I received a CD from Theodore Ziras a self-proclaimed shredder from Greece. If you have been reading my reviews you will no that I am not a big fan of shredders. Yes, they are fun at times and impressive but also become very boring to me. Anybody can noodle! Remember, “The fastest car doesn’t make you the best race car driver.” Anyway before I listen to someone’s work I never pre judge. I never read about them or try not to look at the insert or even the artwork. I like to just take the CD, pop it in, drive and listen!

When I listen to an instrumental CD, the first thing I will notice is it “Live or is it Memorex”. Meaning do I get another fucking drum machine or do, I get the real deal. Well this CD I got the real deal. Yes a real drummer! A real keyboard player and someone else playing bass other that the solo artist trying either to do it all by himself or some engineer suckering the artist into using them for all needs. Enter “Psycho Ted”. Again as I always say “If I give you a name, it means I like you. So please don’t take it as an insult.”

Well Ted got the right guys to do the right job and the product shows! The first track will always give you an idea of what is to come and “Child of Scotland” got my attention. Great guitar work and keyboard work! The two meshed extremely well. I dig that! It is very hard to find a good marriage where two can speak as one. Did I mention real drums!

The next two cuts are fast and mean! They give you a taste of what Ted can do. Ted displays his chops but again not stepping on the other guys! I found myself stepping on the gas pedal hard! Note: Hats of to the recording studio and engineer! The sound is amazing! “Solitude” brings it back to cruising speed but very tasty! The next tune “Seven Courses” display a 7/8 groove with an interesting winding melody. It kind of reminds me of old Al Dimeola! There is a nice keyboard solo and yes a little but kick ass drum solo too. I am really digging this CD!

I like groove and I like this tune “Salvation.” It displays a great melody with a big sound! The title of the CD “Hyperpyrexia” and also track 9 is by far my favorite tune on the CD. Varying odd time and a high impact melody is prominent. My curiosity was driving me nuts to see who the other musicians were on this CD. No wonder! Brian Tichy on drums. Ex: Zakk Wylde, Ozzy heavy hitter! This dude smacks! Outstanding display of pure drumming on this CD! Awesome!

It gets better, Derek Sherinian on keys! Ex: Dream Theater player! Derek is one of the best keyboardists on the planet. If you listen the man makes his keys sound like a guitar player, bending strings and going toe to toe with Psycho Ted. Truly amazing! Bass player Manos Markpoulos does a fine job of holding the bottom down on this CD. He let’s the other guys take the spot. That’s a good thing in my book.

I must say I really enjoyed this CD. Especially because of the incorporation of real players! Theodore Ziras has done his homework and has put a lot of hard work into this CD and it shows!

Bravo my man!

If you like, instrumentals or looking to listen to a brilliant composer/guitar player along with some guys that really plays their ass off, buy this CD!

Rock On!
Joe