Review
of "Borislav Mitic" (Shrapnel) by EvilG, August 1999
Used by permission of Metal-Rules!
Rating: 4/5
Circling
scales, sweeping arpeggios, classically influenced chord progressions,
and a godly lead guitar tone. Fans of instrumental guitar music
take note, there is a new guitar maestro on the scene. Borislav
Mitic's all instrumental CD runs the gamut from Yngwie-like shredding
to influences ranging from middle-eastern, Celtic and classical.
Borislav describes his music as having a "significant Yngwie
influence...but there is also a lot of other influences such as
classical music and cultural music." For me it's the significant
Yngwie influence that I'm a sucker for!
Borislav
comes from Belgrade, the capital of the troubled country of Yugoslavia.
He left the country due to all the shit that is going down over there
and he now resides in Montreal, Canada. Strangely enough Borislav
claims he is basically self-taught. This guy has a gift, but one that
he's obviously worked on very hard through years of practice. Even
though he had made a name for himself in his homeland it was the renown
Mike Varney of Shrapnel Records in the USA who called Borislav immediately
after hearing his music to get him on his label. Released in March
1999, this is Borislav's first release for the label.
For
me the highlights of the CD are when Borislav shreds (which is thankfully
on most songs) like on "Sky Rider", "Chasing A Dream"
(these two are very melodic and have a big classical influence),
"Mystic II" (the main/theme riff reminds me of something
from Dio-era Rainbow) "Waltz of Time" (begins with a riff
reminiscent of Trilogy-era Yngwie...awesome) Even some of the slower
/ less aggressive stuff is tasteful. For example "Mystic I"
is only lead guitar with subtle background keyboards. Even without
the drums and bass this is very dark sounding and excellent for
late night listening. I don't get as excited with the mellower side
of Borislav's music - hey, after all I'm a metalhead first and foremost!
In one or two places Borislav gets a little too heavy on the wah
pedal (Light of 7 - part I) I'm thinking of Satriani and Steve Vai
here - done well but not his finest playing. Let me tell ya though
this guy can really really play! I think after playing guitar for
about 15 years I should be able to recognize talent when I hear
it. I have only a few minor complaints: the overall music could
be heavier, there should be more backing rhythms, a couple of tracks
with vocals would not be out of place, more intense double kicks
over the 'driving' songs would be way cool, and finally the lead
sound is amazing but the rhythm sound could be thicker and more
crunchy.
Borislav
is a name you will be hearing more of as I'm sure that he has a
lot of great music inside of him. Let's hope he leans more towards
the extreme playing and heavier music and only uses his other influences
as 'spice.'
There have been many metal/classical hybrid projects released over
the past few years. Heck, metal and classical have been warming
up to each other as far back as the late 60s, when Mr. Blackmore
began the experimentation phase of Deep Purple. From Yngwie to Masi,
virtuoso shredders have been taking up the "Bach in Black"
project when the fever strikes. Sometimes it impresses while at
others, our lips are left parched for the human element.
Fortunately,
Borislav has found a happy middle between precise classical structures
and buoyant hard rock. Backed with serviceable and complimentary
percussion, Mitic breezes along with "Sky Rider", and
the aptly titled "Chasing a Dream". The delicate, full
production allows the music to come off as "orchestral",
even if it is mostly Mitic who's doing all the work. "Bird
Dance" recalls the romantic period, with subtlety colliding
with big bangs. One of the best tracks on the album. Very hummable.
The album also includes doses of Middle Eastern Balkin and Indian
music. Somehow, he blends them flawlessly.
Of
note, It's a testament to Mitic's talent that we forget these pieces
must be very difficult to play, for he allows us to focus on the compositions
instead of worrying whether he can pull of the technical aspects.
Overall very well written and performed.
Review
of "Borislav Mitic" (Shrapnel), 2000
Used by permission of Guitar
9
Borislav
Mitic is the self-titled debut from a young Serbian guitarist who
offers hard rock blended with classical and cultural musical influences
ranging from Chopin, Mozart, Beethoven and Paganini to Indian, Celtic,
Middle Eastern and Balkan. Mitic states, "My desire was to
take the listener on a mystical guitar journey through the diverse
world that I drew my inspiration from." The CD features Mitic's
melodic, singing guitar style over ten wonderful, all instrumental
tracks full of passion and emotion. Borislav Mitic will satisfy
the enthusiast's craving for new neo-classical guitar.
