Bosnian guitarist Emir Hot certainly has the chops necessary to play neo-classical power metal. "Sevdah Metal" blends Emir’s traditional Balkan spirit and melodies along with his mind blowing axe and arrangement expertise. Vocalist John West and drummer Mike Terrana team up as co-conspirators with Emir, who currently resides in the UK after relocating due to his countries government /war torn issues. I’ve never heard an album willing to throw down some accordion solo action as we hear in "World Set On Fire" or "Skies and Oceans", especially where Muhamed Sehic (said guest player) can match the speed and execution of Emir’s fleet fingers on the guitar note for note.

John’s comforting high pitch brings me back to his Artension years, a willingness to stretch out parts for measures that other singers wish they could attain, the best example being the longer epic "Sevdah Metal Symphony". Mike Terrana may be best known for his fleet double bass action but I believe his performances on these 10 tracks illustrate the man’s unique ability to throw down appropriate tempos with more of a jazz/ fusion approach. Emir’s technique rivals George Bellas, Yngwie Malmsteen and most of the veterans in the shred category, and I hope he explores more of his cultural roots throughout his career as this aspect will keep him from the derivative tagline into the daring division within the genre.

I can’t say "Sevdah Metal" didn’t raise my eyebrows more than a few times, especially with a strong radio contender in the ballad "Stand And Fight" that collectively allows the acoustic/ electric interaction to balance out for the sake of the moving arrangement and impassioned dynamics. Promising start, let’s see if Emir can keep the hallmark high in the future.

Zink Music (www.myspace.com/zinkmusic)
www.emirhot.com
www.lionmusic.com

Composed by Matt Coe