Michael Harris - Ego Decimation Profile (re-release) (2007)Lion Music

It is Michael Harris' second solo album originally published by David T. Chastain's Leviathan Records in 1996, and now re-released by Lasse Mattsson's Lion Music. Two main musicians on "Ego Decimation Profile" are Michael Harris (guitars, bass guitar, keys; Thought Chamber, Arch Rival) and David Harbour (bass guitar; King Diamond, Chastain). Here are also as many as four drummers: Keith Carlock, Rob Stankiewicz (Eniac Requiem, Thought Chamber), Matt Thompson (King Diamond) and Clint Barlow.

Mr. Harris and Company administer us an instrumental metal with some progressive and neoclassical touches. I mean they are characteristics of the album, however there are also experimental, jazz, fusion and funk influences. The first composition "Forewarning" introduces us to cinematic and bit chamber atmosphere being full of mystery and rising tension. Michael's music is unpredictable, and it means that a listener doesn't know what direction riffs and solos will go. One of the most distinguishing elements are "thin-sounding" solos and jazzish rhythm section.

Upon listening to "Ego Decimation Profile", we are sreadily accompanied by a great unknown. Michael Harris is a versatile guitar wizard who knows hard rock and metal conventions, however can also surprise us with freaks of jazz here and there. Even though Michael worked out his unique style, we can pick out some stylistic similarities to such guitarists like Brendt Allman (Shadow Gallery), Chuck Schuldiner (Death), Richie Kotzen (Poison), Ben Jackson (Crimson Glory), Larry Barragan (Helstar), Juan Garcia and Bernie Versailles (both of Agent Steel). Briefly put, "Ego Decimation Profile" is an excellent instrumental story with virtuosic plot!