Instrumental
Guitar (Electric (Heavy)/Neo-Classical Metal/Hard Rock), total running
time, 54:06
Review
of "Borislav Mitic" (Shrapnel) by John W. Patterson, 1999
used by permission of progression
magazine
This
guitarist is from Serbia, Belgrade that is, with a certain ethnic/classical
flair to his songs. Vinnie Moore and others of his ilk took to what
is called Bach rock. There are fiery chops galore here, yes, expertly
executed with precision.
"Sky
Rider", "Chasing A Dream", "Waltz of Time",
and "Ballade Pour Elle" are quite decent Bach rock originals.
What intrigues and wows me are the tunes that obviously integrate
Serbian folk song structures into shred rock. Now that's more my speed.
On "Mystic (Part I and II) this first appears.
After
very tastefully subdued intros Mitic explodes in some virulent riffs
and great scales and modes that had me seeing veiled beauties writhing
in gold and silk. Mitic broke some fretboard speed limits here.
Mitic handles nicely the music of the Isles on "Celtic Legends
(Part I and II)". Ah, Horslips came to mind here or Steve Morse's
Celtic tributes.
"Bird
Dance" was an intensely fun ride in the Flight of the Bumblebee
mode of 64th note madness. Too fast! That has got to hurt. Bravo
to Jacques Roy on bass and Marc Bonneau on drums in keeping up with
Mitic! "Light of 7 (Part I and II)" feature acoustic meanders
and drones of Mitic's homeland that then supernova into a balls2dawalls
Jeff Beckian/Steve Vai-ish wah-wah
drivin' tune mid-speed, heavy rocker.
My
fav song of Mitic's was "Southern Wind" which was drenched
in the sweet folk dance rhythms and ancient Slavic riffs. Man, I could
do a whole CD's worth of this eccentric rock! Mitic is in his unique
element here. Bring on the handclaps and the whirling dancers! Ooh,
ahhh. We melt away in a heroic rock ballad, "Fairytale's End".
Recommended axe rock.
Review
of "Borislav Mitic" (Shrapnel) by Lennart Hedenstrom,
1999
Hedenstrom
Alrightey.
Yet, another longhaired dude with fast fingers playing neo-classical
hard rock put out bye Mike Varney on his Shrapnel label, or what?!
You bet. Borislav Mitic hailing from Belgrade (the former Yugoslavia)
where he had been working quite a long time with several different
bands and artists plus doing work for TV and whatnot. His biography
tells us Beatles made him pick up the guitar and then he grew up
with a healthy diet of classic hard rock (Deep Purple, Iron Maiden,
AC/DC, Van Halen etc).In the mid-80s Yngwie Malmsteen's music changed
his life apparently and turned him into a guitaroholic working like
a madman during daily 12 hour session to learn the entire book of
fast a flurry guitar playing. Boy did he succeed. Mitic now resides
in Montreal, Canada, and he has eventually done exactly what Yngwie
once did when he invented the neo-classical hard rock genre, ie
he sent a demo to Mike Varney who immediately signed him up to his
label and here we have the first result of all this.
Backing
Mitic on the album are Jaques Roy (bass) and Marc Bonneau (drums).
This album is a showcase for Mitic's guitar though from start to
finish since most of the songs are vehicles for him to show us his
enormous talent as a guitar wiz with super chops and the ever so
fast technique you get from guitarist of this genre. Mitic is not
just the regular neo-classical metal shredder though as his eastern
European heritage is very much present and is displayed throughout
the album. In the CD insert he puts it like this: "I come from
Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, a country lying on the crossroads
of east and west. It is also a meeting place of various religions
and cultures whose influences left a mark on the music I make. My
desire was to take you on a mystical guitar journey through this
diverse world that I drew my inspiration from. I hope that you will
find moments of bliss on it".
And
indeed, listening to the album you are treated to music with influences
from Balkan/Serbia ("Mystic" and "Bird Dance")
and the Middle East ("Southern Wind") as well as stuff
with influences from Celtic music ("Celtic Legends"),
classical music (""Sky Rider" and "Waltz of
Time") and Indian music ("Light of 7"). This guy
sure know it all. Mitic handles the guitar incredibly tasteful and
although this is a "guitar hero" type of album I think
he stays on the right side of the line where it says: "cross
this line and you are simply trying to show off". He is of
course an amazing guitar player and the CD is very much about guitar
playing but Mitic is respectfully handling every song and the music
as a whole.
