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Coenen, Marcel - A Live Time Journey
(DVD) (7/10) -
Netherlands - 2006 |
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Genre:
Progressive Metal
Label:
Lion Music
Playing time: 138:43
Band homepage:
Coenen, Marcel
Tracklist:
Marcel Coenen & Friends
Jan. 28th 2006 Bosuilt, Weert Netherlands
-
Abstract Impact
-
Verbal Defense Mechanism
-
The Shrink
-
La Bella Mira
-
Traumatized To The Bone
-
Still Bleeding
-
Patron Saint
-
Moyra
-
That Moment
-
The Skill Factor
-
Inner Alchemy
-
Shoreline
-
New Race
-
Waiting
Extras:
-
Hidden Track: Bonus “Solo”
-
Rooster
-
Still Of The Night
-
Behind The Scenes
-
Live In Thailand
-
Biography & DVD Story
-
Photo Gallery
|
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The stage seems very
cramped as there are a ton of artists on the stage
and that is because Marcel is recreating the studio
experience from his latest release “Colour Journey.”
Not only are all the songs performed live, but
everyone involved will take part in this unique
show. All I have to say is that there are lot of
people participating. Let’s say around fifteen.
“Abstract Impact” is a very guitar riff driven
instrumental that moves smoothly, but packs a punch.
The first vocal song of the evening is “Verbal
Defense Mechanism” which comes off as heavy, but
more alternative sounding and is slower. Not a great
song. Meanwhile, between all the songs Mr. Coenen
talks in his native tongue, but you can read the
subtitles if you aren’t too lazy.
“The Shrink” is a great
song as it mixes the best of melody, consistency,
soloing and passion along with a killer groovy beat
that is actually quite enticing. A good rhythm
section along with some atmospheric and freaky
keyboard work and some lean and mean guitar licks
makes this track a can’t miss. You get a ballad in
the form of “La Bella Mira” and then get into
“Traumatized To The Bone” which will consist of
several singers singing passionately, screaming,
grinding and then some. Great track that is very
versatile. The end result of this concert is that
you get a smorgasbord of sounds that are diverse and
dynamic ranging from slow and mellow to mid paced
and funky and beyond.
There is something on
here for everyone for sure. The camera work is
decent as it doesn’t get all A.D.D. on you with
spastic edits. It’s very amateurish for sure, but
decent enough to sit through. The crowd was there,
but you would never know it because they are so
quite and well behaved. I believe that this is
something that all MC fans should own. Quite
interesting to say the least. Extras include a
nearly three minute solo in which I thought Marcel
would be totally shredding, but instead it seems to
be more thought out. It’s really interesting in the
way he performs it. Listen up! This is an “Easter
Egg” and in order to find it all I can say is to
look around on the main page. It’s not that hard to
find. Trust me on that one.
The usual photo gallery
is included complete with music behind it.
Everything you wanted to know about the man from the
beginning to now including his thoughts and process
of getting this show together can be found on the
biog page. You are also treated to two cover songs:
“Rooster” from ALICE IN CHAINS and “Still Of The
Night” from WHITESNAKE. They may not be perfect
replicas, but cool nonetheless. You also get the
usual behind the scenes material and watch a clinic
like performance from Thailand. Lots off goodies on
here worthy of a purchase.
