The Force Within
Byron Nemeth Group
Pacifica

Byron Nemeth has been rocking Cleveland for a good long time. From his earlier days gigging with the band Amon-Ra through his namesake quartet today, the guy constantly strives to perfect his guitarcraft. Absorbing himself in his own work and pushing his creativity forward, Nemeth wears his influences like his heart -- on his sleeve. Not that it's a bad thing, mind you. It makes you wish that others were as honest.

On The Force Within, those influencers are front and center with styles ranging from G3 guitarists Joe Satriani, Steve Vai and Eric Johnson, to a venerable who's who of progressive rock bands like Dream Theater. The results gleam like sleek black onyx. To wit, onyx is a crystal for releasing the past; Nemeth's compositions are the antidote to all those local bands out there who go for "trendy." The 9 songs (8 originals and a cover of the Beatles' "I Am The Walrus") focus on melodic, modern progressive rock with shades and layers of jazz-fusion grooves, film soundtrack dramatics and 1980s guitar hero histrionics.

The disc begins with a Satch-inspired "Satrianimal," which bubbles to a rollicking boil and meaty guitar chops and sound like it could be a b-side to that guitarist's Extremist album. "Snake Charmer" also sports a strong, muscular groove that hooks you in with first listen and is a glowing example of the direction of this new CD in style and form. And then there's the Dream Theater-inspired "Dream Catcher" with adroit keyboard runs and thundering drums supporting a crushing melody line.

In contrast, "Frankenstein's Lullaby" a uptempo fusion jazz-inspired musical composition with a harmonic minor ending and humorous title recalls (somewhat appropriately) Edgar Winter. Nemeth really sets the tone for everything as the bandleader, delivering handfuls of tasty chops on electric & acoustic guitars. His fellow bandmates Joseph Hengesbaugh (keyboards/piano), Dave Clark (drums) and Ed Stephens (bass) are all strong musicians in their own right and manage each other breathing space in a genre of music that (quite honestly) can devolve into virtuosic stepping on toes.

This reviewer was a bit skeptical of the remake of The Beatles' classic "I Am The Walrus," as is my tendency with most Beatles covers. It takes a deft hand and some confidence in your craft to deliver one seriously. Nemeth's powerful instrumental version of the Lennon & McCartney classic works well. In all, if you're the type who's always ready geek out on some progressive rock with great guitar work, this band is for you.

Byron Nemeth Group celebrates the release of The Force Within at their headlining ProgFest gig on Saturday April 21 at the Jigsaw Concert Club, 5324 State Road, Parma. ProgFest features Byron Nemeth Group, Gravity, Ego and Rob Metz. Doors are at 8PM. Visit Nemeth online at http://www.byronnemeth.com. For a list of other Jigsaw gigs, check out their MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/jigsawsaloon.

From Cool Cleveland Managing Editor Peter Chakerian peterATcoolcleveland.com

Wanna get reviewed? Send your band's CD (less than 1 year old) to: Cool Cleveland, 14837 Detroit Avenue, #105, Lakewood, OH 44107.

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