Fanalo, the acclaimed French guitarist and artist based in Bordeaux, has long been a force in the progressive and heavy rock scene. Rising to prominence in the mid-90s, Fanalo established himself as one half of the instrumental metal duo Plug-In. Their 2010 album Hijack was a masterclass in musicianship, featuring collaborations with guitar legends such as Andy Timmons, Bumblefoot, Mattias Eklundh, Sylvain Coudret (Soilwork), Patrick Rondat, Christophe Godin, and Jean Fontanille. Now, after years devoted to education and high-profile collaborations, Fanalo returns to the stage with his highly anticipated, self-titled, self-produced solo album, again featuring some mighty joint efforts with some truly global artists. Set to release on February 28th via Klonosphere Records, this genre-defying record blends hard rock, metal, and prog into an irresistible sonic experience. Featuring ten tracks, the album Fanalo includes some electrifying instrumentals that hark back to Fanalo’s roots with Plug-In, alongside seven vocal-driven gems.
This latest project effortlessly traverses genres, fusing hard rock and metal with progressive influences, brought to life by an exceptional line-up of vocalists. Contributors include the legendary Jeff Scott Soto (Yngwie Malmsteen’s Rising Force, Journey, Sons of Apollo), Butcho Vukovic (Watcha, Last Temptation), Thomas Smith, and Christophe Ithurritze, it puts me in mind of Slash’s amazing debut solo album with a similarly multi-talented band of collaborators! From 2002 to 2007, Fanalo also worked as a sideman guitarist for Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, supporting Thal’s solo endeavours before his time with Guns N’ Roses, and Bumblefoot repays this with several appearances on this album. Beyond his performance career, Fanalo has been instrumental in shaping the next generation of musicians as the director of CIAM, one of France’s premier music training institutions.
This album is a testament to Fanalo’s creative evolution, it blends electrifying guitar work, innovative compositions, and a seamless integration of diverse styles. Fans of hard rock, metal and beyond can look forward to a fascinating sonic journey as Fanalo reclaims his place in the spotlight. So for instance the opening track Tribes lures you in with native chanting and great use of ethnic instruments from Ousman N’Dong before a grinder of a riff from the man himself winds its way in. A really tight band sound ensues, guitars, bass and drums truly knitted together as one. Followed by a burst of beautiful lead work, then a truly awesome extended second solo by Julien Lacharme, I’m immediately intrigued by the composition and sheer quality of this instrumental.
Next up is Hate 4 Sale. This is the first contribution from Jeff Scott Soto, the track reminds me of Devin Townsend, and maybe a hint of O.R.K. in the delivery and the overall song structure. Great vocals, big chorus and more sublime guitar work, very impressive! “Why?” is next, the singing spot taken by Thomas Smith albeit some lovely rock harmonies and yet another different strand of mesmeric lead guitar – this time from Bumblefoot, the guy is just amazing!
New Found World continues a sort of world-class anthemic heavy rock vibe – just imagine these beauties belted out live! More really, really strong vocals from Jeff Scott Soto on this (he also wrote the lyrics and co-wrote the song), balanced by an insidious chug-along riff. And once more, the now-expected stellar solo sweeps majestically over the whole as it moves towards its conclusion (watch the video below). Fanalo plays all the instruments on this one, what an insanely gifted man! Moon is another instrumental, everything played by you-know-who, the first half being a sort of standard riff work-out, then an intriguing electro bridge built around the commentary of an Apollo (or similar) spacecraft touching down on the surface of said moon. The song concludes with an aptly “stellar” (heh!) guitar performance.
Stone Cold Cynical features Watcha’s Butcho Vukovic on vocals, he also co-wrote the song in another fruitful partnership. Its a pacey prog-metal work-out, very tuneful, and does indeed remind me again of the collaborations on Slash’s debut solo effort. Die to Live follows, another co-production from Fanalo and Jeff. A chunky riff launches a heavyweight, prog-metal number also featuring some orchestral arrangements by Fanalo & Manu Martin. Strong choral vocals are matched by incendiary guitar work. Next is Rebirth, the third instrumental, again solely performed by the man. It’s another electro affair, very spacy, a slower, more tranquil start….but not for long! A insistent guitar line is driven by some really complex, hugely accomplished drumming. The solo is simply a glittering masterclass.
Isolation is another co-production with Thomas Smith, with Thomas on lead vocals. A nicely dirty riff introduces the singer, reminding me of Pearl Jam’s Eddy Vedder at his best. It positively bounces along, aided by a romping bassline and riff. Not perhaps the most creative track on the album but great fun. The album is brought to an end by Rise, yet another collaboration, this time between Fanalo and Christophe Ithurritze. It’s a more measured affair than the breathless two previous, and again features Ousman N’Dong’s array of ethnic drums etc. Christophe is responsible for all the vocals and choir arrangements, he somehow reminds me of David Coverdale in his range and cadences? It is indeed a powerful, suitably climactic number, at nearly eight minutes the longest on the set. Very much a track to bring the curtain down on a hugely accomplished group of musicians, conducted masterfully by the maestro as his shimmering solo gracefully recedes….
This album definitely reminds me of Slash’s fantastic first solo effort in the stellar line-up and contributions from so many gifted musicians. This is something really special. I’d have to single out Jeff Scott Soto, his vocals alone are worth the purchase price of this little beauty. Add in Fanalo’s impeccable guitar work, and you’ve got something that every hard rock and metal fan needs to hear – even if hard rock isn’t usually on your radar, this album is simply a “must-listen”!
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