(Online November 29, 2006)
www.metal-observer.com |
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MARCEL COENEN - A LIVE TIME JOURNEY
(DVD) (B+) Lion Music, 2006
RT: 139:34
[
http://www.marcelcoenen.com/ ]
[
http://www.myspace.com/marcelcoenen ]
[
http://www.lionmusic.com/marcel_dvd.htm ]
[ http://www.lionmusic.com/
]
Sun Caged guitarist Marcel Coenen is one of those players who should
be a household name by now, certainly in the same league as some of
his more well-known peers in the world of shred. A LIVE TIME JOURNEY
is Marcel's live performance to commemorate the release of his
second solo album COLOUR JOURNEY and it's a real treat for fans of
well-executed shred. Marcel has assembled quite an array of guest
musicians to help him realize his vision, with no less than three
drummers, two bassists, a co-guitarist, keyboard player and seven
(!) singers, not including Coenen who also lends his vocals to the
proceedings. With all that activity on stage you would think this
might be a logistical nightmare, but the participants pull it off
pretty smoothly with minimal snags. Marcel pulls most of the
material from COLOUR JOURNEY (the entire album is played), with a
few songs off his first release GUITARTALK and several covers. One
of the nicest things about the DVD is the sound, which is just
fantastic, with Marcel especially displaying a monster tone. As for
the video, the camera angles are pretty good and the picture quality
suffers just a little due to the lighting but nothing too
distracting. I guess a minor criticism of the concert would be the
same one I had about COLOUR JOURNEY: stylistically, the material is
kind of all over the map, with hard rock and shred instrumentals
sitting next to modern, alternative sounding heavy rock, thrash and
even ballads. Small quibble, however, as on songs like "The Shrink,"
"La Bella Mira," "Patron Saint," and "New Race," Coenen shows a
complete command of the instrument, nonchalantly burning up the
fretboard with precision technique and bringing to mind shredders
from the glory days like Paul Gilbert and Richie Kotzen. In addition
to the cover versions of Alice In Chains' "Rooster" and Whitesnake's
"Still Of The Night," the bonus material includes a hidden track
featuring Marcel's live guitar solo, a look at rehearsals for the
performance, a clinic in Thailand, a bio, discography and photo
gallery. All in all, A LIVE TIME JOURNEY is a very good
documentation of the skill of an outstanding guitarist. Recommended
for fans of intense shred who are up for a bit of variety!
- Neal Woodall (MysticX9@gmail.com)
Detritus Rock/Metal e-zine
"Rock Hard With A Purpose"
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Detritus/
http://www.myspace.com/detritusezine
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MARCEL COENEN (DVD) - A Live Time Journey
Lion Music
Release Date: 2006-09-22
by: SCOTT JESLIS
www.metalexpressradio.com
Email: scott@metalexpressradio.com |
|
Dutch guitarist and shredder Marcel Coenen (Sun Caged) had
released his second solo album earlier this year,
Colour Journey, to rave reviews. To celebrate the
release of that CD, Marcel decided to have a “release party”
on January 28, 2006 in his native homeland of the
Netherlands. The intention was not to throw a typical
release party, but a live show playing the entire Colour
Journey album live with almost all of the guest
musicians who had appeared on the album. Such was born the
concept for Marcel’s A Live Time Journey DVD.
Due to the complex nature of some of his Neo-classical
and Progressive material, Marcel had to call in some
additional help. He chose guitarist Frank Schiphorst
(Symmetry) and keyboardist Rene Ubachs (Arabesque). For all
other instruments, Marcel used the players who had performed
their respective roles on the album itself.
Marcel Coenen doesn’t look like your stereotypical “shred
guitarist.” His stature and positive, upbeat, fun demeanor
causes his on-stage persona to exude as a cross between
Leslie West/Jon Oliva. Marcel’s guitar tone sounds
remarkable on the well-done stereo soundtrack, which, by the
way, sounds great with headphones on. When backed up by
Schiphorst, the resulting combined guitar sound is very
thick and heavy.
Video-wise, some flaws come across when the musicians are
poised against orange or red lighting. The video in these
lighting conditions tends to bleed, losing some focus and
appearing not as crisp as shots against white or yellow
lighting. Marcel speaks to the crowd in Dutch, so the
English subtitles are a welcome addition as are the song
titles being displayed before each track. The cameras tend
to be all over the stage and not always primarily focused on
main man Marcel, which becomes a bit annoying, especially
during one of his solos. In fact, Schiphorst almost seems to
more than occasionally get the crisper, clearer camera angle
(a below waist line perspective) while a lot of the Coenen
footage is from his right side.
The video flaws are nitpicks as the material more than
makes up for it. Highlights from the eighty minutes of live
material include “Abstract Impact,” “The Shrink,”
“Traumatized To The Bone” (with five singers on stage,
including Marcel), “Shoreline” (from the Guitartalk
release), “New Race,” and “Waiting” (with Mike Andersson of
Cloudscape on lead vocals). Three tracks are from Marcel’s
first solo album, Guitartalk, which he recorded using
primarily programmed instruments as a back-up band, so to
hear them in a live, fully-manned environment is a treat!
