Lion Music has decided to re-release "Crimes of Virtuosity" by James Byrd's Atlantis Rising. This album was originally released in 1998 by JVC (Japan) and Mascot (Europe)... the differences to the original release include two bonus tracks and new packaging. Otherwise, there's nothing new for the listeners who already have the original release.

James Byrd's guitar playing is somewhat reminiscent of Uli Jon Roth, Yngwie Malmsteen and Frank Marino, which ensures that listeners of those guitarists are most likely to find Byrd's albums worth checking out. Although the music on this record is rather steady in terms of quality, there are few songs that impress me the most... some of these highlights are "In My Darkest Hour", "The Haunted Heretic" and the instrumentals "Jane" and "Bolero no. 46 mvt. 3". Although Mr. Byrd relapses into shredding every now and then, there's also plenty of sections with emotional approach to guitar playing. All in all, the guitar playing on this album is a pleasure to listen to...

Unfortunately the production on "Crimes of Virtuosity" isn't that impressive... although most of the sounds are to the point, there are some aspects that could be honed. For example, the guitar tone is a bit too bright. Nonetheless, the mix is quite balanced and the mastering has been carried out fairly well.

If you missed the original release and your interest has arousen, be sure to give this album a listen. However, if you already have the original, I recommend buying the downloads for the two bonus tracks at Mindawn.com, where this album should appear eventually.

Release date: June 22nd, 2005

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- MAGE (June 21st, 2005)

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LINE-UP:
Byrd, James: Guitar (not available)
Producer:	Byrd, James
Mixing by:	Byrd, James
Mastering by:	Unavailable

	TRACKLIST:
	01. Prelude in Sea 02. Metatron 03. Heaven on the Minds 04. Shot Down in Flames 05. In My Darkest Hour 06. The Haunted Heretic (When I Was Young) 07. Jane 08. Get Free 09. Storm King 10. Bolero no. 46 mvt. 3 11. Goodbye My Love 12. Going Home Length: 61:14