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Review by Joe Florez
Flying Through Infinity
This is the latest project from guitar virtuoso George Bellas. Only those in the know will realize that he’s a man that gets around because he’s been in numerous bands. Those who may have not heard of the man should know that he is an accomplished guitar virtuoso who’s in high demand. In addition to showcasing his talents in his solo works, he’s managed to throwdown his great licks for the likes of John West (Artension, ex-Royal Hunt), Ring Of Fire and others. I think the man is talented beyond belief, but I have never quite gotten him as there is something missing inmy eyes. Hopefully this record will c hange all that. “The Tenth Dimension” is a long and epic opener. Clocking in at a whopping nine and a half minutes, you would think that this would be on fire in order to get your attention. Instead, this is a mid pacer that is written quite uniquely. The elements are there to be a power/prog fest filled with shreds and high pitch screams. Instead, we have this singer Jonathan who sings professionally as a classical vocalist. It’s clean and he never gets overly excited with his lung work. It’s always in control. George’s riffs definitely have the feeling to go off, but it’s pretty much relaxed and all in check. He does a little showboating, but doesn’t charter into the Yngwie territory. The drums also have the capability to go off the wall, but don’t. This is more or less a neo-classical, progressive rock song more so than metal. The keyboards add a touch of pizzazz that actually keep you awake. There are some great harmonious background vocals utilized here as well. It’s a good composition, but I was expecting a little more oomph in this one as opposed to sounding more classical a combo of neo-classical power prog metal. Yes! “Chaos Theory” is what I was expecting when I pushed play at first. The shred action is here, the tempo is kicked up ten fold. The double bass drumming is quick and tight while the fingers on the keys just flail all over the place and Jon’s signing is slightly higher, but he has more energy than before. Jesus Christ! There is a solo on here where everyone absolutely goes off at such a high rate of speed that “Flight Of The Bumblebee” comes to mind. I like it and the fans will too! By the time this record was finished, I was satisfied with the end product. The thing is that you have to be patient with it. You aren’t going to get the usual elements that are associated with a Rhapsody Of Fire, Primal Fear, Yngwie and the like. Well, at least not right away. You have to wait for them. This is an epic storytelling concept record that requires patience, but in the end you will be happy with this as well. The songs are written and performed in such a way that it’s not about any of the musicians involved. It’s about the music and it’s all composed and performed in a classy way that it’s not being overshadowed by spotlight hogs. This is an intelligently written record that George has to be congratulated on. He has gone through the trouble to make a record that isn’t like everything else on the market. I believe that he wants you to sit with this and try to grasp it whether it takes one listen or many. In the end, if you appreciate music from all walks of life then you will digest this with no problem. A wonderful journey awaits your ears if you are willing to put the time into this.
Chris Ruel's Music Reviews Website
Monthly Music Spotlight
January 2004
Band / Artist: George Bellas
Album: Venomous Fingers
Ordained "Master of Neoclassical Guitar of the 2000's" by his peers, George Bellas has released his best and most impressive solo effort to date in 2003 with his latest album, Venomous Fingers. Bellas has produced an amazing collection of intensive, instrumental tracks that feature his masterful guitar work, as well as some surprisingly good keyboards and drums that are played (or sequenced, as the case may be) by Bellas as well. The surprises do not end there, however. Bellas reaches new heights on this album with his compositional depth and musical quality that rival his efforts with Kuprij on Extreme Measures. But the musical delight does not end there either, as Bellas also delves into some very tactful outside tonality to achieve the unique musical atmosphere that he has created on this awesome collection of guitar-centric, strictly instrumental compositions.
The Review:
George Bellas: Venomous Fingers
2003, Lion Music, LMC 083
CyberHome: http://www.GeorgeBellas.com
After paying homage to a list of the greatest neoclassical musicians of all time, Greek neoclassical guitar virtuoso Theodore Ziras hailed George Bellas at the climax of this list as "The Master of Neoclassical for the 2000's". On his 2003 solo release, Venomous Fingers, George Bellas answered that calling to prove why he has earned that type of recognition from his peers. Bellas has accomplished on this CD what many of his neoclassical predecessors have attempted and failed. Bellas has surpassed his first two solo releases with his third solo CD, Venomous Fingers, that is his most intensive solo musical experience provided to date. Not only is Bellas' fretwork edging his high, leading edge neoclassical standards forward, but the surprise on this album is that the consistency and caliber of his musical vision, compositional quality, and drive intensity have all excelled beyond his previous solo releases. I only hesitate to say it is his best effort to date because of the synergy he shared with Vitalij Kuprij on Extreme Measures which is one of the best neoclassical albums that was ever made. After listening to Venomous Fingers countless times since it arrived for review, I can only say that I have been stunned with amazement at Bellas' forward progress in his musicianship on this effort. And, despite these countless listenings, the music on this album seems to make more sense and grow in interest rather than becoming worn out with monotony because of the addictive complexities involved in the incredible guitar work and composition require some time for absorption, as well as some for contemplation.
So putting this amazement aside and taking a closer look at the guitar work on this album, fans of neoclassical guitar are in for a real treat on Venomous Fingers. Bellas has achieved a rare and precarious balancing in his phenomenal playing on this album between his mesmerizing fluidity, captivating aggression, and precise articulation of notes to impart and project emotion and feeling that contribute to the culmination and the definition of his jaw-dropping, eye-widening style. (And, as the title suggests, the emotion conveyed is somewhat venomous and ominous in nature, though compelling at that.) The precision and perfection in his playing on this CD is so flawless that it will be utterly disheartening to any aspiring guitarist. The mechanics in the sweeps Bellas applies on these compositions are so fluid and precise that it seems surreal to listen to them... and, there is no shortage of Bellas' patented sweep picking on this album either! But, where others have faultered in this regard, Bellas has managed to cleverly arrange the sweeps in the compositions in a constructive manner that enhances the compositional value rather than to fall into the common pitfall of monotonous oppression. Bellas has invented some new, refreshing progressions to mesh his arpeggiated sweeps into that keep the technique useful because the compositional content becomes the center of attention rather than the technique and mechanics that become subserviant to the musical vision. And, this is really what good music is supposed to be about anyway, musical expressionism that transcends the complex mechanics involved. There are very few instrumentalists that ever reach this plateau in their playing. But, this is one of the many reasons that Ziras credited Bellas as being not only a master, but as themaster of the current neoclassical age.
