Archive Review: Alex Skolnick Trio's Transformation (2004)

Anyone who doubts the technical proficiency of metal guitarists or dismisses the efforts of musicians who choose to play in the heavy metal genre as no-talent hacks is just plain ignorant. As proven by Transformation, Alex Skolnick shuts down any arguments concerning the abilities of six-string shredders. Although he is best known as the former guitarslinger for thrash-metal cult faves Testament (and, to a lesser degree, Savatage), Skolnick has always been a jazzbo at heart. As such, Transformation – a collection of Skolnick originals blended with metal and prog-rock covers, all provided a modern jazz arrangement – is a fantastic showcase for Skolnick’s true passion and considerable talents.

The album opens with the title cut, a perfect introduction for that which follows. Skolnick and his band hit a loping groove, kind of a soft shuffle on top of which the guitarist lays down layer after dense layer of guitar. Skolnick’s rhythms and leads often clash, working at cross-purposes, creating an invigorating tension. You can’t really figure out where the song is going, and that’s a good thing. From here, Skolnick jumps into a Spanish-guitar flavored cover of Judas Priest’s “Electric Eye,” stripping the song down to its bare essentials and reinventing it as a spry instrumental work-out, sounding not dissimilar to some of Al DiMeola’s best work. Transformation’s other high points include “Fear of Flying,” a lush instrumental with swelling cymbals and drum fills; a bass-heavy reading of Pink Floyd’s “Money,” Skolnick’s leads approximating David Gilmour’s vocals; and a fast-paced, wild cover of Deep Purple’s “Highway Star.” Skolnick and his trio also offer “transformed” tunes by Scorpions and Dio alongside their spirited original jams.

Skolnick’s band – the other two members of the “trio” – includes Nathan Peck, who provides a solid double-bass rhythm beneath the guitarist’s six-string wizardry, and drummer Matt Zebroski, who adds significantly to the sound here with his strong, subtle percussion work. They are talented players, no doubt, but first and foremost this is Alex Skolnick’s show. The guitarist stretches his talents, embroidering each song on Transformation with an indelible energy and performance. If you’re a metalhead who knows Skolnick primarily for his rock & roll guitarwork, you owe it to yourself to expand your horizons and listen to the musical possibilities explored by Alex Skolnick with his piece of wood and string. If you open your ears, you might just be amazed at the power and grace of Transformation. (Magnatude Records, released 2004)

Review originally published by Alt.Culture.Guide™ zine...