It's
a long time since a guitar album grabbed me like this one, an album
where there is very little blues influence too. This is probably because
it is very easy to listen to the album with its hugely melodic and
warm content. Highly recommended if you are looking for an instrumental
guitar dominated CD! I wonder what he will have up his sleeve next
time around!?
Review
of "Borislav Mitic" (Shrapnel) by Jeff Dennis, April 1999
Harder Beat
Guitar players listen up. Here we have a first - Yugoslavian guitar
god, Borislav Mitic. And though he comes from afar, his sounds are
familiar with some very good stuff. On Shrapnel Records, with Mike
Varney as co-producer, it had to be special because both represent
authority in guitar playing. Though an all instrumental release, the
album is never boring as Mitic lays his soul out on the frets, hoping
someone is listening. Up-and-above spirit launchers include the speedy
“Sky Rider” and mesmerizing “Mystic”. On the
CD's coolest riffs is in “Waltz of Time”… or maybe
it's one in “Bird Dance”. Each song and melody will remind
you of the techniques of Vai, Satriani, Hoey or Yngwie. But with a
cast like that, who cares!
Review
of "Borislav Mitic" (Shrapnel) by Christopher Thelen,
May 1999
Used by permission of Christopher Thelen, Daily
Vault
RATING: A
Borislav Mitic has got to be one of the luckiest people around today.
He got out of his native Yugoslavia last year, missing out on the
little presents that are raining down on his birthplace of Belgrade
every night. He has escaped the outrageous artistic license that
the Yugoslavian government had - which practically gave them the
right to use any music they wanted without paying the artist.Now,
he's put out this self-titled release - his debut in America - and
adds himself to the list of those who would take the throne of guitar
king away fromYngwie Malmsteen, one of Mitic's idols. If Mitic isn't
at the top of that list, he's real close, 'cause this is a solid
album through and through.
Mitic's
playing style, like Malmsteen's, is a mixture of classical structire
with modern day flash - though, to Mitic's credit, he doesn't allow
the flashier side of his playing to take over. With the help of
his bandmates - bassist Jacques Roy and drummer Marc Monneau - Mitic
comes close to creating a new style of classical music while making
sure things stay exciting for the listener of today.
The
classical influences are clearly heard on such pieces as "Sky
Rider" and "Mystic", the latter divided into two
movements. Mitic's playing is clean throughout, though there are
times I wished there had been a little more raw emotion put into
the playing. It's a hard thing to explain, but in some cases, it
seems like even the complicated riffs that Mitic is playing are
like second nature to him. I would have liked to have heard a little
more playing from the gut, almost like he was walking a tightrope
without a safety net.
The only other complaint I have with Borislav Mitic is on the track
"Southern Wind"; while the gypsy-like movement of the
song is decent enough, it is a track I thought could have been a
bit shorter - or at least injected with a little more variety in
the mix.
The
remainder of this album, in a nutshell, contains some of the most
exciting guitar-driven instrumentals I've heard in some time. Mitic
is a master of his six-string, and on tracks like "Celtic Legends"
(another track in two movements), "Bird Dance" and "Ballade
Pour Elle" are prime examples.
With
the popularity of heavy metal on the rise, it is time for another
guitar virtuoso to step up to the plate and raise the bar for guitar
playing. Malmsteen did that in the '80s; now, it's Mitic's turn. Borislav
Mitic is an album that needs just a touch of humanity, but shows this
young man is on the verge of greatness.
Review
of "Borislav Mitic" (Shrapnel) by George Jegadesh, April
1999
Ink 19
Being a keen guitar enthusiast, I have always wanted to try some
music from Shrapnel Records -- a Californian record company that
endorses only guitarists of great talent -- and this album happens
to be my first one. After having listened to this CD for nearly
a week now, as I sit down to review it, I feel fully content with
the quality of music on this disc! All right!
About
the music and the musician: I have never heard of Borislav Mitic
or his music before, but from this album, he sounds like a virtuoso
in the style of Yngwie Malmsteen, Steve Morse, Steve Vai, and others.