Newcomers to Venomous Fingers should expect a departure from Bellas album format that emerged from his first two solo albums. On his first two solo albums, Bellas came out of the gates from the get go with his most aggressive and impressive tracks to ensure that he didn't lose the attention of any A.D.D. sufferers. But, Bellas has evolved from this format to one that more closely resembles the Vitalij Kuprij album format that uses the first couple of tracks to build up tension and anticipation into the third track that provides the first in a series of bewildering hooks and punches. The resulting effect on the listener is a musical journey that builds in momentum and then satisfyingly sustains the intensity and gratification of the musical experience. The real joy in this CD is that after the initial build up, there are a number of excellent tracks that follow that curtail any premature denoument to the album.
The album opens with two tension-building arrangements, the venomous, serpentine track "Discovery" and the space transport odyssey track "Journey To The Stars" that define the feeling and mood of the CD, offering a fair indication of the direction and vision for the music that follows, though not yet reaching the climax of the album by any measure relative to what is to ensue. "Shedding Skin" kicks the effort into high gear with an onslaught of tasty neoclassical sweeps, mesmerizing, snake-charming patterns, quickly slithering, blistering runs, and hissing stretches that leave the listener in a state of bewildered paralysis from the subduing venom of Bellas masterful fret work that is tightly interwoven with the synchronized keyboard themes in a manner reminiscent of the intense Greg Howe / Vitalij Kuprij tracks on High Definition. "Shedding Skin" delivers the first in a series of stinging snipes that are to be inflicted on the listener on this epic journey through Bellas' snake pit of guitar fury. The fourth track, "Above And Beyond", redirects the uninhibited aggression of the previous track to a voyeuristic space-ish musical atmosphere that makes the listener feel as though they are being transported once again, perhaps in a doomed attempt to escape the haunting sting of the snakes on "Shedding Skin". "Lightspeed" finds the space journey hitting maximum warp with another relentless barrage of Bellas shredding guitar work that combines hypnotic sweeps, singeing themes, and blazing fast runs that deliver the second bite in his attack.
The album once again settles down to build some ominously foreboding tension with the tracks "Unearthed" and "The Son" that leave the listener with the uneasy feeling that a pit of dangerous vipers has just been unearthed. And, this feeling of impending conflict is perceived rightly so, because the following track "Adrenalin Rush" delivers another onslaught of viperish feeling shred that makes the listener feel like they are now making a mad dash through an unending pit surrounded on all sides by irritated adders that lash at the listener with every demonically serpentine sweep, desparingly descending run, and knashingly bending stretch that Bellas delivers on this track. And, so the album continues with Bellas sustaining his creative application of outside tonality to invent his vision of hopeless flight from the venomous serpents that spring from his finger tips until the album finally reaches its climax with the triumphantly inspiring track, "One Last Wish". Making a departure from the aggressive, sniping feel of the previous tracks that build to this climax, Bellas rescues the listener with the arrival of this new heroic element to the album that introduces the relieving end to the nightmarish journey, though this triumph is amazingly blended with the ominous, pernicious feel that was prevalent in the development of the album to this point. "One Last Wish" evokes memories of Jason Becker's epic guitar work on his definitive masterpiece, Perpetual Burn. All hell breaks loose on "Run For Cover" that finds the serpents now in a hasty, frenzied retreat, slithering for their lives as the heroic motif sets out to erraticate them with Bellas' relentlessly stinging, envenomed, punitive lashes from his guitar. The final tracks on the album wind the epic voyage down with some well-conceived relief from the intense journey that Bellas has taken the listener.
In summarizing the distinct musical atmosphere that Bellas has created on Venomous Fingers, it should be noted to fans of progressive, instrumental music that Bellas has made some impressive efforts with outside tonality to craft the unique venomous, serpentine feel on this album. It is exactly this added dimension to Bellas' musicality that makes his well-established neoclassical repertoire of guitar technique work well in a manner that is new and refreshing rather than becoming redundant with his previous works because he has applied it to some very inventive scales, patterns, and chordal sequences. Fans of the Derek Sherinian school of outside tonality are probably going to like the soundscape on this album, as are all fans of virtuoso neoclassical guitar.
Well, what more can be said? On the scale of "into it", I am "very into" Venomous Fingers. George Bellas gets two thumbs up and an ice rink full of hats for pulling off the hat-trick with this third solo shot between the posts and in the net. And, in comparison to his previous solo efforts, Venomous Fingers seems to have achieved a higher level of quality in the composition and musical cohesion making it a viable world class neoclassical effort. As a fan of guitar-centric neoclassical music, I found this album to be highly enjoyable, instrumentally intensive, and emotionally gratifying, landing the CD on the top shelf of my neoclassical collection. The only question that remains now, is: "What is next for George Bellas?" Can he improve on this effort and push forward and beyond? Only time will tell...
Players: George Bellas - Guitars, Bass, Keyboards, Drums, etc.
Tracks:
1) Discovery
2) Journey To The Stars
3) Shedding Skin
4) Above And Beyond
5) Lightspeed
6) Unearthed
7) The Son
8) Adrenalin Rush
9) Symphonia I
10) Symphonia II
11) One Last Wish
12) Run For Cover
13) Forever
14) Timewarp
15) Mayhem
~ Christopher Ruel ~ www.ChrisRuel.com ~ Chris@ChrisRuel.com ~ December 2003
http://www.rockunited.com/reviews2004_1_5.htm
George BELLAS: "Venomous Fingers" 9
Lion Music 2003
Review by Endre "Bandi" Hübner,
25 January 2004
The world of instrumental (guitar) music is a small one. Last week I reviewed Tom Hess' Opus 2 and this week it's his ex- teacher George Bellas here. Though George's name may also be known for his teaching or for his music educational softwares, I think it's best known for his work with keyboard virtuoso Vitalij Kuprij in Ring of Fire or for his participation in another progressive rock project Magellan. UFO fans may also remember him playing in the UFO side-project Moggway. This time it's a solo record and the music is exactly what's you'd expect from Bellas: progressive instrumental rock music with classical touches.
