deep" is for the most part a great acoustic number, but then two minutes later Bill busts into ferocious trade off leads with his alter ego the keyboard. This track is very different from the others and is definitely a diamond in the rough. Majoros never misses an opportunity to put his chops on display for everyone to hear.

          Track eight "Morning Glory" starts off slow, but then breaks into a heavy groove that any metalhead would like! Again, Bill has complete mastery of his instrument and he knows how to build tension in a song, then release it at the right moment. He really gives the keyboards a lot of room to move which just adds to the vibe he has created. Majoros is well versed in writing songs that sound very full.

     "Fallen Comrades" begins with a very elegant European flavored interlude that sets dreary tone. This is a slower tempo number that really comes through in emotion department. I can really feel the mood creeping up inside me. Another highlight was the lick ridden bass playing of Bjorn Eriksson. He cranks out some memorable runs that will surprise any shred fan.

     "Queen Anne's Revenge" track ten has a awesome pipe organ beginning that continues to just over the one minute mark. Then Bill comes in all guns blazing. After hearing this one, I had to go practice for a few. I like how Bill puts in some thought provoking rests to through you off guard, and then kicks your butt with a massive solo section accompanied by harpsichord. Its a killer song, enough said.

     Closing the cd is "Quietus" which is a very melodic song which seems to be the perfect way to end it all. This song is the war to end all worlds. Is it fast and shred laden? No, its not at all like that. Its very progressive to start, each section seamlessly flowing into the next. Keyboards seem to be the main instrument and they really create a huge sound. Though this song is only just under three minutes, it's as though he is letting go from the grasp he had you in through out this cd. What else could you ask for?

     "Dead Men Tell No Tales" is a neoclassical assault that ranks Bill Majoros among the best guitarist of our day! Bill has it all. He has great melody, great rhythm work and the ability to share the spot light with other players on the cd. I was impressed with his last release "Alignment," but this one took a totally different road then that one did. Bill likes to explore other styles of guitar playing and I'm really looking forward to seeing what he conjures up next. You can purchase Dead Men Tell No Tales at: www.mp3.com/Bill_Majoros.