There's some substantial “shuffling” on stage between songs
to mic additional vocalists, change drummers, etc., but
Marcel does a commendable job talking to the audience
through these times.
Marcel believes that “a DVD is worth buying if it has
some extra stuff as well.” To that end, Marcel has packed
this one tight with bonus features. Two live cover songs
including Alice In Chains’ “The Rooster,” and an
entertaining cover of Whitesnake’s “Still Of The Night.”
Cloudscape’s Mike Andersson is no David Coverdale, but he
deserves an “A” for effort for tackling this Whitesnake
track. The thick, twin guitar sound of Coenen/Schipforst
makes for one heavy rendition of this Whitesnake cover. Also
included is a scrolling written biography of Coenen and the
story behind the DVD, live footage of Marcel playing at a
clinic in Thailand, a photo gallery, and “Behind The Scenes”
footage shot by a camcorder with Coenen himself shooting
some of the scenes. There is also a hidden bonus track; a
guitar solo. So, the additional “live” bonus features
extends the live set beyond ninety minutes total!
Bottom line, there’s no doubting that Coenen can shred
with the best of them. That fact alone will make this DVD a
must buy for guitar fanatics everywhere, and will probably
lead to additional sales of Colour Journey.
Regardless of any flaws or nitpicks, the wealth of bonus
features and the quality of the live music earn this one a
must buy recommendation! It’s a shame that Lion Music didn’t
make this one a live CD/DVD combo, as the live renditions of
the Guitartalk material would have been a welcome
novelty to own as well.
Track Listing DVD:
Abstract Impact * Verbal Defense Mechanism * The Shrink * La
Bella Mira * Traumatized To The Bone * Still Bleeding *
Patron Saint * Moyra * That Moment * The Skill Factor *
Inner Alchemy * Shoreline * New Race * Waiting
DVD Bonus Features:
Hidden Bonus Track: Guitar Solo * Live Cover Renditions of
“Still Of The Night” and “The Rooster” * Biography and DVD
Story * Live Footage Of Thailand Guitar Show * Behind The
Scenes Footage * Photo Gallery
Line-Up (on Live Material):
Marcel Coenen – Guitars
Frank Schiphorst – Guitars
Rene Ubachs – Keyboards
All Other Musicians are listed by track
here.
To find out more about Marcel Coenen, visit his label’s Web
site at
www.LionMusic.com, or check Marcel’s official Web site
at
www.MarcelCoenen.com.
|
Marcel
Coenen – A Live Time Journey DVD
2006 Lion Music
Sun Caged Axeman shows us
how it’s done
This is how a rock concert
should be filmed, with no
gimmicks, no background screens,
and no overbearing visual
effects; just pure musicianship.
And that is what Sun Caged
guitarist Marcel Coenen
delivers on his DVD, which
features a tight, live
performance, brought forth with
various vocalists and a band
that can play the hell of his
songs.
Being on the hard rock/metal end
of guitar playing, Coenen
and friends burn through rockers
such as “Almost Impact,”
“Shoreline,” and “Patron Saint,”
while going through the
contrasting motions, portraying
balladry with both “Still
Bleeding” and “Inner Alchemy.”
There are even covers of Alice
In Chains “Rooster” and
Whitesnake’s “Still of the
Night,” so this axeman covers
all the bases when it comes to
the material played in this live
set.
Bonus features include a ‘Live
in Thailand’ performance, which
appears to have been shot at a
guitar clinic, where Coenen
solos along to a tape, as well
as a photo gallery and a
biography that rolls on the
screen like movie credits. The
concert itself is shot in
multiple angles (with several
close-ups of the fret board
frenzy), where the picture has a
‘warm’ quality to it, lacking
that often-ultra clean digital
eminence to it; ‘grain’ is good
sometimes. But the one thing
that is most notably clean is
the sound, no complaints in that
department. A Live Time
Journey is one serious
visual event that exposes
Coenen’s talents as not only
the guitarist for Sun Caged, but
as a performer, a songwriter,
and a showman.