George handled all the instruments and I'm stunned by his performance on the guitars and the keyboards and also the production. The Bellas' guitar sound (and approach) is probably closest to the early Malmsteen and MacAlpine sound and brilliance of the keyboard tracks and the diversity of the sounds used makes me compare his music to Dream Theater's. I knew he was a great musician but what stroke me the most were the drums. I have never heard drums programmed so well before. When it comes to progressive rock, it's extremely hard to record programmed drums because of the many tempo changes and the complexity of the drum tracks. Most of the times programmed drums fail to live up to the complexity of the music. Well, definitely not here! Though the kick and snare sounds are a little too plastic sometimes, the drum tracks are simply stunning, I can't help enjoying them and I'm scared to imagine how much time and fuss it took to work on them till they ended up being as precise, complex, and diverse as they got.
My personal favorites were the more than 11- minute-long "Journey To The Stars" that along with the opening "Discovery" serving as an intro to "Journey..." sums pretty much up what George's music and the Bellas-sound are all about. I also loved "Lightspeed" that - as its title suggests - is pretty much like early, very fast Malmsteen, not to mention the widely-used harpsichord keyboard sound that is almost compulsory when it comes to neoclassical instrumental rock. Out of the shorter tracks the classical- flavored, guitar-only "Symphonia I and II" impressed me the most, serving a little as intros to "One Last Wish", a slow, memorable ballad. One can't help recognizing how much planning and thinking were put into the album with songs leading into each other, not only by simple fade-through between tracks but by musical ideas, themes, sounds, and moods flowing through the album leaving no gaps between tracks. Though the album is not promoted as a concept album one could easily listen to it as one. Anybody listening to this album must be deaf or a complete dilettante not to recognize the amount and quality of work put into it. Making perfect use of his own studio, experience, and creativity to show his own world of music, George Bellas proved he is among the best progressive musicians of our times.
http://www.hardlifepromotion.nl/
BELLAS, GEORGE - Venomous Fingers (CD)
(USA)
George Bellas is the name of an excellent guitarplayer that already recorded his first solo album (Turn of the Millennium) way back in 1996 on Shrapnel Records (Mike Varney). Shortly after signing to Shrapnel Records, George also joined UFO that was called MOGGWAY that days because of un-resolvable reasons/problems. George also recorded albums with: John West, Audiodrome, Ring of Fire, Magellan and lots more.....
All the songs on this CD are neo-classical and are in the vein of guitarplayers like: Yngwie Malmsteen, Jason Becker, Tony MacAlpine. Some songs contain breaks that even remind me to Ron Jarzombek's "Spastic Ink" album. I love this album, great compositions, excellent production & very nice designed booklet. I hope to see this guy "live" sometime.......
Promotion The Netherlands: http://www.hardlifepromotion.nl/
Recordlabel: http://www.lionmusic.com/
http://www.1heavymetal.com/CDReviews/December2003/georgebellas.htm
GEORGE BELLAS
Venomous Fingers
Lion Music
George Bellas returns with "Venomous Fingers", his 3rd solo release and his 1st for Lion Music. Following stints with Artension, Mogg/Way and Ring Of Fire, Bellas displays his love for classical music and incorporates shred metal with enough refinement and feel to make this release truly enjoyable. There is a certain cosmic feel to the appropriately titled "Journey To The Stars". This particular track reminds me of keyboardist Jean-Michel Jarre's "Rendez-Vous" release from the mid 1980's. (An instrumental masterpiece).
"Shredding Skin" is a definite nod towards old-school Shrapnel-styled shred guitar heroics. The spacey feel returns on "Above and Beyond" which is another beautifully crafted composition.
"Venomous Fingers" possesses a very warm feel throughout the disc, especially on the space metal type tracks. "One Last Wish" could easily have been a Pink Floyd instrumental track in feel.
"Venomous Fingers" jumps back and forth between shred and subdued, a nice mixture of textures, styles and moods. Fans of Steve Vai who are not familiar with Bellas' work would do well to check this CD out.
02:07 Discovery
11:11 Journey To The Stars
03:58 Shedding Skin
07:01 Above And Beyond
03:05 Lightspeed
00:34 Unearthed
00:42 The Son
05:06 Adrenalin Rush
00:35 Symphonia I
00:39 Symphonia II
06:06 One Last Wish
04:16 Run For Cover
01:05 Forever
05:38 Timewarp
02:44 Mayhem
http://rockindude.homestead.com/reviews209.html
George Bellas-Venomous Fingers
© 2003 Lion Music
We definitely feature alot of bands from Finnish labels. I am fortunate enough to be taken care of well by the labels from one of metal's best scenes overseas. George Bellas releases his latest album 'Venomous Fingers' via Lion Music. The title of the album gives you a visual of what to expect from this album. In a nutshell, this guy is a wizard on the guitar. This album may not appeal to a mainstream crowd due to its instrumental nature, but musicians will definitely appreciate Bellas' technique. Compositions are technical with alot of flash and emphasis on the guitarwork naturally. Bellas is extremely fast and makes my fingers ache just listening to him. So how is the music overall you might ask? It's good too. Maybe a little to hard for some to understand, but George really paints a vison on some of these tracks such as the 2 part 'Symphonia' and the frantic nature of the appropriately titled 'Adrenalin Rush'. Bellas handles all guitar, keyboards, and Bass and I believe was involved in the drum work as well although not credited. This album is of high quality and see's Bellas showing why he has the respect he does.