Even
though his style of neo-classical playing reminds me of these renowned
guitarists, he is different from all of them (except for Steve Morse,
maybe) in that this album is more of "bare" guitar than
"cunning stunts" with the guitar. So you wouldn't hear dive
bombs, whammys, or speed-taps here, but plenty of scale runs and fast
picking. Gear-wise, from pictures on the inside sleeve, Borislav plays
a Fender guitar with scalloped neck (and some after-market pickups).
It must be this Serbian's great playing combined with the warm, deep
tone of his guitar that got me hooked fast. He thanks Jimi Hendrix
and the Serbian Orthodox Church for inspiration.
Review
of "Borislav Mitic" (Shrapnel) by ShredFest, December
1999
Used by permission of House
Of Shred
Borislav
Mitic is one of the latest axe-slingers to join the Shrapnel Records
stable. His self-titled Shrapnel debut was actually released in
1998, but it is obvious from the amount of e-mail we've been receiving
from people looking for this review that Mitic has already built
a solid fan-base. Deservedly so, because, in my opinion, he is one
of the cleanest players I've heard since The Maestro himself, Yngwie
Malmsteen. He is also one of the best instrumental songwriters I've
ever heard.In the liner notes, Mitic thanks Jimi Hendrix for inspiration.
This is curious to me, because much of the playing on this disc
is more reminiscent of such neo-classical guitar gods as the aforementioned
Malmsteen, Axel Rudi Pell, and Tony McAlpine (from the Evolution
days). The rest seems very Satriani and/or Vai influenced. There
are a few places where the Hendrix influence shows itself, but make
no mistake, these tunes will appeal to both neo-classical and rock
fans in a big way.
Let's
take a track-by-track look at this hot little instrumental number...
1.
Sky Rider - This track firmly establishes the neo-classical side
of the CD. Much of the song is just Mitic running scales, but there
are a couple of nice breaks featuring some good, clean soloing.
Jacques Roy, the bassist, really lays a solid foundation for this
track,
as any good bassist should.
2.
Chasing a Dream - This is a fun romp through some Paganini-esque
runs, but Mitic brings out the wah-pedal for the breaks, creating
something that sounds like, strangely enough, a neo-classical Joe
Satriani. At times, it also reminds me of Eric Johnson's "Cliffs
of Dover." Very cool!
3./4.
Mystic (Part I & II) - Despite Mitic being from Serbia, this
has a definite Middle-Eastern feel to it. Not entirely surprising,
as Mitic mentions in the liner notes the "various religions
and cultures whose influences left a mark on the music I make."
Part I is light and airy, while Part II kicks in the bass and Marc
Bonneau's drums, and turns the guitar way up. The thing you start
to notice about Mitic's playing here is that he is very patient.
He could burn through all the notes at light-speed, but he doesn't.
He saves his speed and fire for just the right places in the songs.
This makes for some very interesting, introspective songs. And when
Mitic does send his fingers into overdrive for one of the solos,
you swear it must be Yngwie playing it (actually, one of the solos
is a page right out of Malmsteen's book, but at least Mitic does
it justice, unlike many who imitate The Maestro!) The last solo
of this two track masterpiece demonstrates some of the Hendrix influence.
By now, you should be firmly hooked by this disc.
5.
Waltz of Time - As the name might suggest, another patient, but
not slow, song. It starts out very simply, with more runs that sound
like Mitic playing scales. There's a certain riff tossed in that
reminds me of a Malmsteen song, but I can't place which one. It's
simple but catchy. More phenomenal, shredding solos in here, too.
6./7.
Celtic Legends (Part I & II) - Part I is a short, airy intro.
Part II starts out with a definite Celtic-sounding riff. This is
very, very cool, and is one of the reasons that this disc rules
- you hear so many different sounds and musical influences. Just
when you think the track is over, Mitic starts kicking out a fast
Irish jig! It's what Nicolo Paganini might have written if he was
an Irishman! And by the way, there's a really sick, fast, and clean
solo at the end of this track (starts at about the 4:43 mark). Wow!
8.
Ballade Pour Elle - A beautiful, heart-wrenching ballad. Not only
can the guy play clean and fast, but he can play with emotion. In
the hands of a skilled player, a guitar can elicit a ton of emotion,
and this piece gives me chills.
9.
Bird Dance - This is a nimble little number that (don't laugh) made
me picture someone chasing a chicken around! You know, kind of a
helter-skelter, not knowing which way it's going to go, almost got
my hands on it and then it's off and running again sort of tune.
