Customer Reviews

VK3

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Vitalij has to be one of the most technically accomplished pianists of our time. The man can damn shred! i own all 3 of his solo releases and this one, like others have said, is very different than his other ones. This one has much less neoclassical content and a bit more of a progressive feel. Now normally i prefer progressive OVER neoclassical (EG Dream Theater over Yngwie Malmsteen) but the neoclassical work on his two previous albums was just too good! IMHO "Exteme Measures" and "High Definition" are the pinnacle of neoclassical shred. I may be alone on this though, i've talked to a lot of people who prefer this one to the others. Oh and one last thing, whoever decided they would post a "correction" about Vitalij's albums should be sure they actually know what they're talking about before they post so they don't look like a fool. George Bellas DID play on Vitalij's second album, "Extreme Measures", Greg Howe played on Vitalij's FIRST album, "High Definition".

Opinions vary of course and here is just another stream of thoughts being expressed. But to my ears VK3 is the most mature, romantic, and musically the best conceived of Vitalij Kuprij's first three releases under Shrapnel.

VK continues to be a very busy improviser, rarely giving space to his own phrases. But I find it quite interesting how the three guitar players he's played with profoundly impact the quality of each VK album. My least favorite had been Extreme Measures with George Bellas. With VK playing so busy, George Bellas playing no differently fills up each bar and beat with flurries of notes, which is what I call overplaying. Like the second release, the first one, High Definition, had very neo-classical metal flavors but was the first time Greg Howe had done such a style and was quite a pleasantly surprising revelation. The tunes were also full of great catchy motifs unlike the 2nd release. VK3 with MacAlpine is much more prog-rock oriented, retaining only a trifle much of the neo-classical flavor but demonstrates on a higher and more serious level VK's arranging abilities.

Howe / Bellas / MacAlpine contrast
I find all three musicians to be in possession of outstanding technique that lend towards the differences in their expressiveness. To say Howe as being more technically accurate is a bit misleading. He clearly uses a lot more hammer-ons and pull-offs to create his clear, smooth legato melodic playing. MacAlpine however mixes them with a whole lot more alternate and sweep picking. Therefore his sound has quite a bit more pick-attack to them. But more importantly, both gentlemen phrase very well, giving space where due and improvising with thematic development as opposed to Bellas who quite obviously is just playing away.

I was very pleased with High Definition, being surprised at the writing, playing, and Greg Howe in the most different style I've heard him in yet. Extreme Measures was a slight disappointment. But I will reiterate that VK3 proved for me to be VK's finest and most satisfying album to date, offering more in terms of overall musical value rather than becoming another mere shred-fest...though it undeniably shreds.

Vitalij just ROCKS!! If you want to hear a keyboard player better than him you won't find it. This a more mature album where everything is perfectly put together. Listen "Alternate Diversion" and you'll know what I'm talking about, it begins with a powerful harmony (for those not familiar with classical music that part is Prelude Op. 28 No. 20 by Chopin) and the changes of rythms, riffs, and solos by Vitalij left you breathless. Definitely is the best album than you could get if you look for great keyboard players. Jordan Rudess eats Vitalij's dust. And if you don't agree with me take time and listen the classical album by Vitalij's where he plays Liszt and Chopin. Just an absolute virtuoso.

This is the best solo almbum released by Vitalij. The music style is a bit different from other albums, he uses more variations per songs and much vivid rythmes. Jon Doman has played the drums in the previos albums but in this one he was...inspired? I don't know why he didn't play like that before, his drum solo in the first track left me without words. Tony MacAlpine gave something I think the previos almbums lacked:Feeling. He may not be as virtuose as George Bellas(guitar on second album which is Extreme Measures), but he plays with the heart and with incredible precition, I personaly think that any other guitar player could not have expresed such passion as Tony MacAlpine. Finaly Vitalij Kuprij shows how he has evolved giving us the perfect song: Alternate Diversion. The violin part playing simultaneously with the guitar and piano was a master piece. Just Perfect.

3rd solo album from Artension's keyboard player. this album is a neo-classical masterpiece. Tony Macalpine played the guitars.if you like virtuosity albums you will surely like vitalij's keyboard playing.This is the best album that vitalij maked

In correction to the top review....Greg Howe played the guitar content on vitalij's 2nd album...not George Bellas. I Like McAlpines playing, but his phrasing, feel and accuracy are not nearly as good as howe's. I do find this CD great, but dont let that stop you from acquiring high definition...an incredible CD, and in my opinion better then this release. ( and sinse when do we describe real drum rythems and Grooves as patterns?...they didnt record it with a dance module,,)...food for thought