Overall
A very solid effort from a master musician. George Bellas has it in all areas, songwriting, playing everything, and total effect. This disc will appeal to the technical crowd more than the casual listener due to its intense instrumental and technical nature. It's amazing how far guitar playing has come and Bellas is one of the reasons why.
http://www.hardrockhaven.net/reviews/cdreviews/venomousfingers.php
Band: George Bellas
CD Title: "Venomous Fingers"
Label: Lion
Release Date: 11/18/03
Comments: George Bellas third solo CD release amply titled “Venomous Fingers,” is a tour deforce of neoclassical and progressice guitar shredding. Having played and recorded with the likes of Mogg/Way, Magellan, Ring of Fire, Vitalij Kuprij and John West, George has built a reputation as a solid guitar player. His long list of influences include J.S.Bach, L.V.Beethoven, Franz Liszt, Paganini, Debussey, Walter Piston, Ted Greene, Robin Trower, Montrose, Van Halen, Michael Schenker, Dream Theater, Magellan, Yngwie Malmsteen, Tony MacAlpine and Jason Becker.
The CD “Venomous Fingers,” features 15 instrumental tracks produced by George who handles all guitars, bass and keyboards. There are plenty of over the top shredders who lack insight into melody and phrasing. George is definitely not one of these players; his taste for converging neoclassical and progressive styles of music is exemplified in this release. He has a keen sense for melody and adds musical dynamics by incorporating counterpoint, odd meters and orchestral textures to his songs.
My first thoughts listening to this CD, were of Yngwie Malmsteen, thankfully though George (who has strong neo-classical influecnces) brings more musically to the table.
Personal Favorites: Journey To The Stars – Mayhem
Bottom Line: This release will strictly appeal to instrumental and fans of guitar shredding. Running time is 55:39, so there is almost an hour of quality tracks here.
Line-up: George Bellas (g)(k)(b)
Produced by George Bellas
http://www.lionmusic.com/Reviews/reviewsBellas.htm
George Bellas - Venomous Fingers
Discovery (2:07), Journey To The Stars (11:11), Shedding Skin (3:58), Above And Beyond (7:01), Lightspeed (3:50), Unearthed (0:34), The Son (0:32), Adrenalin Rush (5:06), Symphonia I (0:35), Symphonia II (0:39), One Last Wish (6:06), Run For Cover (4:16), Forever (1:05), Timewarp (5:38), Mayhem (2:44)
I have to confess that on the first run through of George Bellas' Venomous Finger, things did not bode well for this review. However after much perserverance I can reveal that this album was certainly worth the effort. Steeped in the Neo-Classical ProgMetal market, George Bellas offers up many enthralling guitar instrumentals. My initially dismissive thoughts probably came from a lack of any real analysis of the tracks and a great deal of bias. Merely lumping this album within a category I confess not to listen to in any great depth. And at the end of the day, much great music is dimissed merely by a closed mind. You just have to look at the general view of Prog to know this!
Venomous Finger is pretty much all attributed to George Bellas, as not only has he written and produce the material, he also plays all of the guitar parts, as well as the bass and keyboards. And as no other musicians are credited in the sleeve notes, we can only assume that the drum arrangements and programming are down to him as well. George Bellas credits many classical composers within his list of influences and this is evident throughout the vast majority of the material to be found here. Some of the tracks reminding me of intricate arrangements for a stringed quartet, whilst others brought some of Liszt's more frenetic pieces to mind.
So as I started the first run through of Venomous Fingers, my initial thoughts were, wow this guy is impressive and I would certainly argue the case that it would be impossible not be impressed by Bellas' mastery of the fretboard, just a little difficult to maintain this awe, for almost an hour. Musically this is an intense and note dense album, with numerous guitar parts being used to make up each of the tracks. This, for me, proved to be one of the drawbacks of the album as many of the parts were overly rich and saturated in harmonies.
As with most instrumental albums a track by track summary proves to be slightly more difficult, so the following are some of the pieces selected by me as being worthy of greater note. Certainly the track that says it all is Shedding Skin, not only is it played at a million miles an hour, but the accuracy of playing is beyond words. No holds barred as we are 'swept' and 'shredded' from the early harpsichord sounds to end chord crunch - brings a smile to admiration everytime. This is followed by Above and Beyond, with its sampled voices and gentle melodic guitar, slowly rising through an ever increasing melange of layered guitar parts - this track being the one which most helped put an early perspective on the music. Journey To The Stars, for its epic qualities. Also Timewarp, the all too brief Unearthed, the quaint Forever and the charming, delicate and oddly titled Mayhem
Personally I would have preffered less pyrotechnics and greater development of those more delicate moments. But I cannot take away the dexterity, speed and accuracy of the guitar playing displayed on this album, which is a wonder to behold. Fans of Yngwie Malmsteen, and of the Neo-Classical guitar style should certainly check-out this album.
http://www.disagreement.net/reviews/georgebellas_venomousfingers.html
GEORGE BELLAS - Venomous Fingers
George Bellas is a neo-classical guitar player and mostly sells educational CD-ROMs on his website. He released already two instrumental albums on Shrapnel Records, played guitar on CDs of other artists and just released his new instrumental work Venomous Fingers. To make a long story short, this is only aimed at those who are interested in the techniques. Bellas is a gifted musician, but if you made me listen to him beside, for instance, Vinnie Moore and Yngwie Malmsteen, I couldn't say who plays what. Come on, wanna-be pro guitar players, shake your heads about my ignorance, but then you wouldn't be able to name the main differences of the three classical strands of science fiction as depicted by Clarke, Asimov and Heinlein.
Anyway, I prefer Bellas for instance when he is playing on more straight music, as he did on Magellan's Hundred Year Flood, but what we get here is really not my thing. Apart from my personal opinion, this album is quite long with 15 tracks, half of which are short interludes, but Bellas shows that he can become also quite sprawling with the eleven minutes long Journey To The Stars.