Added: October 18th 2006
Reviewer:
Tommy
Hash
www.ytsejam.com
Score:
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H R H - R E V
I E W S
Marcel Coenen
Colour Journey Lion Music
by John Kindred
Staff Writer
Comments: Colour Journey is the sophomore release from
guitar virtuoso Marcel Coenen. Although this is the second solo
release under his name alone, Coenen is no stranger to the music
biz, having released albums with his band Sun Caged and
performing in a local cover band in his home town. Taking a
direction away from another all instrumental guitar oriented
release Coenen brings together several different and unique
vocalists on the 11 tracks.
The lineup on Colour Journey reads like a group of
European all-stars, the vocalist include; Mike Andersson
(Cloudscape), Colleen Gray (Persephone's Dream), Paul Villarreal
(Sun Caged), Joyce Dijkgraaf (Elleanore,), Hans Reinders
(Exit22), and Menno Corbeek and Dennis Schreurs (Severe
Torture). Bass performances come from Maurice Brouwers (Engine
Of Pain) and Richard Ritterbeeks (Time Machine, Jessie Galante).
Guest guitarist Uros Raskovski performs the solo "The Shrink."
Keyboardist Rene Kroon (Sun Caged) and Bob Katsionis (Firewind,
Imaginary) also join Coenen on the CD.
Coenen delivers a diverse montage of musical elements ranging
from progressive overtones, metalized riffs, shred guitar
escapades and a dose of melodic passages and phrasing. Merging
this with the rather diverse group of vocalists, Coenen strives
to deliver a song oriented release that isn't purely defined
around the guitar but rather built up around his songwriting
skills.
The contrasting moods of the songs on Colour Journey
takes away some of the cohesion and overall feel of the CD.
Moving from quiet and expressive songs into hard edged forays
shocks the listener with the sudden changes in direction.
Knowing Coenen has a solid grasp on his guitar playing he can
certainly impress without death metal style tracks such as
"Traumatized to the Bone."
Still Coenen hits home on stellar tracks including the high
energy opening song "Waiting," the progressive "Patrol Saint,"
the funky, jazz drive fusion song "Skull Factor," and the ballad
"That Moment." Coenen doesn't escape Colour Journey
without leaving the listener with three instrumental songs;
"Abstract Impact," "La Bella Mira" an instrumental ballad
dedicated to his girlfriend, and "Skill Factor," an instrumental
fusion track that also features solos from the bass guitar and
drums.
http://www.marcelcoenen.com
Band Lineup:
Guitars: Marcel Coenen
Vocals: Mike Andersson (Cloudscape), Colleen Gray (Persephone's
Dream), Paul Villarreal (Sun Caged), Joyce Dijkgraaf
(Elleanore), Hans Reinders (Exit22), Menno Corbeek, Dennis
Schreurs (Severe Torture)
Drums: Roel Van Helden (Sun Caged), Spike (Stormrider), Hans In
'T Zandt (Cooper Inc, Time Machine)
Bass: Maurice Brouwers (Engine Of Pain), Richard Ritterbeeks
(Time Machine, Jessie Galante)
Guest Guitar : Uros Raskovski - guest guitar solo on "the
Shrink"
Keyboards : Rene Kroon (Sun Caged), Bob Katsionis (Firewind,
Imaginary)
Track listing:
1. Waiting
2. Abstract Impact
3. Patrol Saint
4. La Bella Mira
5. Traumatized To The Bone
6. Skull Factor
7. That Moment
8. The Shrink
9. V(erbal) D(efense) M(echanism)
10. New Race
11. Still Bleeding
HRH Rating: 7/10
www.hardrockhaven.net
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Marcel Coenen -
Color Journey
Lion Music
file under
Prog/sympho metal
Patrick: The name of Marcel
Coenen is a known one in the (Dutch)
metal scčne. Not only is he a member of
Sun Caged, Marcel is also one of the
best metal guitarists in the
Netherlands. In the past he has already
released a solo cd ('Guitar Talk') and
yet again he is taking the immense
challenge upon himself to avoid endless
finger picking and continuous egoism a
full cd long and to show us some decent
compositions.
Openings track 'Waiting' unfortunately
is a mat opener. The composition in
itself is okay, but the vocals, which
are being done by Mike Andersson
(Cloudscape), are way too shallow and
are not interesting for even a moment.
The solo in the song partially make up
for the slow start. No, why not open
with the instrumental 'Abstract Impact'!
