MATTIAS IA EKLUNDH
Freak Guitar (F/N)
Reviewed by John Sekerka

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"Longhaired Swedish axe prodigy sets speed metal world on ear." Hey, haven't I heard that one before? Could this be "Son of Yngwie?" By all accounts, yes. Mattias has the requisite flowing locks, lightning fast fingers and an unhealthy devotion to six-stringed instruments. And while Freak Guitar has enough prog rock chops and squealing solos to ensure poster boy status, the cover of Guitar Player and a prime spot on the Yngwie tribute record, Matt baby adds a couple of surprise touches to suggest he may become more than just a hired studio hand. Strumming "Detroit Rock City" on classical guitar a la Django Reinhardt for instance. Then again he tortures "La Bamba" like a bratty Eddie Van Halen, so who can tell?

© 2002 - John Sekerka