Igor Belsky is a Russian guitarist currently living in the US. His self produced CD Road Tested is a good example of the high quality of independent CDs being released right now. The production is good and the songwriting varied and interesting. He gets off to a slow start with the title track and the second song "Space Marathon". These are in the Surfing with the Alien vibe though not to the point of being merely derivitive. After this the CD really picks up and Igor stretches his legs a little. "Backstreet Romeo" uses some interesting bluesy rhythm work and some great textural echoing effects. "Adrenalin Junkie" starts off with some unusual harmonies that sound folk influenced. The ballads "Eastern Flier" and "If I Have To Lose You" feature some emotional playing and stay above the over sentimental approach that most metal ballads fall into. "Village Clown's Romance" features some styling that remind me of Michael Lee Firkins with itÕs bluesy playing with just a hint of funkiness that transitions into some country licks and back. Road Tested is an excellent debut and I'm looking forward to hearing more from Igor..

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Igor Belsky: Road Tested (1998) B.I.S Entertainment Guest: Herman Li, Guitar