Symphonic Metal Group M.Z. have been around for quite some time now, releasing three albums since the year 2000 and bringing their vision of a Classical/Hard Rock crossover to audiences all over France. There have been previous attempts by great Guitarists to "Metalize" Vivaldi's Four Seasons or to "Spice Up" some Bach-Fugues, and we haven't forgotten what ELP did to Pictures at an Exhibition. But hardly ever has a band stuck with this concept for such a long time and combined the old masters with their own compositions. After their old label filed for insolvency, they have found a new home with Manitou Records and are now in a "Romantic" mood. The album of the same title features seven M.Z. originals and five Classic pieces, ranging from nice, but superflous (Concerto No.21/Mozart) to actually pretty good (Schuberts Sonata in A). For all looking for a rather unusual classical experience, far from historic instruments, but also far from Vanessa Mae, these 16€ might be well spent.

Homepage: M.Z.