Mike Orlando

-After watching G-3 live in Japan all last week, then reviewing this record this week, one thing became
abundantly clear. This man should be the next third guitarist standing with Satriani and Vai!!

Michael Orlando
Review of "Sonic Stomp"
By: Matthew Hoffman

Comments: Being honest, while sometimes hard, is the greatest thing about this gig. Studying virtuosos in the guitar metal/shred category for years makes this task even harder. What hasn't been done? There are speed demons like Stump and Impelliterri, creative monsters like Steve Vai and smooth cats like Joe Satriani, Milan Polak and Chris Poland. Some guys like Mattias "IA" Eklundh make the guitar sound like crazy things, while Jon Donais and Chris Broderick exhibit uncanny power in their playing. Then there is Malmsteen, who still 25 years later is the only one to have combined all the elements of speed, technique and melody with complete perfection. With that type of history and competition in the field, who knew what to expect out of yet another New Yorker still stuck in the '80s.
Several negative observations deserve to be mentioned with Mike Orlando's debut album, Sonic Stomp. The good news is that the good outweighs the bad 10-2! The album starts with two disjointed over the top ridiculous tracks that seem more like practice than real cohesive songs. Wild, frantic, speedy tapping and scale work yielded the thought "oh no not another wannabe shredder." Luckily, being patient paid off and the third track made the ears start to really wonder who Mike Orlando really was. The track is entitled "Game Over" and is a wonderful video game assimilation full of plenty of flashy technique. The difference on this track is a sweet melody that is played throughout helping to bind the song together nicely.

The fourth cut "Jam on It" was a wild and wooly jam session with plenty of rock guitar rhythm, lounge acoustics and shred. Drummer A.J Pero of Twisted Sister guests on this track. This cut sounded much like a shred version of a Satriani "boogie" type track. Next up was the best song on the CD, the beautiful "Horizons," where Orlando plays soft subtle tones, almost seducing the listener into seeing his ample guitar playing talents. It is both silky smooth and completely dominant in its use of phrasing and clean yet rocket fast technique. It was Jason Becker meets Jonny Lang. Damn.

The rest of the album is very well done also, with the major highlights being the soulful shred on "Changes," the mellow funk shred groove on "Movement" and the kick ass power metal biker shred on "Flex." Folks every single one of you needs to get out there and buy this unique guitar album. After watching G-3 live in Japan all last week, then reviewing this record this week, one thing became abundantly clear. This man should be the next third guitarist standing with Satriani and Vai, not playing for some bullshit Ozzy/Black Sabbath Cover band. And that's as honest as humanly possible.

Great work Mr. Orlando, great work. You've managed to create something that belongs with the best instrumental albums of the past, present or future!

HRH Rating: 9.4/10


© Matthew Hoffman / Hard Rock Haven
- Matthew Hoffman Hard Rock Haven

Mike's an amazing player and writer, and his
album rules. I'm not just saying that because we
went to High School together. Or because I'm on
the CD. Mike's an amazing player and writer, and
his album rules. Get it.
- Unknown

Michael has made the most extreme guitar album
since Jason Becker’s Perpetual Burn….. …..his death defying runs and techniques take his compositions into the next universe…. …..should be
the next guest on the next G3 tour.


MICHAEL ORLANDO – SONIC STOMP-ALBUM OF THE MONTH

Review by Nick J. Hinton: VIRTUOSA Magazine UK www.virtuosamagazine.co.uk


With the sheer wealth of new guitarist’s flooding onto the scene at the moment, although each and every one of them has something unique to say (well…nearly!) the average six-string enthusiast and music collector must consider the possibility that perhaps 1 in 10 of these new players provides something so unique and fresh on the instrument, it almost

