MARTY FRIEDMAN – EXHIBIT A LIVE IN EUROPE – MASCOT  
What a surprise to hear Marty Friedman shred metal like this after all his statements several years ago telling anybody and everybody how he much prefers pop to metal. He has recovered from his distaste for heavy metal. The current deluxe packaging is a recording of the former Hawaii, Cacophony, Megadeth guitarist in 2007 at an undisclosed location or locations tearing things up. Mascot Records has invested some dough in Friedman’s record and come up with a better package than even Paul Gilbert’s recent studio album. Not only the bulk of the material is truly heavy, but also the axe man has not lost his feel or fluidity. Elixir has some heavy chugging to go with it and Gimme A Dose even reminds one of a Megadeth song. The amazing guitarring continues through the album until the very end where the band – including second guitarist Ron Jarzombek – ends up performing a version of Elvis’ Hound Dog. Here we know why the album is an instrumental. The vocals are weak and used in the worst context.
Marty still has his locks, his chops and is pictured wearing a ‘Rock’ necklace and even if one is always reluctant with albums like this (instrumental shredding and a live recording) this surpasses all expectations. Not sure what Exhibit A refers to, although there can be a video of this coming which would be Exhibit B. Let us hope Freidman soon uses his music in the context of songs in a real band. – Sheila Wes Det