Cacophony's second (and last) effort improves on the formula established on their
Speed Metal Symphony album. The brainchild of guitarists
Marty Friedman and
Jason Becker,
Cacophony is basically an arena in which the two shredders can indulge their most decadent instrumental ideas. Their songs are as influenced by
speed metal as they are by
neo-classical prog rock, which makes them even more intense than many of their
Shrapnel brethren. On
Go Off!, the duo clean up the sound a bit and pare back the guitar excesses just a tad, allowing for a slightly more song-oriented approach (similar to what
Racer X does).
"Stranger" even has a decent
pop hook in its chorus. Lead singer
Peter Marrino adds some rather overwrought
heavy metal braying and some truly ridiculous lyrics (sample: "Don't mess with a black cat/if you believe in superstition/never mess with a black cat!") which may turn off some listeners. But
Friedman's and
Becker's guitars are still the stars of the show here. Their preference for dissonance, odd time signatures, and unpredictably complex arrangements make
Go Off! a very interesting listen at times. There are even some beautiful moments, like the outro of the title track, where the noise gives way to breathy keyboards and a lyrical solo. For a better sampling of these guitarists' talents, without the annoying vocals, check out their individual solo albums:
Marty Friedman's
Dragon's Kiss and
Jason Becker's
Perpetual Burn. ~ Andy Hinds
![Are You Experienced? [LP]](http://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/0888430598515_p0_v1_s90x140.jpg "Are You Experienced? [LP]")
![Brothers and Sisters [LP]](http://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/0602537287987_p0_v3_s90x140.jpg "Brothers and Sisters [LP]")