leaves the others behind. I remember saying a few issues back that I don’t think I will ever tire of hearing great guitar being played well, even if it is someone playing the same scales and notes as the last person. Yet I also mentioned that beneath this is a secret challenge, an unwritten code, an eternal promise that the next someone will not only play with a fire and precision to match his peers, but will take what they’ve done and move it forward in his own inimitable style. Lets be honest, with an instrument like the guitar, there’s so much scope for individual artistic impression and interpretation – another reason why I hope people will be listening to great guitarists long after I’m gone (although considering I’m only 27 – I hope that will be quite a while!). Now I don’t want to give you too much of what you may think is a false introduction here because as USA born Michael Orlando candidly claims, “ No one is going to re-invent the wheel at this point”. And tastes vary so much in this field that you may not think Michael has even moved the wheel. Yet for fans of intense shred…(and be warned, because this is intense with a capitol ‘I’) Michael Orlando, for me has made one of the most extreme guitar albums since Jason Beckers ‘Perpetual Burn’. Some claim, but I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t mean it. OK, your thinking…so it’s another Neo Classical burn out. Well that’s only part of the picture. You see Michael has taken the most gruelling workouts and finger drilling exercises from such players as Joe Stump, Chris Impellitteri etc but merged them with the most inspired moments from players such as Joe Satriani, Steve Vai or Paul Gilbert – even Eddie VH can be heard here. Sound like your cup of tea? Good. So we’ve established that Michael can play, and his death defying runs and techniques take his compositions into the next universe. But can he structure a decent album and hold your attention for a 50-minute journey. Well I’m afraid to say…YES! Mixing blues with jazz, funk with rock, metal with prog and shred with…er…more shred, whatever the backing the guitar calibre is always on 100. Quite far from being over-produced, this actually has quite an earthly and basic production to it, yet Drummer Steve Tobin provides more than just a backing track, and he locks in perfectly with Orlando making this release that bit more special. In the selected moments where Michael does calm down and let you get your breath such as the more cerebral ‘Horizons’, ‘Velvet Sky’ or the truly captivating ‘A Moment in Time’, his soul is exposed on the instrument and the many faces of his playing continue to impress. Yet the other 9 tracks will shake and rock you with slick grooves, cool riffs and cheeky blues runs. Like I said, Michael has created enough variety and an interesting enough backing for this to stand out from the vast shred wannabes out there. Yet it starts and ends with the playing, and I think that if Michael can get enough exposure on the strength of this album then he could and should be the next guest on the next G3 tour. If your one of these people who shies away from complete showing off and in your face guitar, ignore this and go and buy Daniel Palmqvists new album instead (superb which it is!). Yet if your like me and think that ‘talent’ shouldn’t be a dirty world in this backward world of musical shite, then hopefully you will love ‘Sonic Stomp’ as much as I did.

- Nick J Hinton Virtuosa Magazine-UK

To say that Mike`s playing is intense is an
understatement. He manages to showcase his
monstrous technique, great command and killer
chops in the context of cool tunes and does it all
with a really nice sense of musicality . - Joe Stump
(Johnny Lokke-Live 4 metal)
-He has the flash and speed of Yngwie Malmsteen,
the quirkiness of Steve Vai and the clean, hear-
every-note-played talent of Joe Satriani. Throw it all
together and you get some truly amazing guitar work
that will take your breath away! …..Orlando not only
plays like a genius, He is a wonderful composer as
well.
- Joe Stump

This album is pretty darn amazing both technically
and musically blending styles together to create a
monster of a rock shred album. ……..Phenomenal speed…bucket loads of melody…great emotional
ballads…amazing harmonies & melodies
- Richard Niczyperowicz-Shredaholic.com

-Review segments:
(Matthew Hoffman-Hard Rock Haven)
- After watching G-3 live in Japan all last week, then
reviewing this record this week, one thing became
abundantly clear. This man should be the next third
guitarist standing with Satriani and Vai!

(Ron Thal-Bumblefoot-Guns & Roses)
-"Mike's an amazing player and writer, and his
album rules. I'm not just saying that because we
went to High School together. Or because I'm on
the CD. Mike's an amazing player and writer, and
his album rules. Get it."

(Nick J. Hinton-Virtuosa Magazine-UK)
- Michael has made the most extreme guitar album
since Jason Becker’s Perpetual Burn….. …..his
death defying runs and techniques take his
compositions into the next universe…. …..should be
the next guest on the next G3 tour.

(Joe Stump)
-To say that Mike`s playing is intense is an
understatement. He manages to showcase his
monstrous technique, great command and killer
chops in the context of cool tunes and does it all
with a really nice sense of musicality . - Joe Stump

(Johnny Lokke-Live 4 metal)
-He has the flash and speed of Yngwie Malmsteen,
the quirkiness of Steve Vai and the clean, hear-
every-note-played talent of Joe Satriani. Throw it all
together and you get some truly amazing guitarwork
that will take your breath away! …..Orlando not only
plays like a genius, He is a wonderful composer as
well.

(Richard Niczyperowicz-Shredaholic.com)
- This album is pretty darn amazing both technically
and musically blending styles together to create a
monster of a rock shred album. ……..Phenomenal
speed…bucket loads of melody…great emotional
ballads…amazing harmonies & melodies.

(Francios Xavier Fillon-Guitars-Attitude.com)
-Mike Orlando plays with the speed of lightning!.....
smooth tracks with great feeling! He is a great
discovery!

(Emiliano Carli-Chitarristi.com and Axe Magazine-
Italy)
-this is one of those discs that has to be played over
and over again,only to astound everytime...
-Orlando's greatness lies in his ability to stupify....
-the soul of a bluesman and that of a shredder co-
exist perfectly...

