Charlie Griffiths - Tiktaalika - Import CD

Credits:

Charlie Griffiths

Charlie Griffiths, guitarist of the British progressive metal band HAKEN Solo debut album "Tiktaalika" with a splendid lineup of guests. Tiktaalika" is the debut solo album by Charlie Griffiths, guitarist of HAKEN, one of the UK's leading progressive metal bands, featuring Charlie himself on guitar, bass, keyboards, and vocals. This album is what Charlie describes as "the world's first paleontology-based progressive metal album," and the nine songs are inspired by themes of geological time, fossilization, our connection to change and humanity, and the planet we live on, all dating back 375 million years to the Devonian period. The nine songs on the album are inspired by themes such as geological time, fossilization, change and human connection, and the planet we live on. Regarding the title "Tiktaalik," he said, "I remember the first time I heard the word, I felt it was a very metal word. I always had the idea in the back of my mind to do something with 'Tiktaalika,'" Charlie explains. The natural rhythm of the word was the inspiration for the opening riff of "Tiktaalika. When played on guitar, it has a cool KING CRIMSON-esque vibe that is quirky yet groovy. It's also a humble tribute to some of my biggest influences: great guitarists Andy LaRocque, Kirk Hammett, Dave Mustaine, and Dimebag Darrell." Noteworthy in addition to the innovative theme is the stellar lineup of guests he has invited to join him.Vocalists include Tommy Rogers (BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME), Daniel De Jongh (TEXTURES), Vladimir Lalic (ORGANISED CHAOS), Neil Purdy (LUNA'S CALL), and many more of the best singers on the scene. The album features some of the scene's best singers, such as Lladimir Lalic (ORGANISED CHAOS) and Neil Purdy (LUNA'S CALL), adding color to Charlie's epic history. The album features dynamic drummer Darby Todd (MARTIN BARRE, FROST, DEVIN TOWNSEND), keyboard wizard Jordan Rudess (DREAM THEATER), and saxophonist Rob Townsend (STEVE HACKETT) also joined him. The album opens with (1) "Prehistoric Prelude," a thrilling instrumental piece that continues the royal road of metal production, followed by (2) "Arctic Cemetery," in which Tommy Rogers takes complete control of the world of the album with his overwhelming vocals. He also sings on the final track, (9) "Under Polaris," which can be said to be a key part of the album. The other vocalists, Daniel De Jongh ((3), (8)), Vladimir Lalic ((4), (5)), and Neil Purdy ((5)), also do a great job. After more than a decade of composing for HAKEN on the 8-string guitar, I ironically picked up the 6-string guitar again, an unusual choice for me. It has allowed me to think creatively in a different way and to create riff after riff from the guitar. I put those riffs into songs and at the same time finished the concepts for the vocal melodies and lyrics. It was a fun escape from my normal surroundings." The album was mixed by Adam 'Nolly' Getgood (ex-PERIPHERY), mastered by Ermin Hamidovic, and the artwork was created by Dan Goldsworthy.The humorous music video is also attracting attention.

Tracklisting:

1.Prehistoric Prelude2.Arctic Cemetery3.Luminous Beings4.In Alluvium5.Dead in the Water6.Digging Deeper7.Tiktaalika8.Crawl Walk Run9.Under Polaris
1.Prehistoric Prelude
2.Arctic Cemetery
3.Luminous Beings
4.In Alluvium
5.Dead in the Water
6.Digging Deeper
7.Tiktaalika
8.Crawl Walk Run
9.Under Polaris