Fun stuff!
10./11.
Light of 7 (Part I & II) - (Shredfest's Hot Pick) Part I is
a light, acoustic intro that for me evoked thoughts of nature and
man's connection to it. It leads into Part II, the most rock-style
track on the disc. If I didn't have the track listing in front of
me, I would never have thought that these two tracks were actually
two parts of the same song! Part II sounds very Satriani-like, considering
the heavy use of the wah and even the style of the excellent solos.
Personally, I love Satch, so I dig this track big-time.
12.
Southern Wind - I'm not sure if I'm right, but the opening of this
song reminds me of traditional Greek folk music. Then Mitic starts
dancing all over the frets, weaving a seductive web of licks on
the listener. Some emotive solos flow like liquid over the top of
it all, building in speed and intensity until you are in sonic bliss.
Whew, I need a cigarette...
13.
Fairytale's End - Another Satriani (or maybe Steve Vai, at least his
good stuff) kind of feel-good song, this one is warm and gentle on
the outside, but there is a terrific, fast solo that pushes itself
out of the dreaminess that washes over you.
This
disc is an absolute marvel. I haven't heard instrumental songwriting
this fresh and interesting since Eric Johnson's Ah Via Musicom, which
came out in 1990. And the many cultural influences keep the disc fresh
and varied. Thank you, Shrapnel Records, for making this young man's
red-hot musicianship available to us all. With any luck, guitar fans
everywhere will be able to enjoy many more shred-laced releases from
Borislav Mitic.
Palace
Hostway
Review of "Borislav Mitic" (Shrapnel) by Dark Cloud's, 1999
Borislav Mitic is a newcomer to the scene on Shrapnel records. Borislav
is from Serbia. He brings the music from his homeland into his style
of guitar playing. The CD is completely instrumental and is fantastic.
Most songs are in the neo-classical style, however he adds many other
styles as well. I don't know a whole lot about him, but I do know
that I can't wait for his 2nd release!
Review
of "Borislav Mitic" (Shrapnel) by Chris Jamele, 1999
Rasputin Music
Hailing from the capital of Serbia, this young, up-and-coming guitar
virtuoso makes his solo debut with this self-titled album extraordinaire.
Mitic's obvious influences include Malmsteen, Vai, and Satriani, however,
one can't help but notice the way he tastefully integrates them with
his own style. "Sky Rider" leads off the disc with a neo-classical
frenzy that would please J.S. Bach. While the first couple of tracks
follow in that vein, "Celtic Legends (Parts I & II)"
completely changes the pace with its incredible, Irish-folk melody
played out in semi-distorted notes. Towards the end of the song, Mitic
lets loose with a fast, distorted solo that retains the moody atmosphere
of the track. "Ballade Pour Elle" is a very interesting
piece that brings the album to a mellow, calm-before-the-storm, with
its swing beat and carefully placed arpeggios. Pumping up the tempo,
the fretless bass-flavored, sonata-like "Bird Dance" explodes
with musical humor. Bringing the album to close, the melodic "Fairytale's
End" is a mid-tempo rock ballad with a soaring, guitar lead that
makes you feel Mitic's emotion. Along with the three atmospheric interludes,
this collection of gems already has me in anticipation of his follow-up
album.
Review
of "Borislav Mitic" (Shrapnel) by Jere Haakana, 2000
Haakana
Site
Review by jere haakana, 2000
BORISLAV
MITIC by ...eh, John Smith. This dude was like what an air freshner
is to a gas station wc, to neo classical music. He's influenced
by not only classical, but music from far east, celtic music ( Michael
Flatley should hire him doing that Riverdance stuff ) and other
top notch players such as Satriani. This album opens with a huge
wall of harmonized guitars and heavy drums called Sky Rider. Corny?
Yep but who cares. Hm, actually, you can't call this merely a neo
classical album, there are so much different kinda things included.
Celtic Legends p.II is something I've wanted to do since I heard
some of the traditional Irish music. He beat me to it. Damn. Tired
of the boring harmonic minor crap? Get Borislav's stuff.
