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One of the most prolific and innovative composers of our time, world renowned Guitarist and Composer George Bellas presents his latest instrumental album "Planetary Alignment". This album is so uniquely crafted that most listeners will find many composition elements they have never heard before. The style of the album is extremely modern and very progressive, it does not contain any neoclassical songs that George Bellas is also reputable for, but the album stays completely within the progressive realm.
As usually the case on George Bellas releases, George composed everything one note at a time and performed all of the instruments, plus had Drummer extraordinaire Marco Minneman perform the drum parts. Marco's drum performance's are nothing short of awe inspiring. The time signatures and rhythms contained on the album are extremely complex which Marco brought to life with his organic and immaculate drumming style. Leading guitar virtuoso George Bellas is back with his most modernly progressive solo album to date - expect the unexpected.
The concept and inspiration behind Planetary Alignment was the science of astrophysics. Each song was based on a particular subject ranging from the smallest matter known to man, to the largest and distant most objects in the universe. The goal was to compose ultra-modern music using scales, chords and rhythms not heard too often in music. The main interval the songs are all based on is the Tritone, with the root tone as middle C. It is quite a mystery where inspiration comes from when one is creating music, and it seems to only all come together when one is well practiced, emotions are stirring and the planets are aligned.

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Reviews:

George Bellas - Planetary Alignment (Lion Music) By: Joe Florez www.live4metal.com

This has to be the hardest working guitarist on the planet (pun intended). Just under a year ago, he released his project Palace Terrace. Now, he’s back with a new solo offering. I have heard this man perform on many artists records as well as his own and I have to say that he has managed to outshine himself here as he has gone out to create a record that simply makes you say…WOW! I must admit that the whole neo-prog metal scene is getting quite boring now and even as much as I love Yngwie, his music is even redundant after a while. So, what must be done to keep things fresh or try to put a different spin on the scenario? Simply add attitude and intensity while you are sincere at the same time.

“Color By Numbers” is a bombastic number that contains everything: flashy keyboard work, subtle string arrangements, rich and thick bass pluckings and finger work by George this is not only complicated and intense, but he plays from the heart as well. The man absolutely goes off here as well as everyone else. The ambidextrous drumming will have you smiling if you are into the neo-prog thing. There is passion here as well as an epic feeling. Want more? “Encoded In Light” has a movie soundtrack vibe. This one will make the hairs on the back of your neck stick up. You can feel the tense performance. It comes off at times like a horror movie score when the piano is pounded beyond belief. Seems like someone was hitting the keys with a hammer and the strings come in strong as well which builds up the anxiety. The guitars are fierce, but Bellas knows how and when to calm down. The performances on here, by George and his drummer as simply stunning. That’s right! Only two people played on here with George playing most of the stuff. Even more incredible is the fact that he took on the recording, mixing and mastering duties as well and nothing lacks on here. You won’t find any ballads released on this offering. This is all good music performed with accuracy, emotion talent passion and tension. I think those who only listen to the likes of Yngwie, Vai or Satriani should be more open minded and give an individual like this a chance. There is a lot to offer the fans. www.lionmusic.com | www.georgebellas.com