THE MIKE ALBERT PROJECT
Feast or Famine (Kronic Records)

The Mike Albert Project lays down an earthshaking brand of metal-edged rock that bridges the abyss of eras, genres, and definitions -- even the namesake guitarist's own notorious history -- with pulverizing power. With instrumental tracks titled "Dr. Death," "Surfer Bitch From Hell" and "Stalker," it's evident that the trio has staked out a rugged terrain. But a well-defined melodic mastery is evident in savvy song structures and intricate arrangements that stretch the borders of the genre with blues, jazz, baroque and classical cross-currents. 

Mike Albert's name and credits are well-known in international music circles. As a session guitarist, he cut his teeth on projects in the major Hollywood recording studios, including contributions with Frank Zappa on the Ruben & The Jets Project. It was as the lead guitarist for Megadeath that Mike Albert took his searing guitar prowess to the world, especially on the "Killing Is My Business," tour, a 40-city jaunt also featuring Anthrax and Slayer. 

Post-Megadeath, Albert found inspiration in composing and recording, emerging on a variety of projects including the feature film Hostile Intentions with Tia Carerra, a Bud Light commercial, a concert with Ice Cube, a Paul Rodriguez television special and concerts at Hollywood's famed Greek Theater and Los Angeles Coliseum. His songwriting blossomed into a catalog of over 80 songs, and Mike Albert was ready for the next phase. 

The Mike Albert Project features the guitarist's explosive synergy with bassist Jon Escobedo and drummer Tony Espinosa, two San Gabriel Valley-based veterans with substantial chops. On a recent Southern California mini-tour the trio flexed their musical muscles on bills with Pat Travers, Foreigner, and the Atomic Punks while a recent Sunset Strip show at the Key Club Show paired the band with the legendary Jefferson Starship. Audience reaction has been tumultuous, overwhelming, unanimous, as the three players weld their songs into a pile-driving force of sonic thunder. 

It has been said that there are no second acts in American lives, but Mike Albert is an exception. The proof is in the power of the rock: The Mike Albert Project is a cathartic reminder that real music will always communicate, heal and transcend. And the guitarist's notable history is only a prelude for what is yet to come: be it Feast or Famine.

Dan Kimpell
Music Connection magazine
Author: Networking in the music industry