Review
of "Borislav Mitic" (Shrapnel) by Eric Harabadian, Winter
2000
Used by permission of Renegade
Yugoslavian guitarist Mitic is a young up and coming "musician"
in the best sense of that word. Primarily self-taught, the twenty-nine
year old Serbian whiz is a master of classical, rock and improvisational
stylings. Combining the tonality of Blackmore, Hendrix or Malmsteen
with the grace and elegance of Bach and Paganini, Borislav is a singular
force to be reckoned with. Backed by a tight and effective bass and
drum team he takes the listener on a journey filled with lush symphonic
textures, multi-cultural delights and grooving ambience. I give this
album one of my highest recommendations!!!
Review of "Borislav Mitic" (Shrapnel) by Francisco
M.-Lebanon,PA
Teen Ink (magazine
written entirely by teens for teens)
Borislav Mitic's self-titled debut is not your typical instrumental
rock guitar collection. Born in Serbia, Mitic has a neo-classical
touch demonstrated in "Waltz of Time," "Sky Rider"
and "Bird Dance," which sound like they could have been
written by Mozart but have a crunching rock guitar aspect to them,
making Mitic's music like no other.
In
addition to the classical influences, there are Indian and Arabic-inspired
pieces, adding to the foreign quality of his music.
With
all the styles on this album, there is one thing that sets Mitic
even farther apart from other instrumental guitarists - he plays
fast.Very fast. In "Bird Dance," he flies up and down
the fretboard with incredible speed to form a fast, smooth flow
virtually unheard of.
On
the album's inside cover, Mitic says, "My desire was to take
the listener on a mystical guitar journey through the diverse world
that I drew my inspiration from." With his shredding guitar work,
classical touch and style, Mitic has created one incredible album.
I purchased it as an experiment with instrumental guitar, and once
I listened to the 13-track CD, I was hooked. It is a little hard to
find (I bought it online) but I guarantee anyone looking for something
different will not be disappointed.
Review
of "Borislav Mitic" (Shrapnel) by Mike Sandomirsky, July
2000
Used by permission of Guitar Mania
Borislav is one of our featured guitarists (read his interview in
this issue) this month!! His CD released on "Shrapnel Records"
is one of my all time favorite instrumental releases - I saw it
fitting to include a review of this instrumental tour de force.
Borislav Mitic is the self-titled debut from a young Serbian guitarist
who offers hard rock blended with classical and cultural musical
influences ranging from Chopin, Mozart, Beethoven and Paganini to
Indian, Celtic, Middle Eastern and Balkan. Mitic states, "My
desire was to take the listener on a mystical guitar journey through
the diverse world that I drew my inspiration from." The CD
features Mitic's melodic, singing guitar style over ten wonderful,
all instrumental tracks full of passion and emotion. Borislav Mitic
will satisfy the enthusiast's craving for new neo-classical guitar.
Mr. Mitic displays an abundence of technique and control mixed with
some very mature song structures. His technique is flawless and
at times reminiesent of Yngwie Malmsteen. What makes Mitic different
than his peers is his unique choice of notes and patterns.
If
you are not already aware of this Guitarists and his music I highly
recommend you run right out and get your hands on this CD!!
Review
of "Borislav Mitic" (Shrapnel) by Fabien Muller, 1999
Guitar Heroes
Borislav nous vient de Belgrade et a ete deniche par sieur Varney
(mais quand prendra t'il sa retraite ?). C'est du neo-classique
instrumental (je precise parceque des fois on a des surprises !)
facon Yngwie Malmsteen ou James Byrd. C'est plutot inspire (donc
deja moins Malmsteen et un peu plus Byrd), et tres influence classique
(il aime bien les traditionnels pedal-notes).
La
technique est impressionnante (mais vu le genre vaut mieux), et
on est pas decu. Qui plus est, surprise (!), le disque vieillit
bien, ca fait plus d'un mois que je l'ecoute et je l'aime toujours
(enfin bon, en musique d'ambiance voire de fond, mais de qualite).
Certains morceaux sont assez enchanteurs ("Celtic Legends",
"Ballade pour elle"). On lui souhaite d'avoir echapper
aux bombes pour pouvoir continuer a nous regaler (si Mike lui permet
de sortir un nouveau disque).
Review
of "Borislav Mitic" (Shrapnel) by Jerome Long, May 2001
Crazy-Shred
Alors là je dois dire que c'est mon nouveau coup de cœur.