http://www.hamanaka.com/pilgrim2/progmetal/bpage.htm
George Bellas - Venomous Fingers
Lion Music
(2003)
To me, it is been a quite long time since I checked out George Bellas' music for the first time. His first album, "Turn of New Millenium" released from Shrapnel Records was a kind of new neo-classical/prog metal sensation for me. After several years went by, now I got his brand-new cd, "Venomous Fingers". This albums' title seem to sum up what George Bellas has been striving for. Surprisingly, this is recorded and performed by almost George himself. However, it sounds quite full and really energetic neo-classical burning instrumental. Astonishingly, this album contains all 15 instrumental tracks. George Bellas puts his soul and energy into his neo-classical metal music from the beginning. Since he released his solo album, I have heard that he also had been helping out for his Shrapnel label mates like Vitalij Kuprij and Mogg/Way along his solo projects. I assume that the reason why he released a new album from Lion Music is that he had already left Shrapnel Records, due to his decision. Anyway, Venomous Fingers feature the music that die-hard neo-classical prog power metal fans would love to . Of course, the epicenter of his music is shred and fast guitar performance of George Bellas. Astonishingly, very fast fingerings and picking are all over the place. At the same time, he arranged uniquely odd-times and frequent tempo changes with orchestrated keyboard sounds. Basically, Venomous Fingers would be a continuation of what he had done on Turn of New Millenium, but more solid and controled. If other guest musicians helped out for this album, Venomous Fingers would sound much different. Nevertheless, George handled everything in detail to keep neo-classical flavored metal music alive and burning enough. Venomous Fingers is a must item for shred guitar fans who also love odd-times and tempo changed with keyboard orchestration.
http://www.getreadytorock.com/reviews/george_bellas.htm
GEORGE BELLAS Venomous Fingers Lion Music LMC083 (2003)
Guitarist George Bellas has had a series of solo albums since the mid-90's and also appeared on the Mogg/Way albums. He has a fast neo-classical style, which may not to everyone's tastes as guitarists' albums are an acquired taste. It certainly has its moments like the whirlwind soloing on 'Adrenalin Rush' with some nifty keyboards added by George as well. 'Lightspeed' is possibly the fastest soloing I've heard on an album and again its rounded out with keys. Lovely piece of classical music on 'Forever' that breaks the album up nicely and the same goes for 'Mayhem' with I assume programmed vocals as no vocalist is credited on the inlay sleeve.
To be honest it can get a bit much for a non-muso like myself but I listen with awe at his playing and the more overtly classical pieces deserve a listen. An undoubted talent and a fins showcase can be found on 'Venomous Fingers'.
Review by Jason Ritchie
http://www.ytsejam.com/modules.php?name=Reviews&rop=showcontent&id=456
Bellas, George––Venemous Fingers, Lion Music, 2003
Faster than many and more melodic than many who are fast, George Bellas gives a taste of neoclassical ecstasy with tracks such as “Journey To The Stars,” “Above and Beyond” and especially “Forever.” (His “Symphonia I” and “Symphonia II” may best get at what he’s all about.) Unlike some gents who occupy the same space in the firmament of rock guitar players Bellas does his best not to let chops eclipse songwriting. That said, there are one or two tracks that here that don’t make it around the bend to classic status, although there’s nothing that should keep you away from Bellas forever.
Added: January 13th 2004
Reviewer: Jedd Beaudoin
http://community-2.webtv.net/fretsaxesriffs/FAROUT/
George Bellas (U.S.)- "Venomous Fingers" (2003 Lion Music)
I have always loved George's work from back in the days I first heard of him on Shrapnel Records back in '98 with "Mind Over Matter" and "Extreme Measures" with Vitalij Kuprij after that. George is an amazing Neo-Classical shredder in the likes of Malmsteen but not as clonish as maybe Joe Stump. Just alot of Classical influence and "Venomous Fingers" actually shows George doing everything himself this time around as far as music and all the compositioning. He did a very splendid job and is reminiscent of alot of work that MacAlpine and Vitalij Kuprij do in a sense; ironically, all these people have worked with one another on one occasion or so.
"Venomous Fingers" is 15 tracks of some very emotional songwriting; not the "in-your-face" approach we are usually accustomed to from George but another side of him showing the tamed animal. It doesn't stay caged for long! "Shedding Skin" brings back those fine memories of "Neo-Classical Mayhem"; serious timing structures on these songs and the techniques this guy uses; all the weapons and tactics he knows are used on this release and you can't forget about some of those really catchy rhythms; like Stump, Bellas creates some really emphatic and memorable rhythms. Nothing but the best from George Bellas; all his releases are very consistent and all his fans and people who love Neo-Classical fusion/Metal, will truly enjoy this release.
http://www.virtuosityone.com/bellasvenomous.htm
George Bellas - Venomous Fingers
2003 Lion Music
George Bellas returns with his 3rd solo album. His first two were pretty much shred by numbers with odd time signatures and in places pretty hard going. However, Bellas was also involved in the first excellent Mogg/Way release and also handled all guitar parts (as well as composition) on the impressive second Ring Of Fire album 'The Oracle'. He has also done time with Royal Hunt / Artension vocalist John West so he is no stranger to working in a band environment.
Stylistically Venomous Fingers continues the trilogy started with Turn Of The Millenium and Mind Over Matter, that is its full of complex progressive traits, advanced guitar technqiues. Its has a bit more of a neo-classical feel to it than Bellas' previous two solo albums. If you are not a fan of intense high octane playing then this is probably not up your avenue. But, if you partial to fretboard mastery at blistering speeds you will find a lot to enjoy on Venomous Fingers.
The album is split between short 'guitar orchestral' type pieces with the guitars providing all the harmonies and counterpoints, and then there is the long (and some are long - Journey To The Stars is 11 minutes!) and more band orientated workouts. Bellas certainly has command over the instrument and his compositional style is home to very complex structures....many of which it must be said do get very intense. Unfortunately there are not many places in the longer tracks that show a graspable melody (ala Satriani) that allows the more general listener to really focus on. Instead its more a barrage of arpeggios, super slick sweep picked patterns and ventures through an assortment of scales.
I found myself being drawn to the shorter tracks that do display much more melody. Forever is a very tasteful classical piece (minus guitar!) that I would love to heard built on. Opener Discovery has an almost Yngwie type unaccompanied feel and has a nice blend of guitar work. But for the most part I found it quite difficult to distinguish one track from the next.
I am sure the army of Bellas' instrumental works will lap Venomous Fingers up as there is a lot of good, but sadly to these ears it tends to lack a little purpose but does showcase Bellas' phenomenal chops.
Hot Spots: Discovery, Symphonia 1, Symphonia 2, Forever.
http://user.tninet.se/~gyc835t/Recmonth3.htm
George Bellas -Venomous fingers - (Lion Music)instrumental progressive metal
Rating: 9
First I have to admit I hate these kind of albums. Just solos all and everywhere, often played in high speed without feeling.
