M.Z. - Next World Will Be Yours (2001)MD Prod

There were some personal reinforcements in the line-up by M.Z.'s second album. Obviously, its main composers stayed still - Marc Fortunato (bass guitar, keys) and Zan Dang (lead & rhythm guitars) plus new instrumentalists: Raouphel Gherissi (keys), Julien 'Fenril' Adamo (lead guitars) and Laurent Bourgin (drums; Odyssey).

I have read somewhere that this album was inspired by classical composers, guitar wizards and fantasy novels. All right! It tallies with album's contests. I have an impression that M.Z.'s music writers were also under a big influence of orchestral elements of Rhapsody and Luca Turilli's guitar solos. I think that the most siginificant reinforcements are a keyboardist and M.Z.'s second guitarist. Thanks to a division instrumental obligations into five members, individual parts are better improved. Keys' lines are very expressive and complicated enough. Mr. Gherissi uses many various sonic colours imitating an orchestra, harpsichord and church organs with his instrument. This stuff is still hushed on one hand, and still heavy on the other one. Instrumentalists can launch a mass attack at our ears with fast keys and guitar solos as well ("Dusty Clouds"). The album is entirely instrumental except for "Underworld" in which we can hear not only a temporary growling by David Vessella (Demise), but also guitar parts by three other artists: Thierry Apaix (Revenge), Francky Antonelli (SlowDown) and Fabrice Garcia (Odyssey).

I think that M.Z.'s second release was recorded in a time when French musicians were searching for his own style. They could have been absorbed by instrumental quests so much, that they left the production inadquately worked-out. In my humble opinion, here are too many bass tones, but I don't hold a grudge against Mr. Marc Fortunato who is a very professional bass player, but I'd like to suggest putting much more effort into production process to M.Z.'s musicians. But I am pleased with their attitude towards music itself. They don't care about being faster than the speed of light, but rather creating a specific mood on the album. I admit that it is very reasonable and praiseworthy attitude. If you like listening to instrumental fantasy power metal with guitar virtuosity and symphonic background, my moderate remarks on M.Z.'s sound shouldn't make you puzzled. I give you a free hand to form your own opinions.