Et oui Borislav Mitic est un guitariste qui nous vient de Yougoslavie
et qui est à mon goût le meilleur guitariste apparut
sur la scène ces derniers temps. Son style est assez ancré
dans le néoclassique mais pas que ça. Ses influences
sont très variées puisqu’on retrouve des influences
de la musique des Balkans, de la musique Celtique et Indienne et enfin
Classique bien sûr. Il est clair que ce sont en partie toutes
ces influences ethniques qui donne ce charme si particulier à
l'album. Les 13 titres de l'album sont somptueux, magnifiques. Du
très néoclassique "Sky Rider" à "Fairytale's
end" en passant par l'enchanteur "Ballade Pour Elle",
on est scotché par autant de virtuosité et de feeling.
Chaque morceau est composé d'une manière admirable.
Franchement il fallait quand même le faire un titre celtique
dans un album de gratte avec "Celtic Legends". Ce titre
est tout simplement magique, il ne manque plus que les cornemuses
pour se croire en Irlande. Les influences indiennes se font nettement
sentir sur "Southern Wind" (à noter pour ce titre
le rythme exceptionnel). Quant aux influences slaves, elles sont très
présentes comme sur le très endiablé "Bird
Dance" qui me fait penser aux chansons du folklore slave où
encore dans "Chasing a Dream" notamment grâce à
l'utilisation des chromatismes. Bon j'arrête là sinon
demain j'y suis encore. En résumé je dirais que ce sont
plus de 50min de pure bonheur.
Review
of "Borislav Mitic" (Shrapnel) by Branko Rogosic, REX No20,
July 2000
Rock Express
Magazine
Beogradski Malmsteen snimio album za Shrapnel Records
Borko Mitic osvaja Ameriku
Najtalentovaniji
YU gitarista nezadovoljan statusom u domovini iselio se u Kanadu
i americkoj publici ponudio svoje gitarsko umece. Ljudi iz Shrapnel
Recordsa su mu oduševljeno ponudili ugovor za 4 albuma, uz
opasku "Covece, pa gde si ti bio sve ove godine"!
"…Tu
nema Boga, nema pravde / zato i odlazim odavde…" - pevao
je svojevremeno Borisav Ðordevic. Uz mnoge mlade Jugoslovene,
ovu formulu je primenio i Borislav Mitic - Borko, jedan od najboljih
YU gitarista, i srecu potražio u Montrealu.
Borko
je vec 15-ak godina poznato ime u beogradskim gitarskim krugovima.
Još kao 15-godišnji momak (tada su ga zvali "mali
Borko") važio je za najboljeg gitaristu mlade garde. Odrastajuci
na muzici Malmsteena/Vai-a/Satrianija ovaj, uz Stefana Milenkovica,
jedini YU muzicki vunderkind gradio je sopstveni izraz kojim je
vrlo brzo osvojio sve prave poznavaoce rock muzike. No, kako to
kod nas biva u izdavackim kucama najcešce sede oni drugi, koji
muziku niti vole niti razumeju i sve gledaju kroz prizmu novca.
Borko na album prvenac (Fantasy - ITMM) ceka veoma dugo, no i posle
izdavanja situacija se ne menja. Diskografska kuca nije na odgovarajuci
nacin ispratila i promovisala izdanje i Borkov moderan heavy, inspirisan
klasicnom muzikom ne uspeva da probije barijere ucaurenog muzickog
establišmenta i dopre do šireg slušalaštva.
Sledi ucešce (sa pesmom Forever) na instrumentalnoj kompilaciji
"Okean - Instrumental forces", i to je sve.
U
društvu najboljih
Shvatajuci da dok god u ovoj zemlji vladaju Politicki Bogovi, Gitarski
Bogovi tu nemaju šta da traže, Borko pakuje gitaru i kofere
i krece u Kanadu. U Montrealu u rekordnom roku snima demo trake koje
šalje na adresu Shrapnel Records, najpoznatije i najjace izdavacke
kuce specijalizovane za gitarsku muziku. Da vas podsetimo, za Shrapnel
snimaju: Malmsteen, Stu Hamm, Greg Howe, Vinnie Moore, Glen Hughes,
Larry Coryel… (hocete još? dobro) …Ritchie Kotzen,
Marty Friedman, Paul Gilbert… (još? O.K.) …Tony McAlpine,
Scott Henderson, Frank Gambale… i Borislav Mitic! Znaci Borko
se našao u društvu najboljih - gde mu je sasvim sigurno
i mesto.
