Rusty Cooley has re-rele
ased his self-titled debut on Lion records, which was re-mixed and mastered by Gregg Gill at Diamond Recording. This CD is a must have for fans of over-the-top guitar at ludicrous speed.
The 1st track, “Under the Influence,” is a straight-forward Yngwie type jam, but much faster. Instead of pictures and lyrics, the liner notes contain a transcription for “Under the Influence.” One could say that sheet music serves as lyrics for instrumental music. Also, the special edition contains a DVD with a music video and a 20-minute instructional for “Under the Influence.”
“The Butcher” is a example of that Pantera type of Texan metal. Enough said.
“Dark Matter” has more of a fusionesq feel with some Shawn Lane phrasing. As a side note, Cooley recorded “Epilogue For Liza” on a tribute CD to Shawn Lane.
“E.B.E” returns back to that Texan swing with a little Joe Satriani “Summer Song” influence.
“Hillbilly Militia” is reminiscent of that Shrapnel Jason Becker type sound. The riff played at 01:15 would turn the heads of anyone regardless of the style of music that interests them, and when an can reach an audience that doesn’t understand instrumentals, that artist has perfected the art of composition.
“Jazzmine’s Song” seems like a Journey tune where Steve Perry was turned into a guitar by Neal Schon, and was forced to bend under demanding fingers.
“War of the Angels” is what it would sound like if Shawn Lane joined Megadeth and “The Duel” brings to mind a Judas Priest type progression.
Every track of this CD is literally bursting with inhuman speeds and guitar virtuosity.
Rusty Cooley has several instructional DVDs and his currently project is a band called Day of Reckoning. Their debut concert will be at the BFE Rock Club, Feb. 25th, Houston TX” Saturday, February 25, 2012. Hear their latest demo and newest singer at http://www,reverbnation.com/
Cooley also teaches online lessons and at Pro Music Instruction in The Woodlands, Texas.
You can find him online at http://www.rustycooley.com