(CDK.CL review segments)
Tracks like Wheels in motion,Sonic Stomp,Changes
and Slam leaves you with your mouth wide opened...
Game Over is another remarkable song...
-Tremendous impossible amount of licks at the
speed of light...

Al Hay-(Hardrockhouse.com):
-Mike fires pentatonic licks like bullets...Blues
based shredding at it's most extreme and full of
humor...
-You can almost smell the smoke as his fret board
catches fire..
-Guitar solos which are as relentless as waves
crashing on the shore..
-Blues style solo which Mike takes into the outer
reaches of planet guitar..
-Mike would be perfect on one of Joe Satriani’s G3
tours..
-Stand on the beach look out to sea and Mikes
playing will take you wherever you want to go..

(Andy Craven-Virtuosity One)
-Mike has incredible runs and his backing tracks are
of high standard…. …...Fans of high-octane lead
work that see tremendous right hand picking will
find a lot to enjoy here!

Chris Ruel-Review Segment(Chris Ruel.com)

-Orlando's fretwork is so stunning at times that it is difficult on the part of the
listener to not get distracted in keeping track of the high level perspectives of
the arrangements while listening to his blazing guitar work.

-It is like a neoclassical, shred Satriani on steroids at warp 10! Aspiring
instrumental rock guitarists, you'll either hang 'em up for good or get real busy
after listening to this album!

-Orlando's high-level perspective on musical arrangement, pull from diverse
influences and styles, and jaw-dropping execution of speedy pyrotechnics sets
him apart from others that dare to run the gauntlet against the established and
recognized rock instrumentalist wizards of the six string fret board.
- Matthew Hoffman, Ron Thal, Nick J.Hinton,Joe Stump,Johnny Lokke,Richard Niczyperowicz,Francios Xavie

Orlando's fretwork is so stunning at times that it is difficult on the part of the
listener to not get distracted in keeping track of the high level perspectives of
the arrangements while listening to his blazing guitar work.

-It is like a neoclassical, shred Satriani on steroids at warp 10! Aspiring
instrumental rock guitarists, you'll either hang 'em up for good or get real busy
after listening to this album!

-Orlando's high-level perspective on musical arrangement, pull from diverse
influences and styles, and jaw-dropping execution of speedy pyrotechnics sets
him apart from others that dare to run the gauntlet against the established and
recognized rock instrumentalist wizards of the six string
- Chris Ruel.com

-Mike has incredible runs and his backing tracks are
of high standard…. …...Fans of high-octane lead
work that see tremendous right hand picking will
find a lot to enjoy here!


Michael Orlando
Review of "Sonic Stomp"
By: Andy Craven

Sonic Stomp is the debut CD from Mike Orlando. The CD's 12 instrumental tracks are a collection of tunes that showcase Mike's over the top guitar work as well as his different moods of musical landscapes. Mike Orlando is a guitarist that not only fronts his own Sonic Stomp instrumental band, but also plays in his own hard rock band as well entitled TRED who feature Twisted Sister drummer AJ Pero. .Mike also owns his own recording studio where he handles everything from engineering to mixing to producing and mastering. All this can be heard on his debut CD Sonic Stomp!
What we have on Sonic Stomp is 12 tracks of smoking guitar work. There is nothing here that really points to a totally original style but I think Mike sound is something of an amalgamation of Zakk Wylde, Jason Becker and Steve Vai - the guy can play no question. Mike has some incredible runs and his backing tracks are also of high standard that allow a number of style of guitar to be presented. Fans of hi-octane lead work that sees tremendous right hand picking will find a lot to enjoy here. Tracks that standout include the Satriani-ish Horizons and Velvet Sky, which are slower in tempo and home to more melodic style of play, the grooving Slam and the shred delights of the title track Sonic Stomp.

Fans of energized lead work be sure to check out Mike Orlando now.


© Andy Craven / Virtuosityone.com
- Andy Craven-Virtuosity One

Mike fires pentatonic licks like bullets...Blues
based shredding at it's most extreme and full of
humor...
-You can almost smell the smoke as his fret board
catches fire..
-Guitar solos which are as relentless as waves
crashing on the shore..
-Blues style solo which Mike takes into the outer
reaches of planet guitar..
-Mike would be perfect on one of Joe Satriani’s G3
tours..
-Stand on the beach look out to sea and Mikes
playing will take you wherever you want to go..
- Al Hay-Hardrockhouse.com

-this is one of those discs that has to be played over
and over again, only to astound everytime...
-Orlando's greatness lies in his ability to stupify....
-the soul of a bluesman and that of a shredder co-
exist perfectly...

