https://ilusorecords.bandcamp.com/album/the-sword-still-hangs-upon-the-wall
Genre: Instrumental Prog
Rating: 5/5
released on bandcamp July 23, 2021
This is the third release by Domene this year but the first one to make its way to my ears’ vibrating hair cells. As usual I’m going to draw comparisons to put the music in context: Adrian Belew, Steve Howe, and Stephen O’Malley. I don’t really get why but it seems like that last one is alienating to fans of the first two. Maybe times are moving faster than I realize and that’s not so true anymore or maybe people’s brains are more concrete than plastic.
Anyway, Domene relies heavily on two basic tricks. The first is harmonizing with himself on guitar using what sounds like just an old school echo pedal. He’s great at it. The effect is tremendous and it’s plenty to base an album around. But he also has a great command of crushing low register heavy distortion. He introduces us to this with full devastating force in the third track, Albatera.
As far as I noticed, he doesn’t show off his beautiful tones in the realm of just clear note scales and arpeggios and instinct until the final track, Puerta al Sur. If you’re looking for a bad ass hot hand guitarist who puts art before showmanship stop here and have a gander. I love how well he can play and the perfection of his tone especially but more than that I love the finished product that’s completely unspoiled by ego.
Warmth Highest 