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Surgeon - Encyclopedia Of The Insane
1. Dr. Psycho
2. Gunned Down
3. Concussion
4. Robotix
5. Raging Beast Inside Me
6. Injection Overruled
7. Cranial Espionage
8. The Ghost Inside
9. Blood Drops on the Page
10. Ode to a Dictator
11. Black of Your Mind
The American band Surgeon started in 1995 as the initiative of Michael Harris. This guitar magician's band is completed with singer Len Jarrel (Unleashed Power), bass player James Martin (Zanister) and drummer Matt Thompson (King diamond). In 1996, Surgeon's only record entitled "Encyclopedia or The Insane" is released upon the earth. The music Surgeon provides is strong, riff-oriented, technical US powermetal. The awe-inspiring leads of Michael Harris are in fine form here. Unfortunately for us, Surgeon is put on hold as Harris devotes more attention to other projects and his own solo career.
After a short intro with some weird guitar playing the record opens with the song "Gunned Down". What immediately grabs my attention is the clear and powerful production. Very important because the guitar riffs Michael Harris produces deserve such a sound to get fully appreciated. The slightly rough vocals of Len Jarrel is appropriate and blends perfectly with the guitar's abrasive tones. The very tight and busy guitar wall of sound reminds me sometimes of a band such as Nasty Savage. Especially in the song "Concussion", this statement becomes very apparent. Although Surgeon is the band of Michael Harris he submits himself to the songs and performs a solo only when they are necessary and needed to spice up a song.
That cannot be said however of drummer Matt Thompson. This drum machine in human form alone brings the record to a higher level. His inventive style of percussion is a majestic display of virtuosity. Where in King Diamond he merely plays a supportive role, Thompson uses the space Surgeon provides him to the fullest extent possible. Without exception, he is the hero of this release.
Striking songs are present in "Concussion" and singer Len Jarrel excels with his short high screams. Because of its truly mechanical vibe, "Robotix" lives up to its title. The Halfordish "Raging Beast Inside Me" is also a mind-blower. Pay attention, Halford, the band, did not exist 1996. The quiet "Injection Overruled" with the slight Annihilator influence, sounds good to me. The band comes together again and performs with full force with the song "Black Of Your Mind", a brilliant conclusion to an incredible album.
All in all a good record of which we are unlikely to see a follow up.
More info: www.imfrecords.com
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