Often times in the world of rock n' roll you hear tales of musicians dying way too young. They had so much talent and could have gone so much further had things not been cut dreadfully short for whatever reason. Some times however, some musicians meet a fate worse than death. One such musician is Jason Becker who at the age of 20 started developing ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). Over time this disease sapped him of his ability to move and speak. Though he is still alive to this day and still composes music he is no longer the rip-roaring neo-classical shredder he once was.
In 1988 Becker put out his debut solo album titled Perpetual Burn. This album is entirely instrumental and features many forms of neo-classical guitar playing: from melodic shred to almost traditional classical guitar pieces that are soothing to the ears. Needless to say, it has something for everyone; even those who are not particularly fans of rock and metal music. Even stuffy old farts who only listen to classical would enjoy parts of it. For those who do partake in the heavier stuff you will absolutely dig the musical statements Becker makes.
The title track Perpetual Burn is pretty much Becker's signature song. For good reason too. Rhythmically it packs a wallop, but over the top of that Becker wastes no time tearing it up with some melodies expressed through artful shred. In this track Becker stands head and shoulders above other shredders because the way he uses the techniques is in such a way where it creates a followable song with flourishes here and there that show off just what kinds of chops he has. Plus, the way it all flows together is unlike anything I've heard from most other guitarists of that era.
Air is one of the more traditional classical tunes I was mentioning earlier. It almost sounds like it is being played by an orchestra at certain points. However, the main melody is very much an electric guitar; though it is not played with any overdrive and the pacing is slowed way the hell down from tunes like Perpetual Burn. It almost sounds like a Bach piece because of how mathematically precise it is. It is nice to see such influence making its way into modern popular music even after all these hundreds of years.
If you're a fan of the electric guitar and can listen to music with no vocalist, Perpetual Burn is definitely your shindig. Becker really pushes things to the absolute edge on the album. It is amazing to hear how one so young can be so proficient at the instrument while still also playing with passion and soul and not sounding like a robot like so many other 80's shredders do. It's unfortunate to see such talent not be able to get better with age. Fortunately, Becker still composes classical music thanks to special computers he has that follow his eye movements. Pick this up. If it doesn't inspire you to air guitar, I'll be genuinely surprised.
Perpetual Burn, by Jason Becker receives 4 out of 5 stars.
Track List:
1. Altitudes
2. Perpetual Burn
3. Mabel's Fatal Fable
4. Air
5. Temple of the Absurd
6. Eleven Blue Egyptians
7. Dweller in the Cellar
8. Ocus Pocus
Buy the album on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Perpetual-Burn-Jason-Becker/dp/B00000106M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1432268039&sr=8-1&keywords=Jason+Becker+Perpetual+Burn
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