The whole song has quite a Satriani
vibe, has a magnificent intro and the
guitarists among us are obliged to hear
this! Despite the fact that not all
eleven songs at 'Color Journey' are
captivating, Marcel knows to keep the
attention for the whole length of the cd
due to the variation. In 'Skill Factor'
he knows to integrate music styles as
funk and jazz perfectly, at a track as
'New Race', where the pace has been
speeded up, Marcel let us hear he knows
how to shred and most surprisingly track
might be 'Traumatized To The Bone' for a
death metal grunt at a solo cd of Marcel
Coenen is not what I expected at first
sight. Most remarkable tracks are those
where Marcel is not going full ahead on
his six (or are it seven?) strings, but
those in which a lot of perception is
present. The instrumental 'La Bella
Mira', especially written for is girl
friend, can be titled as charming and
sweet and closure 'Still Bleeding' is
extremely atmospheric. At this track the
vocals are being done by Joyce
Dijkgraaf. Soft as velvet and very
consummate she portraits her part and
with this she adds a lot of body and
extra charisma to the song!
'Color Journey' may perhaps not be the
most innovative guitar cd, but it is a
good album full of variation! Marcel
Coenen at least avoided the trap of a cd
full of guitar solos without any decent
compositions and only because of that
'Color Journey' already deserves your
attention. Go and give it a listen!
Rating: 81/100
(details)
/www.lordsofmetal.n |
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RockSomething.com © 2005
Colour Journey is the second solo album from Sun Caged
guitar whiz Marcel Coenen. Unlike Marcel's debut solo album
the instrumental Guitartalk, Colour Journey features a range
of vocalists to make this a more accessible album for the vast
population of the world. Fans of Marcel's instrumental outings
needn't fear as there are a few instrumental to please you too.
Opener Waiting
is a fast paced progressive metal stunner which shows a more
streamlined approach than Sun Caged material but is in that
ballpark. The solo section is sure to put the hairs up on the back
of the necks of any guitar fan which sees Marcel trading solos with
Bob Katsionis (Imaginery / solo), from here we travel into
instrumental territory for the relatively straightforward riffer
Abstract Impact which is home to another killer riff and nice
lead work from Marcel. Patron Saint follows with its super
tight odd time signature detuned riffage which shows Marcel's
Meshuggah influence before heading into an Alter Bridge style
melodic verse before heading into Sun Caged like waters for the
chorus. A track that fuses a lot of styles and amazingly works
superbly. Next up is contender for instrumental of the year with
the deeply emotional and inspired La Bella Mira. Fans of
Guitartalk need the album for this track alone - simply stunning.
Traumatized To The Bone is more bone crunching 7 string
delights and has a very modern approach to it. The musicianship in
the main rhythms here is immense. The fusion esque Skill Factor
allows Marcel to flex his jazzier side and throws down some more
sublime lead lines making use nice use of double tracked lines, the
track also allows the rhythm section of bassist Richard Ritterbeeks
and Sun Caged drummer Roel Van Helden to show off their skills as
well. The Moment is a soothing acoustic and piano upbeat
ballad that if mainstream radio stations were more open minded would
probably be a hit around the globe. The track features good vocals
from Colleen Gray. The Shrink begins with a great drum groove
which is built upon with bass and then guitar locking into a tight
groove, before the track grows throughout into a nice atmospheric
piece of music. V(erbal) D(efense) M(echanism) takes up back
to Alice In Chains c. dirt for a strong slice of grunge done with
style as AIC did, the vocals of Hans Reinders are scarily close to
that of the late Layne Staley. Instrumental fans will enjoy New
Race which motors along with a Racer X intensity and can be seen
as the brother track of Race Against Time from Guitartalk. Marcel's
tone here and indeed throughout is superb as well with an excellent
production and mix. The mid paced progressive Still Bleeding
closes the album with more class and wraps up an extremely enjoyable
album.
Colour Journey
is a superb showcase of Coenen's talents which surely must be
amongst the very best on the scene at present. Fans of progressive
metal, killer guitar work and strong songs pick this up ASAP.
Rating - 90%
www.virtuosityone.com
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Coenen, Marcel: Colour
Journey
 Attention
guitar players & guitar
fans, Marcel Coenen is
on the map! Who is
Marcel Coenen you say?
