Ax Inferno

Although the title "Ax Inferno" may conjure a variety of images in the reader’s mind, “ax” as it is used in this context, is a slang term for an electric guitar. And this new release by Grammy nominated and Emmy winning guitar virtuoso, Paul Speer, is quite incendiary, and does indeed kick some serious ax. On this album, the blend of rock guitar with techno and electronica lives up to its fiery moniker. This is not music for yoga or chilling out to. However, put it on while you are cruising down the highway, and you’ll be good to go. Just be sure to keep an eye on the speedometer once the adrenalin gets flowing. And the juices do flow as Paul puts the hammer down on the opening track called “Contents Under Pressure (Rock Mix).” Paul continues to keep the pedal to the metal on track 2, “Accelerator (Rock Mix), as a fat sounding analog synth arpeggiator pattern lays down a pulsing groove with drummer Ron Krasinski pushing it to the max. It’s clear right from the start that this album is going to be an electric guitar magnum opus – and it is. I particularly like how the guitar adds a more organic and live element to the programmed synths, sequences, and samples. While still having electronic elements, a song called “Powerglide,” cooks with a dash of funk, including some soulful organ sounds and smoldering lead guitar. A little of that vibe carries over into the next song entitled “Megatron,” with its driving mid tempo beat and bluesy rock fusion guitar solos that brought to mind the legendary guitar work of Jeff Beck and Ronnie Montrose at times. As the album title implies, "Ax Inferno" brings the heat. Being a guitarist myself I have a special appreciation, not only for Paul’s masterful playing but for the incredible tones he is able to coax out of his instrument. "Ax Inferno" burns with creative fire and illuminates the contrast of futuristic high tech music and soul searing electric guitar. While Paul Speer has always been an innovator, his latest release finds him exploring exciting new sonic frontiers.

At first glance, my reviewing Paul Speer's new "Ax Inferno" might seem a little out of character, but I still have Speer's early recordings with David Lanz and clearly remember his distinctive guitar sound. I also have one of Speer's first solo releases, "Collection 991: Music+Art" (1995), so when he approached me about reviewing his newest album, I was intrigued. This big, bold rock epic is all Paul Speer on guitar, bass, and synthesizers with the exception of four tracks that feature Ron Krasinski on drums. (Lanz is listed as one of the executive producers, so maybe this isn't that much of a stretch after all!) "Ax Inferno" is Speer's fourth independent release, and his fourteenth commercial release overall. The producer for more than 250 projects, Speer is a two-time Emmy winner and a Grammy-nominee for his work in the contemporary instrumental genre. As an artist and producer he earned gold and platinum awards for "Cristofori's Dream," "Desert Vision," and "Natural States," all projects with David Lanz. My favorite place to listen to hard-driving music is in the car on the Oregon Coast with the sun roof open and the CD player up as loud as I can stand it - a great listening "room"! Speer is a consummate musician in many genres, making it even more fun to just let the music play while the powerful rhythms mesmerize. "Ax Inferno" is sophisticated rock infused with strong techno underpinnings that take the listener on a futuristic journey. "Ax Inferno" begins with "Contents Under Pressure," a rock guitar tour de force that should get the toes tapping and the pulse pumping. "Behind the Waterfall" this ISN'T, but what a fun and exciting ride it IS! "Accelerator" cranks it up another notch with a dark, high energy rocker that really cooks. "Tornado Warning" starts out with the closest thing to rhythmic ambient music on the album, but doesn't stay there very long. Intensity builds as the music progresses, sending out vibes of impending danger as the storm approaches. "Vortex" slows the tempo a bit, but is no less driving with powerful drums and incendiary guitar. "PowerGlide" is pure rock bliss. Great guitar work mixes with organ and intoxicating rhythms - very intense! "Megatron" all but explodes with fiery guitar licks and a back beat that won't quit. The last two tracks are techno mixes of "Contents Under Pressure" and "Accelerator" - excitement set to music in a very big way! Okay kids, this isn't music to go to sleep to, but it will get you up and dancing as a wake-up! Guitarman Paul Speer is still very much a musical force to be reckoned with, so if you like hard rock instrumentals, be sure to check this one out! Highly recommended, but not for massage or meditation!