CD Review: MICHAEL ANGELO BATIO – Shred Force 1 and Soul in Sight

I’ve been a fan of Michael Angelo Batio going back to his days with Nitro. Michael is a musician’s, musician. Michael has invented quite a number of guitar tricks that he hasn’t received his due credit for.

His 12th solo album, titled Shred Force 1, continues Michael’s excellence that has made him one of the best at his craft. Long regarded by us six-string strummers as the Jedi Guitar Master, through decades of instructional DVD’s, helpful columns in guitar magazines, and live clinics, this compilation (featuring additional new songs) shows that Michael Angelo Batio can walk it like he talks it when it comes down to making his own music.

In the final analysis, all the double neck guitars and impressive visual showmanship that enliven MAB’s DVD’s, clinics and gigs simply don’t apply when it comes to an audio-only album, but the good news is, he’s got songwriting chops that will surprise anyone just expecting a mindless high-speed widdle-fest. The instrumentals are melodic and listenable as complete songs, as are the vocal tracks. There’s far more to Michael’s playing than warp-factor shredding.  His solos and embellishments are catchy, played with feeling, and use technique in a balanced way, and when he does pull something deadly out of his trick bag, be it a blazing fast run or a “how did he do that?” time-signature shifting riff, it only serves to enhance the music.

On top of all that, there are tributes to some of his favorite players in “Slowhand” (Eric Clapton) “Diamond” (Dimebag Darrell) and “RRR” (Randy Rhoads, featuring Randy’s bandmate Rudy Sarzo), which see Mr. Batio blending the riffs and licks of each player with his own ideas, a great concept that really draws the listener in.

And did I mention the guest list? Read ‘em and weep; George Lynch (Lynch Mob, Dokken), Mark Tremonti (Alter Bridge, Creed), Todd LaTorre and Michael Wilton (Queensryche), Chris Poland (ex Megadeth), Craig Goldy (Dio), Jeff Loomis, Kurt Vanderhoof (Metal Church) and more, enlivening not only MAB’s own material, but also smokin’ covers of “Burn” (Deep Purple) and “What You’re Doing” (Rush).

I’d say that Michael has a winning template for future albums with Shred Force 1 – the combination of original vocal and instrumental songs with one or two covers and a tribute track all show his versatility and deliver an overall package that you can dig in to time after time.

Soul In Sight which dropped this week, is MAB’s 13th solo effort. It is a newly recorded collection of great MAB songs (with other writers) that was made primarily to promote his 2016 tour schedule, as well as showcase these songs live. Michael recorded the drums, with the help of long time friend and drum virtuoso Rob Ross. Michael also recorded and played all of the bass guitar tracks, leads, rhythms and keyboards. The vocals were recorded by a singer named Gianna Chillà, who did a very credible job of interpreting Michael’s music. Some of the highlights of Soul In Sight include new versions of the Holland classics “Gotta Run” and “Basics of the Bullet.” Also, a Gary Moore style blues song written by Jim Gillette and Michael titled “You Broke My Heart In Two” plus a great remake of Michael’s metal classic, “Call to Arms.”

Soul In Sight is an all vocal album. The songs are played with incredible intensity. Every song is memorable and well crafted. Michael’s performances are as usual, first rate. The production is modern, crisp, clear and powerful. This album can be summed up in 2 words – great songs!

Rating: 8/10 

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