After I listened to this for a while I started to feel a lot. Wow, this is good, really good! Maybe the best instrumental album I've heard in years. George who's been playing with Ufo and Ring of Fire make fantastic music, and rally classy arrangements, in someway reminding me of Mike Oldfileds -Tubular Bells-!
If you're only going to buy one instrumental album, maybe this is the one...
http://www.progressiveears.com/asp/reviews.asp?albumID=2471&bhcp=1
Member: Dragonflame 713 (Profile) (All Album Reviews by Dragonflame 713)
Date: 11/11/2003
Format: CD (Album)
Venomous Fingers is the title of the first release on the Lion Music label for George Bellas. Prior to this, George has quite a formidable résumé to his musical credit. In addition to his solo career with Shrapnel Records which featured the albums Turn Of The Millennium (1997) and Mind Over Matter (1998) , he has played in Ring Of Fire (former Malmsteen vocalist Mark Boal’s band, which also featured keyboardist virtuoso Vitalij Kuprij), contributed to playing and writing for an album by current Royal Hunt vocalist John West, playing on Magellan’s Hundred Year Flood and also was to be the guitarist for UFO (which unfortunately couldn’t use the name due to legal reasons, so they went under Mogg/Way) He also has a vocal band called Audiodrome. On top of all of this, he has been developing musical software entitled Maestro. His guitar style is firmly rooted in the neoclassical styling, and this is in ample evidence on this recording.
This album is all George Bellas: guitars, bass, keyboards, and the drums sound as if they are played with a computer. The album is an excellent workout in very fluid neoclassical guitar soloing, and the music backing it is rich and colorful. It never really gets stuck in one place musically, and flows very beautifully from one track to the next. The tracks range from the long epic arrangements such as the 11 minute “Journey To The Stars”, to very short interludes such as Symphonia I and II, that connect the pieces throughout the album. There are aggressive pieces on the album such as “Run For Cover”, but also somber and dreamy pieces such as “Mayhem” (interesting title for a piece like this I must say here…)
While a comparison to Malmsteen is more than fair here, George seems to exhibit a much better sense of melody in his playing and arrangements. If you are a student of guitar, or simply just love the neoclassical styling in lead guitar playing with some rich and colorful arrangements beneath it, then this album is for you!
http://www.fusion3.com/works/lmc083/
Venomous Fingers
George Bellas
Label: Lion Music / Metal / November 18, 2003
Legendary US Guitarist releases neoclassical masterpiece. George Bellas is known from band such a Ring of Fire and Mogg/Way (ex UFO). On Venomous Fingers, George has finally been able to develop his own compositions into a neoclassical masterpiece.
http://www.metalheart.se/asp/recension.asp?ID=974
George Bellas - Venomous fingers
Jag har länge sett Yngwie Malmsteen som en av de snabbaste gitarristerna någonsin, men jag börjar efter att ha hört denna platta tveka starkt på min tidigare ståndpunkt. George Bellas är killen som fått blodiga fingrar efter att ha nött skalor in absurdum sedan sju års ålder. Vi är nu framme vid år 2003, och han har förutom hunnit jobba som lärare på ”Prodigy’s school of music” (som tonåring) och gett ut en rad olika instruktionsvideos och musikprogram till datorn, även jobbat ihop med band som Ring of fire och John West. Utöver detta har han givetvis också gett ut ett par soloplattor innan denna, Venomous fingers, skivan där herren sköter alla instrument själv utom trummor.
Femton låtar utav fullständig gitarronani väntar, och under denna speltid har han nog hunnit spela varenda skala som finns tiotusen gånger om. Det är ingen fråga om att spela njutningsbara melodier, utan här öser vi istället på i alla skalor som finns i trehundra knyck. Ja, han är förmodligen en av de bästa gitarristerna någonsin, men är han tvungen att visa det en hel skiva igenom? Det kastas inte helt oväntat loss med någon introliknande sak vid namn ”Discovery” som ”konstigt” nog innehåller skalor i mängder, och denna låter mer som en uppvärmningsövning än en låt. Därefter kommer den igång på riktigt med skivans längsta låt ”Journey to the stars” där George åtminstone kommer i närheten utav att få en låtstruktur. Det finns givetvis lite mer rogivande låtar som ”Above and beyond”, och jag tror denna skiva hade mått bra av lite fler sådana här låtar. Tror inte jag behöver gå igenom varje låt på skivan, ni fattar nog redan vad denna kille sysslar med.
Är du en gitarrfantast kan ett köp vara rimligt och förståeligt, men för er som är ute efter strukturerad musik med melodier bör kolla åt ett annat håll. Detta är inget för de farträdda.
http://www.musicextreme.com/index2.htm
GEORGE BELLAS - VENOMOUS FINGERS (Lion Music, 2003)
Produced By: George Bellas
Tracks: 1- Discovery, 2- Journey to the Stars, 3- Shedding Skin, 4- Above and Beyond, 5- Lightspeed, 6- Unearthed, 7- the Son, 8- Adrenalin Rush, 9- Symphonia I, 10- Symphonia II, 11- One Last Wish, 12- Run for Cover, 13- Forever, 14- Timewarp, 15- Mayhem
Cover Art by BMS
Recorded at Bellas Music Studios
For lovers of ultra fast guitars played with amazing musicianship George Bellas is like a constant orgasm. Here we have a guy with a really good guitar sound that reminds me of a mix of Yngwie Malmsteen, Greg Howe and Tony Macalpine. Here is a virtuoso that is not afraid of showing his chops and shred you to pieces through fifteen tracks that are contained on this album. Bellas also plays keyboards and bass on this album embelishing with multiple arrangements and chord progressions each of the tracks. There is a lot of neoclassical metal in the music and also a lot of fusion in many of the guitar lines. Bellas delivers each compositions with a majestic feeling showing at each moment how well he plays his guitar and also his skills as a composer. There are some female vocals in some parts embellishing with melodies some parts that need a majestic atmosphere. I recommend this album to any music lover that likes great musicianship and good arrangements.
http://www.hmportal.it/modules.php?name=Reviews&rop=showcontent&id=2250
GEORGE BELLAS
Venomous Fingers
Chiariamolo subito: questo disco è inutile.
