Description

The Oracle

In November 2000, Mark Boals finally left Yngwie Malmsteen's band and Vitalij Kuprij put on hold his band Artension, they talked about the possibility of forming a real new super-band. Virgil Donati immediately agreed to be part of it, while Tony MacAlpine had to pass on the offer due to his commitments to several other projects. A replacement was soon found in the talented guitarist George Bellas (Mogg/Way) and the experienced bassist Barry Dunaway (Pat Travers, Malmsteen) joined to complete the lineup. In January 2001 Barry suddenly left the band, immediately substituted by Philip Bynoe (Steve Vai Band).

Rehearsals finally started in Chicago during February 2001 at George Bellas' studio, while recording happened one month later at Steve Vai's Mothership Studio in LA. The mix was later given in the hands of Erik Norlander and Neil Citron for a result that can easily be considered as one of the best productions / performances in neoclassical heavy metal music ever!

"This album’s got Bellas and Kuprij in it, so you know it’s going to be a neo-classical metal shredfest."

"It’s got a lot of prog influences that are especially apparent at the beginning, and the solos will probably cause your face to spontaneously combust."

"The combined might of the sheer technical talent is stunning. I knew George could rip but man, this is sweet! That boy can shred!"

Ring of Fire - Los Angeles, California 2001

"...keyboardist Vitalij Kuprij and drummer Virgil Donati staying on from the solo albums while George Bellas replaced Tony Macalpine and former Steve Vai bassist Philip Bynoe joining in on bass."

"The Oracle remains an unabashedly neoclassical power-metal record."

Released Worldwide
Frontiers Records

Thanks

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Thanks to Vitalij Kuprij, Mark Boals, Virgil Donati, Philip Bynoe, and the crew at Steve Vai's Mothership Studio. A warm and genuine thank you to my family, friends, and fans around the world for all their support and understanding of my devotion.