Lars Eric Mattsson / Aurora Borealis (2011)

Guitar virtuoso / composer Lars Eric Mattsson returns with the ultimate neo-classical experience in which metal and rock guitar, bass and drums meets classical music for the harmoniously rich ‘Aurora Borealis’. This new wholly instrumental 12 track release takes a fresh approach to the blend of guitar and orchestra for a musical experience as uplifting as seeing the wonder of the northern lights, from which the album gets its title.

Whilst the combination of orchestra and guitar may have been done before by amongst others one of Mattsson’s influences Uli Jon Roth; „Aurora Borealis‟ takes the range of sound and expressions further that what has been heard before and places as much emphasis on each tracks backing as with its guitar work. The result is a highly captivating and listenable experience. Lush in textures and timbres, „Aurora Borealis‟ comes across at times like a film score; sometimes fast and exotic whilst at others sweet and luxurious. Many moods are covered and all of which see Mattsson deliver impassioned guitar work in his own inimitable style. Lars Eric Mattsson said about his new effort, “I tried to compose the music with enough variations and the right flow from start to end and keep things listenable by using the right arrangements”.

So as you all understood this is an album a bit more different than the average shred release. It has emotions and some incredible orchestral parts all delivered in such a great way! „Aurora Borealis‟ sees Lars Eric Mattsson almost halfway through his third decade in the music business with a new release that is testament to his vision and appetite to ever expand his musical horizons and does so in fine style.
HeavyParadise's Rating : 8,5/10

Track Listing:

1. Rising 5:18 2. Bounce 4:18 3. Cold Water Spirit 5:58 4. Forward Thinking 6:20 5. Revolutionary Star 4:42 6. The Heart 3:58 7. Eternal Cycles 4:22 8. Clear Skies 4:08 9. Planetary Strength 3:19 10. Parisienne Etude 0:57 11. Midnight Sun 7:46 12. Starfall 5:26