[KLL]

G3 within a few years should add on Phoenix, AZ, guitar virtuoso, Vince LuPone to the bill. On his debut solo release "Screaming Into The Abyss", LuPone proves that he can emerge center stage from behind the "Cast of Shadows" and make a lasting impact. Not only is LuPone gifted/fluid on guitar, but he exhibits versatility all throughout the c.d. with his well-crafted use of the cello, piano, bass, and propulsive drumming.

The album gets off to a rousing start with "Spirits Rise" which is punctuated with LuPone's proficient use of the double bass which is reminiscent to Fear Factory's Raymond Herrara. The following song "Lay't Down" is a complete blitzkrieg thrashing metal assault. When LuPone is not conveying the essence of his soul with his emotionally wrenching electric/acoustic guitar playing, he manages to do so with his multi-dimensional vocal delivery. “By The Time You Hear This” he exposes his very passionate/melancholy side, especially with those very compelling lyrics and elaborately done changes complete with his poignant use of the cello. “Forever In A Day” has a rather “cosmic feel” in the beginning and then evolves in a “haunting” song complete with Lupone’s shimmering vocal delivery. The “stand-out” to me is “Song For Joe” which his very own ode to his personal icon, Joe Satriani that would even cause “Satch” to 2nd guess how he recorded “Summer Song” with his explosive “tour-de-force” of multi-layered guitar..

The album elicits a myriad of moods consisting of enchantment, triumph, energy, and sophistication. Not only does LuPone excel as a musician, but his crisp production work ranks up there with the most seasoned of producers. LuPone’s well versed repertoire creates a superior landscape that would cause each listener to yearn for more, and I for one cannot wait to see what his future holds. True, he might be included on the G3 tour within the near future, in fact I believe he is worth the price of admission alone.