Da na "trulom" zapadu kvalitet uvek prolazi (za razliku
od domaceg tržišta gde pale jedino Poznanstvo, Mito &
Korupcija), dokaz je i prica o potpisivanju ugovora sa Shrapnelom.
Borko je uradio snimke, ubacio ih u koverat i poslao na adresu ove
izdavacke kuce. Par meseci kasnije stigao je odgovor od Mike Varney-a
- "Covece, gde si bio sve ove godine!". Mike (koji je ko-producirao
Borkov album) je covek koji je otkrio mnoge gitarske zvezde, ukljucujuci
i Yngwie Malmsteena - toliko o njegovom poznavanju muzike i "biznis
njuhu".
Ostvarenje
snova
Izdavac je ponudio ugovor za 4 albuma (od koji ce naredni biti i vokalni)
i Borko je, naravno, prihvatio (a ko ne bi?!). Ubrzo je izašao
i self-titled album sa 10 novih instrumentalnih kompozicija. Projekat
je izazvao veliku pažnju americke i japanske publike & kritike,
dokazujuci da je Borko na pravom putu. U snimanju su ucestvovali Jacques
Roy (bas) i Marc Boneau (bubnjevi), a kuriozitet je da je basic tracks
(ritam podloga) snimana odjednom i uživo - da bi se dobio "življi"
vajb. Mitic je gitarske deonice snimio iz par tejkova, a vecina solo
deonica je improvizovana u studiju.
Za razliku od ranijih radova, pored klasike ovaj put se primecuju
i uticaji keltske, indijske, balkanske i blisko-istocne muzike. Kroz
54 minuta muzike (koliko CD traje) Mitic je uspeo da sve svoje kvalitete
adekvatno predstavi zahtevnom svetskom tržištu. Po artikulaciji,
brzini i preciznosti Borkova svirka staje rame uz rame sa najboljim
shred ostvarenjima snimljenim u ovoj dekadi. Ton je fantastican: u
baladnim pesmama približava se neprevazidjenom Eric Johnsonu,
a u "rokacinama" Satrianiju.
Vetrovi
sa juga
Iako se radi o kompaktnoj celini, ipak se izdvajaju pojedine kompozicije:
Mystic (part I & II) - Borkov licni favorit, koja na specifican
nacin istražuje srsko muzicko nasledje i po ideji, tonu i pasažnim
rešenjima "miriše" na R.M. Tocka, Chasing a Dream
- satrianeskna i poletna gitarska himna, ultra-brza Bird Dance sa
vlaškim i južno-srbijanskim motivima i produkcijski najbolje
rešena Celtic Legends, koja keltske muzicke idiome kombinuje
sa AOR arpedjom. Prava je šteta što u ovoj pesmi nije snimljen
i vokal (nikad nije kasno?!) jer ima potencijale stadionskog hita.
Album je nemoguce oceniti jer po svemu prevazilazi aktuelne domace
standarde, a reci poput SJAJNO i FENOMENALNO nedovoljne su da adekvatno
opišu 10 snimljenih numera.
Borko ce u Americi nastupati pod krštenim imenom Borislav Mitic,
i kako nam je rekao, nije bilo nikakvih pritisaka ili preporuka da
ime promeni ili barem amerikanizuje. Još jedan dokaz da svet
ne mrzi Srbe, vec samo najgore od nas. Za najbolje ce vrata slave
i svetskog uspeha uvek biti otvorena, pa zvali se oni Divac, Mihajlovic,
Milenkovic ili Mitic.
Review
of "Borislav Mitic" (Shrapnel) by Marco Magin, 1999
Break Out Magazine
Der in Belgrad geborene Gitarrist Borislav Mitic, nun schon seit Jahren
in Kanada lebend, veröffentlicht hier sein erstes Werk, das schon
in den USA über das Mike Varney-Label Shrapnel und nun auch in
Japan erhältlich ist. Das rein instrumentale Album kombiniert
Gitarren-Rock à la Yngwie Malmsteen, Vinnie Moore und Konsorten
mit klassischen Meistern wie Händel oder Bach. Allen, die auf
diese Art Musik stehen, kann dieses Opus nur ans Herz gelegt werden.
Kontaktaufnahme unter: Borislav Mitic, P.O. Box 832 Station H, Montreal
(Québec), H3G 2M8, Canada.
Copyright
by BREAK OUT und Marco Magin