E’ inutile scrivere quindici brani per mostrare quanto si può andar veloci sul manico della chitarra. Non c’è una melodia, un riff, un passaggio che riesca a rimanere in testa, solo tantissime note, sparate a velocità impossibili. La tecnica certo non manca a Bellas, ma saper suonare bene non vuol dire per forza saper scrivere buone canzoni. E di certo scrivere buone canzoni non coincide con lo stendere brani che sono solo sequenze di accordi su cui Bellas si produce in assoli, sempre e comunque velocissimi.
“Journey To The Stars” apre con uno sweep picking esagerato e stucchevole; “Shedding Skin” si riferisce anche troppo alle sonorità Stratovarius; “The Son” è forse l’unica traccia che riesce ad avere un senso o perlomeno una struttura evidente ed una melodia. Da qualunque parte lo si giri, questo è un disco trascurato, è evidente che chi ci ha lavorato non ha messo molto impegno, o non ne ha avuto il tempo o i mezzi. Forse è meglio pensarla così e sperare che in un altro contesto Bellas possa offrire ben altro.
Da cosa si legge la trascuratezza? Be', dalla copertina, per esempio, che sembra il lavoro di un bambino che sta giocando col Photoshop. Una mano esce da quello che sembra essere un lago, contorniata da chitarre e da una sveglia. Per favore, lasciamo stare la scritta del titolo. Si capisce anche dalla registrazione: la batteria è terribile, ha un suono estremamente finto, si sente da lontano un miglio che è campionata nel peggiore dei modi. L’apoteosi si ha però nel libretto: Bellas elenca la sua strumentazione e sbaglia a scrivere la marca “Seymour Duncan”, perdendo per strada la Y.
In definitiva il problema sembra essere più la trascuratezza del tutto piuttosto che la mancanza di capacità, visto che Bellas è uno che sa come mettere le mani sul suo strumento, ed anche bene.
Speriamo in un prossimo disco più curato e con qualche melodia in più oltre gli assoli
27-12-2003
Alberto Trentanni
http://www.guitarist.info/bellas.htm
George Bellas
This soulful and intelligent virtuoso is one of the most respected and talked about guitarists around. Sporting a very clean and very fast technique, his music features a lot of odd meters, incredible playing that serves the songs very well and excellent production values. George also teaches guitar and sells his own guitar related software. Check out the videos of his playing on his site, especially the very nice "slow blues". You can learn more about George Bellas at GeorgeBellas.com.
http://www.guitar9.com/mindovermatter.html
Mind Over Matter
Produced by: GEORGE BELLAS
© 1997 Shrapnel Records, Inc.
Mind Over Matter is George Bellas' second Shrapnel release, and finds the guitarist perfecting his neo-classical approach, while evoking shades of Jason Becker in places. Bellas’ latest effort leads the way for a new breed of neo-classical guitar players. With a solid resume and exceptional skill as a guitarist, George Bellas will amaze even the most accomplished musician. When listening to Mind Over Matter, be prepared for an aural assault as Bellas shows why this shred monster is considered one of the fastest players around. Instrumental Guitar (Electric (Heavy)/Neo-Classical Metal/Shred), total running time, 71:50
Holy Shit! Venomous Fingers is the greatest guitar CD of all time!! It is
so deep and there is so much more to the music than only guitar (unlike a
lot of other guitar CDs). I truly believe (without exaggeration or bias)
your new CD to be one of the greatest treasures of the Human Race! 2,000
years from now this music will endure!
Tom Hess
Venomous Fingers surpassed my wildest expectations your playing is so incredibly fluid that it defies explanation!! I was so impressed by every single tune on the album. The level of playing surpasses anything out there at the moment I cant think of any player that can possibly play as well as you. The vibrato, picking technique sweeping picking pedal point arrangement, composition everything is so strong and well articulated. I am encouraging all my students to purchase Venomous Fingers if they want to hear the best Neoclassical classical guitar playing around.
Matt (Matthew Mills)
http://hometown.aol.com/mmills97/mshredindex.html
George
I was just thinkin that while listening to the cd
it sounds a lot more like your first cd, not to say it sounds the same but i mean the songs are all in a similar style
i gotta say though my favorite song is shedding skin, its insane
the cd hasnt left my cd player since i got it and its not likley to in the near future, i am telling everyone and anyone to get it.
thanks again for an amazing cd, you make me wanna keep playing
some day i might have a tiny amount of your chops
later
Ray
George,
Just a few words of thanks...I had been playing guitar for almost 20 years and had quit playing for almost a year do to frustration and lack of "direction". I have your "mind over Matter" disc and put it on....WoW that made me remember why I played in the first place. I will be ordering your courses (all of them) one at a time because I am like the tin man and need some oil...your music is certainly fuel for motivation.
Also....what do you use as far as "computer recording gear" software ect...
Thanks.....its all about the music !
Rick Hulbirt
hi george
I just got your new album "venomous fingers" this morning and i just thought i would let you know it is amazing!!!
well worth that wait,
i hope it does well for you
Ray
Hi George,
I, Just wanted to tell your new CD gave me a brain aneurysm,
I think the sixth finger does exist on your left hand, your
Beyond this planet you can not be possibly of this earth or
Life form your sweeps are faster then your scales I, think
You were genetically engineered in the lab!!!
You are the best,
Carlo
Your a six fingered mutant! haha! I just got your cd today George Ive only had a chance to listen to it once, but upon first listen it really is an impressive cd. My hats off to you! I'm sure I will get alot of enjoyment and many more listens out of it. Thanks!
Steve
George!
Venomous Fingers is truly a masterpiece. Congratulations!
I have been listening to it continuously to it for the past week.
It is full of enchanting melodies, complex rythms, odd-time signatures and out
of this world playing. Your playing is better than ever! and your sound is just awesome!
I love the textures you created using pads and synth voices.
