专辑简介

Crimes Of Virtuosity finds James Byrd's Atlantis Rising paying tribute to his influences with a collection of original songs. Also included is a burning cover of '"Heaven On The Minds" from the musical "Jesus Christ Superstar". Crimes Of Virtuosity is perhaps Byrd's most guitar heavy release. Also included are two bonus tracks previously unavailable on the original European release. The bonus tracks are "Shot Down In Flames", one of the hardest driving and politically biting pieces of heavy metal ever recorded by the Atlantis Rising band and a symphonic performance recorded just before the COV sessions in the same studio: "Bolero - No. 46 Mvt. 3". Known in the neo-classical rumour mill as "Byrd's Bolero", this melding of technical electric guitar virtuosity, with symphony, predated later similar hybrids by guitarist and long-time friend Yngwie J Malmsteen by more than a year. Always on the cutting edge, Byrd unleashes a soaring blend of neo-romantic Mediterranean melody and dynamics that are unsurpassed for beauty and unique to this day.