Fighting adversity is something every band goes through and Emir Hot is no exception. After splitting up with his former band Southern Storm and relocating from his native Bosnia to England in order to pursue his dream, Emir soon finds himself working on a solo project and releasing a brand new album which now we know as Sevdah Metal. Having recruited some of the finest in drummer Mike Terrana (Yngwi Malmsteen, Gamma Ray) and vocalist John West (Royal Hunt, Artension), together these guys manage to concoct a brand new metal genre in sevdah metal hence why the album title by the same name.

For those of you in the unclear, Sevdah is traditional genre of folk music originating from Bosnia and Herzegovina, South-Eastern Europe.

The album features Choir sections (with quite a few guest vocalists, both male and female) and a few instruments new to us like Accordion and Saz, however the music for the most part stays progressive shred metal. As the album opens with a short sevdah intro, it quickly becomes apparent to me that the melodies sound quite similar to “Eclipse”, and I feel Malmsteen was of huge influence to Emir Hot. Darker album sections are reminiscent of new Symphony X while slower to Dream Theatre. I believe John West’s voice sounds like something between Goran Edman (Malmsteen) and James LaBrie (Dream Theatre). Having said all that there are obviously number of sections that are totally unique, mainly due to the sevdah introductions and Emir’s shredding intervention…

Mike Terrana’s services prove that he is still extremely competent drummer and gets to do a bit of a lengthy drum solo during the albums longest track “Sevdah metal rhapsody”. Mike also plays along a brilliant Accordion solo which is a must listen. This epic song is actually a medley of some of the most famous Bosnian (and of the close region) sevdah songs – it’s got a huge Choir section sung in typical Bosnian fashion.

The guitar solos are played by Emir Hot, as is bass, and he let’s lose on number of occasions and does extremely well. He plays the Sevdah scales very accurately, but interestingly he doesn’t over abuse his playing time on this album like Joe Satriani would on his own albums. This is good news to the rest of the guys on the album, but bad news for us who would like to hear more of his guitar work. The album at times features a few ballads while at other times thrashier songs. “Endless Pain” introduces a form of singing also native to sevdah (or Bosnia in general) and West does a terrific job (as he does on the 12min epic ‘rhapsody’). It’s an interesting experience to hear these songs sung whilst in heavy mode.

The album also features an instrumental song – again delivering on the folk front but in Romanian gypsy style. It’s all guitars shredding so I was happy. There are also female vocals making an impact on the final track thanks to Charlie Squire.

I think you should check this band out if discovering new and unique bands is your thing. Fans of folk metal should also give it a go. Fans of guitar shred, likewise. If you wondered what 'sevdalinka' is all about get this album. You won't regret it.

Track Listing:

1. Forspil (Intro)
2. Devils in Disguise
3. World Set on Fire
4. Skies and Oceans
5. Sevdah Metal Rhapsody
6. Stand And Fight
7. Endless Pain
8. Hora Martisorului (Instrumental)
9. Land of The Dark
10. You

Title: Emir Hot - Sevdah Metal
Category: CD Reviews
Sub-Category: Metal
Author: militia
Related Link: Emir Hot Online
Added: October 27th 2008
Viewed: 1265 Times
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