This record has been very refreshing and inspirational for me after years of not
listening to anything new from this musical style. In fact I really dont buy any of the new stuff
from this genre anymore, things have gotten so bad I think it would even be damaging to listen to.
Compared to Turn of the Millenium, I hear a lot more passion and emotion on this record both
in your playing and your composition, sometimes very dramatic and sometimes magical with a lot
more classical influence.
Thank you for making such great music.
Sincerely,
Javier Leal
Hi maestro,
happy new year!!
I've bought your Venomous finger CD 2 days ago....supreme!!! Absolutely cool! there are some great phrases in there. Surely one of my favorite top 10 albums.
It should be funny to do a duet with you in the future :-)
take care
FAb
Hi my friend,
Before xmas I got you third solo album trough Lion Records. I must say that I really enjoyed it and
I've been spending a lot time, listening very carefully trough every composition.
Shedding Skin is probably the most sick, in a positive way, neoclassical composition I've ever heard!
I love your improvisation solo section there and I think you just keep getting better.
Well, I think you sound more fluid than ever bfore actually. Other compositions that catched my ears
was Journey to the Stars, Above and Beyond, Lightspeed and Timewarp.
Journey to the Stars reminds me a little bit of Turn of the Millenium in it's structure.
Very cool odd time verse and the improvised solo parts is really awsome!!
In Above and Beyond I can really hear the emotional feling of your playing. And I love the part where the
drums and bass plays unison hits while the guitars does some really nice bending notes over..
In Lightspeed I love the structure of the different chord changes on the verses. It really is very new and
fresh sounding ideas in the neoclassical composing. Blazing solo in this song too!
Timewarp, the first thing I tought when I heard this track was.. What the heck is the time signature here?
And what exactly is it? In the verses..
Overall, a exelent album which in my opinion really stands out from all the other intrumental guitar realeses today.
I know something unike was going to come from you when it was finaly released and I was right.
Regards Jarle H. Olsen
Congratulations for your new album "venomous fingers" this is amazing!!!
I love your neoclassical vision!!! but your old stuff (2 previous cd) is very dificult to buy in europe!!
Do you think that lion music will publish MIND OVER MATTER or TURN OF THE MILLENNIUM on europe??
AND YOU WILL MAKE A CD WITH VOCALS IN THE FUTURE?, A NEOCLASSICAL PROYECT-BAND WITH YOUR OWN VISION??? A BAND IN THE VEIN OF RING OF FIRE (THE ORACLE IS A 'MASTER OPUS' BUT YOU NOT PLAYED IN THE TOUR (SNIFF)!!!
THANKS!!!!
HELLO,MAESTRO,HAIL!
I AM A HEAVY METAL FAN AND YOU ARE ONE OF MY FAVORITE GUITAR PLAYERS!I HAVE AND ADORE ALL OF YOUR WORKS!THE LAST ONES,VENOMOUS FINGERS AND THE ORACLE ARE FANTASTIC!
I AM ALSO WRITING IN A SMALL INDEPENDENT GREEK METAL FANZINE AND I WANT TO ASK IF IT'S OK TO SEND YOU SOME QUESTIONS FOR A SMALL INTERVIEW!OF COURCE I WILL SEND YOU A COPY OF THE FANZINE WHEN IT WILL BE PUBLISHED( ISSUE 21-APPROXIMATELY ON FIRST DAYS OF MAY)!
IT WILL BE A DREAM COME TRUE FOR ME,TO TAKE AN INTERVIEW FROM ONE OF MY FAVORITE GUITAR PLAYERS!
THAT IS ALL I HAD TO SAY FOR THE MOMENT!IF IT'S OK WITH YOU ,EMAIL ME BACK TO SEND YOU THE QUESTIONS!I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU,MAESTRO!
I WISH SOU ALL THE BEST!
GEORGE KOUROUKLARIS
Hello George,
At first congratulations with your new cd "venomous fingers"....great playing !!! Shred with FEEL !!!
Thanks !
Greetings,
Robbert Hanenberg
Maestro Bellas,
I dont know if you remember me or not ?....however, I purchased your lessons (all 12 of them) to get motivated and playing again. I just wanted to give you an update on my progress. After 3 months of your lessons I am playing the best I have in my life. Its taken dedication and some serious elbow greese, but I am thus far very pleased with the results. Hats of to you George...couldnt have done it without your help. Now 9 more months to go....(ouch).
Thanks for your time George you Rock !!!
Rick Hulbirt
Oh...good job with Venomous Fingers
Hello George,
how are you?
i want to say to you one simple thing, that your playing is so incredible!!!
i've got your last album and there are so many amazing parts by guitars
that show your personality and music ideas! Vitalij sent me also a copy of
his album also if i bought it as soon as it was out and in your playing is
exceptional i have no words! there is a section of sweeps so amazing and
i'm trying to tab it can you tell me some advice? the time is 5:04 and the
fundamental notes are ----13---12---13---14---16---17---16---14---13---12---
but the other that creates the arpeggios are so fast! anyway if you have time
no problems i know that the question is absurd!
anyway congratulations again for your amazing playing and thanks for your music!
take care
Francesco Fareri
http://www.francescofareri.com
dear George Bellas.
My name is Boudewijn de Koning and I'm a guitarplayer from the netherlands.
I often listen to your music and I realy like your way of handeling neoclassicle music.
I listened to your cd venomous fingers,totaly blown away by it...You are a trough wizzard.
greetings from holland. Boudewijn de Koning
Hey George,
I just got my package from Vitalij and I have been listening to his new CD all day.
"Forward and Beyond" is by far the most exciting song on the record, thanks to your playing. Your playing is awesome as always, and that song is so full of melody and emotion. It is very inspiring hearing you play along with Vitalij again.
Wish you all the best,
Javier Leal
mr bellas -
i recently stumbled upon your works. you are a genius. i love the guitar intro on your website. could you tell what song that is from. its beautiful. it's like a symphony of guitars. take care and keep writing amazing tunes.
-mike
Hey George,
I just heard your new CD today and it's unbelievable how you can play a guitar. My favorite tune was Mayhem. By the way, I am a huge JS Bach fan too. Always loved harpsichord as well. Congratulations man you're a genius.
Kim