Well..I said the same
thing!!
But...Man, the guy
can play!!
Colour Journey
is Marcel Coenen’s (of
the band Sun Caged, and
formery of Lemur Voice)
2nd solo release (Lion
Music), and it just
SMOKES! Marcel is from
the Netherlands and is
not a household name
here in the US, but damn
this CD just rocks. Part
instrumental, part
vocal, but pure Guitar
Riffage, Colour
Journey is a great
voyage for any fan of
guitar music..PERIOD.
From Prog Metal, to
Jazzy and Funky, to
“radio friendly”, to
‘80’s Metal Shredster’s,
all of the songs are
delivered with a heavy
groove and edge. This CD
is anything but boring!
Fans of Euro Metal style
players like John Norum,
Ronni Le Tekro, Yngwie,
Mike Wead and Michael
Romeo and even Dream
Theater’s John Petrucci,
will just eat this up.
With the music as
diverse as it is, Marcel
employs a bevy of
musicians to help round
out this release. There
are 7 different singers,
3 different drummers, 2
bassists, and 2
keyboardists involved.,
and it’s the variety of
the “players” that also
makes Colour Journey
so good. My favorite
track, “Patron Saint” is
a Prog Metalist’s
fantasy! Very Symphony
X-ish, with amazing,
soulful vocals, perfect
off time signatures and
a GREAT guitar tone. “La
Bella Mira” is a
beautiful instrumental
that reminds me of
Not Of This Earth
era Joe Satriani.
Haunting , sweet and
excellent vibrato
phrasing.
Another, “grab you by
the ear” stand out track
is the pure evil,
“Tramatized To The
Bone”, that features 4
different singers.
Vocalist Colleen Gray
adds some eerie vocals
to the chorus that just
makes this song. “Skill
Factor”, shows off
Marcel’s Jazzy/Funky
chops, while “New Race”
is a “go for the throat”
shredder’s delight!
Colour Journey
is a good, no, Great CD.
It offers a little bit
of everything, and
Marcel Coenen delivers
on ALL tracks. From
shredders to tender
instrumentals to
Funky/Jazzy rockers,
Marcel shows he’s a very
talented guitarist, that
I hope will no longer be
a non- household name.
He deserves more. And
with this release, he
just may get what he
deserves!!
TRACK LISTING
1.) Waiting
2.) Abstract Impact
3.) Patron Saint
4.) La Bella Mira
5.) Traumatized To The
Bone
6.) Skill Factor
7.) That Moment
8.) The Shrink
9.) Verbal Defense
Mechanism
10.) New Race
11.) Still Bleeding
Added: January
21st 2006
Reviewer:
Butch Jones
www.seaoftranquility.org
Score:
Related Link:
Marcel Coenen Website |
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BAND >> |
CD >> |
LABEL >> |
MARK>> |
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MARCEL COENEN |
COLOUR JOURNEY |
LION MUSIC (2006) |
88% |
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Here's the second solo release from Sun
Caged guitar player Marcel Coenen. After a first
instrumental release, I was glad to hear some very good
vocals on Colour Journey. From female vocal to clean male
voice and even a bit of death growls, Colour Journey is a
good title cause you definitly got more than one colour on
this record if you know what I mean. From power metal to
groovy stuff, progressive rock, death metal, jazz and even
ballads, Colour Journey may look weird cause many could
think that Marcel is completly lost and don't really know
which style of music he wants to play but for those like me
that likes the unexpected, you'll definitly enjoy that! From
start to finish you'll feel many different emotions,
different vibe and there's nothing repetitive on this album
and that's what I like about an album! Above all that, it's
Marcel performance that will blow you away! This guy is very
talented in every style he plays. Everything fits well with
him. I'm amazed!
patrick
www.thedarketshours.com |
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Marcel Coenen - Colour Journey
(Lion Music) By: Joe Florez |
 |
I am
more than quite sure that this name does not
ring a bell, but just for the record, Marcel is
the guitar player in Sun Caged and he has been
recording and performing on tribute discs and
other bands since 1989. This is only his second
solo release and there are a plethora of
performers making a guest appearance on here.
While most of them are unknowns, the two that
will spring to mind (or not) is Bob Katsionis
(keyboardist in Firewind, Imaginary). The other
is growler Dennis Schreurs from Severe Torture.