Sonic Stomp Review by Emiliano Carli - Chitarristi.com

The cd arrived. Insert, press play? ...and nothing has been the same since. No kidding. Because this is one of those discs that has to be re-played over and over again -- to astound every time. Were talking about Mike Orlando, a very scary New York guitarist because of his technical qualities, for the groove, power and whatever other superlatives applicable to a guitarist. Right off, this is a shred cd of the most traditional possible. To compensate, though, make sure youve really cleaned the wax out of your ears because your going to hear someone who really knows how to play well. So well, in fact, that hes blown the dust off of and reinvigorated a dated genre. Its been quite a while since this level of enthusiasm for an album has been evinced (in fact, Im averse to the kind.) Orlandos greatness lies in his ability to stupefy without, however, sliding into baroque? guitar playing. We never support phenoms who play baroque-style the end result of which is just to show-off. Every element, every single note has its correct place. But lets talk about the disc.

Wheels in Motion, is an aptly titled first cut on this album. Immediately leaping to ones senses is Orlandos prowess in managing the vast technical range used. Sweep, tapping, speed picking are all at home, but always used with discipline in the strict construction of the piece. In addition to the guitarist, were immediately aware of the imposing presence of the drummer, Steve Tobin, up to the task of playing in perfect synch with Orlando. The two musicians seem to complementary each others play, generating that kind of play-off that strikes even those listeners less expert. The guitarists style greatly reminds one of the great Jason Becker.

Next comes Sonic Stomp in which a sweep opens the path to a more “rock� themed piece in which guitar and drums express themselves in perfect synch.

Game Over is next where we find a guest star, Ron Thal, who has a certain affinity with Mike Orlando. The intro has a quasi-tribal quality to it that leaves room for a successive rock song in which the musicians give their best. Mike offers up an excellent performance as a bassist in which he makes good use of a number of slaps indicative of a professional with the instrument. The cut shows numerous interchanges in theme and tempo.

The successive piece, Jam On It, is a collaboration between Twisted Sisters AJ Pero at drums and Lenny Rocillo on bass. The piece exhibits a new streaming neoclassical sweep interspersed with funky blues in which Orlando proves himself a master.

Horizons is the albums first ballad In this case the technical pyrotechnics are momentarily set aside to give our ears a rest, up until this point bombarded by an ocean of notes. The guitarist demonstrates himself to be at his height even playing fewer notes, mixing in his sense of musicality with his technical powers.

Changes comes next and it does as it implies - it signals and anticipates a spectacular change of style and tempo which were ready to take on. The opening riff engages bass, drums and guitar - all of which move like a machine gun. After a stop it shifted to a slowed-down bit in which Orlando cements insanity. The end of the cut is worth noting.

Movement is the next song - probably the most diverse of all the others for its style, rhythm and complexity. In the ensuing flex the band brings to mind the aggressiveness of Liquid Tension, in particular Acid Rain. The song is well organized and one of the most homogeneous of the whole album.

Slam is next with a drum introduction in perfect synch with guitar. Its an angry cut. This song probably best describes the two side of Michael - one side, the shredder - the other, a blues rocker. Even on this song the interplay between guitars and drums is noteworthy.

After Slam comes Velvet Sky, the albums second ballad. Orlandos songwriter gifts are evident. Even in this case his technical talent makes room for a tune that in all respects can be appreciated even by those listeners that dont normally listen to this particular type of music. It almost seems like it could be a love song that would play on the soundtrack to a love story.

Second to last, A Moment in Time consists of a guitar monologue, with a total absence of of rhythm, on a simple carpet of keyboard, over which the guitarist fully expresses his range.

Old School Bogie concludes this work of art. You can tell where this one is heading just by its title - Country dressed in a shred salsa, in which Mike lets go without limits his expressionism. In its totality, this is a great disc. Mike's bravura is beyond doubt (I told you.) A bravura put to the service of musical _expression. In listening to this disc we become buried in an ocean of notes, without, however, drowning. The guitarist succeeds in perfectly balancing the "plettrate" and the sweeps "funamolici" (I told you, again), with the most vital vibrato and bending. The soul of a bluesman and that of a shredder co-exist perfectly giving over to a fine sense of timing as to when to switch off on the other. The emotions one has when listening go from being stupified to marvel, without, however, veering into a freak show. Even the non-guitarists among us listening to this disc can't help but compare and contrast the artists's bravura and precision that from a technical and expressive point of view may easily be put side-to-side with the various Malmsteens, Vais and Beckers.

We at chitarristi.com are happy to greet to the pantheon of Olympic guitarists Mike Orlando, always hoping that in the future we'll hear more of him.


- Emiliano Carli-Chitarristi.com and Axe Magazine-