Customer Reviews

The Chronicles of Israfel - Starborn, Tome I

5 star:		(5)
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Can't wait for TOME II! I play this over and over! No throwaways on this CD or songs that all sound alike. The lyrical depth is there, along with the composing and musical genius! Cifarelli is not just another guitar rock great (and he IS great), but an artist on the cutting edge of musical trend.

When I heard The Chronicles on myspace I thought I hit the jackpot. I absolutely couldn't wait until the album came out. I would go on his myspace page everyday to listen to all the songs on there.

When the album arrived in the mail everything else stopped, I had to listen to it. I have been listening to it everyday since then. It is really one of those great albums. It has become an instant favorite of mine.

Dominic's brilliance and talent are incredible. He is one of the best guitarist's I have ever heard. His ability to write music is amazing. It is an incredible display of talent, hard work, thought, planning, from a guy who poured his heart and soul into something. You definitely have to buy this album!

This is quite an incredible album. So underated!!

When I heard the first track, Empire of Light, I knew there was something very special here.

Every single track just oozes impressive technical ability and musicality. The songs are heavy and melodic without being cheap and repetitive. Heavy to bring forth a point, not because it's cool.

Every musician on the songs understands their role, to help drive the theme forward. No one overplays, underplays or lacks any seriousness. It shows in the quality of the performance and the production.

I can only imagine the broad inspiration that Dominic Cifarelli fed from to create this.

"The Chronicles of Israfel, Starborn I", is a semi-instrumental guitar masterpiece based on a story written by Dominic Cifarelli. This CD is a showcase for Dominic's musical and songwriting talent. Each track is unique. You will be spellbound as the story/music unfolds. All in all it is awesome.

I can't say enough good things about this album. I give it 10 stars out of 5.

To begin, The Chronicles of Israfel is the brainchild of former Pulse Ultra guitarist Dominic Cifarelli. If you've heard anything by Pulse Ultra you will probably agree with me when I say that Dom really broke the mold for metal/rock guitarists. His style was very unique and there really wasn't anyone doing the same thing with their music.

This album is no exception.

Starborn, Tome I is an EXPERIENCE. It is a progressive rock lover's dream to say the least. The guitar work is simply phenomenal. The guitars paired with the plethora of other instruments on this album really help to create a highly atmospheric sound that makes you feel like you are immersed in the world of Israfel, the character that the album revolves around. This album is refreshing -- no cookie cutter lyrics or formulaic song structures here folks.

There is a little something for everyone on this album. If you are into instrumental prog-rock masterpieces, tracks like "Starborn I: Empire of Light", "Starborn III: On a Forever Road" and "New Mood Therapy for a Medicated Babylon" will be sure to please. For those who like vocals with their music, most of the other songs feature top notch vocals with hooks that will stay in your head for months.

I usually don't like to make comparisons, but since everyone asks I'd have to say this album is like crossing the music of Dream Theater with the lyrics and stortelling of Coheed and Cambria. That being said, don't pick up this album and think that you will be hearing a clone of either of those bands -- Chronicles of Israfel stand fully on their own.

In closing, don't hesitate to buy this album. You will NOT be let down, I can guarantee it. As I said earlier, this album (the music itself, the packaging, the artwork, everything) must be EXPERIENCED. One way to describe it is that it's like listening to a movie. Dominic and the rest of the band deliver the best album I've heard all year and I dare venture to say one of the BEST albums I've ever heard, period.

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