More on that in a bit. With this album, you are
getting a product full of diversity and
dynamics. “Waiting” shows this axe man
showcasing his talents. It’s pretty much a
simple metal song with a catchy 4/4 beat, |
but the finger work gets a bit tricky at times.
It’s never overkill. The power metal double bass
drumming does enter the picture, but it doesn’t
stay on board long enough to get bored with it.
Great harmony vocals are utilized here and the
solo shreds. A great opener for sure. Things
change already on the second tune as we are
offered an instrumental in the form of “Abstract
Impact”. The guitars are more down and dirty
with a grittier sound and have an attitude. And
yes, Mr. Coenen shows off a bit. “Patriot Saint”
offers a progressive tune that not only adds
melody, but thanks to the ivory keys it gives it
that classic 70’s sound and at times has a
gentle side. “La Bella Mira” is another vocal
free song that’s been dedicated to his woman and
I like this track a lot. It’s sensitive and
performed with passion. You can just hear it in
his performance. It’s soft, but doesn’t put you
to sleep. The man shows everyone here that he is
really talented and just doesn’t rely on his
flashiness to get your attention. Damn, how
quickly things go from up beat to downright evil
as fuck. “Traumatized To The Bone” features
Dennis grinding his voice. Everything is down
tuned big time. Some of the music is performed
in typical death metal fashion while at the same
time up tempo beats are utilized here. This just
gets crazier by the minute. Beautiful female
vocals enter the scene and percussions are
performed in a tribal and rhythmic way. This
composition is the wackiest thing I have ever
heard, but it’s all good. The unpredictability
factor continues when the funky and jazzy “Skill
Factor” takes hold of your ears. Having various
styles of songs works because this is something
that is outside of his day job. A tremendous
amount of talent is offered here and anyone who
is looking and listening to be surprised with
each and every track will surely find it here.
This is the man to watch out for in 2006.
www.lionmusic.com |
www.marcelcoenen.com
www.lve4-metal.com
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Marcel
Coenen –
Colour
Journey
2006
Lion
Music
If there
is ever
a title
that
rings
true to
a
record,
‘Color
Journey’
couldn’t
have
been a
more
suitable
name for
this
record.
The term
‘Color’
representing
an
assortment
of
variety,
and the
word
‘Journey’
representing
how the
expression
takes
place on
this
offering
from Sun
Caged
axeman
Marcel
Coenen.
As a
guitarist,
he
showcases
his
ability
to front
bands,
play out
instrumental
compositions
of just
about
any
style,
and be
more
than
just any
typical
metal
six-string
slinger.
Rather
than
performing
just
instrumental
compositions,
Coenen
plays
music
that
seemingly
fits his
interests
as a
player.
The
record
opens up
with the
Rising
Force/Malmsteen-ish
‘Waiting,’
then
immediately
leading
to the
more
hard
grind of
‘Abstract
Impact,’
which
puts the
sub
symphonic
connotations
aside,
almost
taking a
U-turn
of
styles
here.
But what
is
strange
enough
is that
he
impends
on
gloom/death
metal
with
‘Traumatized
to the
Bone,’
complete
with
both
female
and
growling
vocals,
being
highly
reminiscent
of
Battlelore.
It hard
to
believe
that a
cut like
that
found
it’s way
into
this
record,
not that
that is
bad
(hell,
it’s
great),
but if
you are
into the
extreme
stuff,
you
probably
will be
screaming
for
more.
Like
many
guitarists,
he also
shows
his
sweet
tooth
for
jazz/fusion
material
on
‘Skill
Factor’
while he
delves
into
more
prog
metal
pastures
with
‘Verbal
Defense
Mechanism’
&
‘Patron
Saint,’
and also
balladry
with
‘Still
Bleeding,’
which
closes
this
record.
In many
ways
it’s
almost
like you
can’t
believe
that
this is
the same
album as
the
tracks
move
from one
to the
next,
but that
is what
makes
Coenen
such a
versatile
player.
This
also
shows
stamina
for
production
gusto,
seeing
how he
is able
to
separate
the
different
musical
approaches
that are
within
‘Colour
Journey.’
Of
course
it is
his
guitar
work
that is
at the
forefront,
complimented
by
friends
and
contributors
from
Persephone’s
Dream,
Time
Machine,
Firewind,
etc.
etc.,
and lets
not
forget
the many
fellow
Sun
Caged
mates
that
appear
here
too.
This
marks
another
amazing
release
from the
guitar
hero
from the
Sun
Caged
family
of
musicians.
Added:
January 13th
2006
Reviewer:
Tommy Hash
Score:
Related
Link:
Marcel
Coenen Link |
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MARCEL COENEN ‘GUITAR TALK’
(LION MUSIC/BERTUS)
MARCEL COENEN is best known for being the guitarist in the
bands LEMUR VOICE and SUNCAGED, and now he has released his first
solo-CD ‘Guitar talk’, an instrumental piece that is highly
recommended to the guitarfreaks among us. 12 tracks are included,
and this is really prime-time instrumental Melodic Metal, with fast
and slow songs, very diverse and relaxing to listen to. Fans of
SATRIANI, VAI, MORSE etc. should check out this quality instrumental
guitar release by one of Dutch brightest hopes since ADRIAN
VANDENBERG and ARJEN LUCASSEN.
(Points: 8.5 out of 10)
Strutter Magazine, Holland
MARCEL COENEN "Guitar Talk" LMC080 Lion Music
(2003)
http://www.lionmusic.com (out
now)
Guitarist Marcel Coenen has been in bands since the early 90's
including Speedica, Lemur Voice and now Sun Caged. This album is an
all
instrumental affair, that was originally released in 1999 plus some
newer
tracks and now gets a re-release from Lion, ahead of the new Sun
Caged album
due in October. Marcel's guitar playing is at the fast soloing end
of say
Yngwie Malmsteen/Tony MacAlpine but he does show some variety on
here like
"Endless", a very progressive number and not a million miles away
from
latter day Marillion or Arena. For those who enjoy fast shredding
guitar
check out "Race Against Time" or "Rebel".
Guitarist instrumental albums are either something you will love
or have
no time for all at all, if you fall into the former then add this
album to
your collection. A very accomplished guitarist and he has more to
his style
than mere fast shredding. Looking forward to the Sun Caged album!
Jason Ritchie - Classic Rock Newswire
Coenen, Marcel--Guitar
Talk, Lion Music, 2003
You wait and wait and wait for releases of this magnitude, for
artists with this kind of vision and passion for their
instrument to come along and when you do, you simply can’t
refrain from kissing the soil upon which they stand. What’s
perhaps most frightening about this release is that much of it
was recorded on a 4-track, so there’s not telling what Coenen
could do once he’s unleashed in a fabulous, high tech
environment.
But maybe that doesn’t matter. In fact, I know it doesn’t. You
could give this guy a piece of plastic and one of your
grandmother’s sewing needles and he’d still come up with
something to bend your earballs back. A true treasure.
Added: August 7th 2003
Reviewer: Jedd Beaudoin
Score:
rtist:
Marcel Coenen
Title: Guitartalk
Genre: Instrumental
Rock/Progressive, Metal
Label: Lion Music-www.lionmusic.com
Website:
www.marcelcoenen.com
 Marcel
Coenen makes his Guitartalk with twelve slices of fiery instrumental
progressive metal tracks. He cuts loose with some of the best solo
guitar work you will ever hear. Coenen is a well-known force in the
field of prog-rock for his work with Lemur Voice and Sun Caged.
This recording,
originally released in 1998 with seven tracks, now has an additional
three tracks, all remastered by the Marcel himself.
This is not a
collection of shredding; it is very lucid six-string mastery. His
abilities reminded of current wizards Vai and Satriani, two of the
most revered players for this type of music.The incorporation of
different influences and styles (blues, rock, fusion) is what makes
this so aurally appetizing. What I heard on this CD was a
concentrated effort to touch upon a lifetime of persuasions in life
and music.
Coenen certainly has
recorded a fine effort. I would think the consideration as one of
the best guitar players in the world today should be right around
the corner if enough people hear this recording. Creating your own
niche is not an easy thing to do and Marcel Coenen looks as though
he has put himself in position to do just that as a valid solo
artist.
©"Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
September 20, 2003
Rating- 4 / 5
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