Sandcastle

by Ivan Mihaljevic

Band Members:

Ivan Mihaljevic - Guitar / Vocals / Keyboards

Majkl Jagunic - Bass

Craig Devine - Drums

In 1986 a new guitar legend was born in Croatia. Ivan Mihaljevic recorded this 14 track album, Sandcastle, in 2008. He has played Wacken and even teaches a master guitar class. Currently, he plays with Croation band Hard Time. Let us now indulge in this CD and discover the guitar mastery for ourselves.

Sandcastle - A most impressive entrance into the album with a fierce guitar lead. In fact, this track is filled with them and I've a feeling this whole album will be too. As tempted as I am to create the socially accepted one paragraph review, I'm going to soldier on and try my hardest to not repeat my words. And those words being, "This is truly kick arse guitar!" And yes, the backing music is great too! It carries their lead guitar well.

Cascading Mirrors - The musical structure maintains an emotional flow for the guitar to lose itself in. The listener too can lose themselves within this track. Where its predecessor truly highlight the guitar and the guitar alone in an overwhelming display if lead tactics, this one is more emotionally sound based. This is the longest track off the album at 06:26 and it feels like it just goes on forever but that's ok because your mind is soaring.

Distant World - A slowed musical pace sets the scene for this track. We are even blessed with a startling appearance of vocals! This one tends to have an 80's metal influence vocally. I like the scratchy vocal yells and there is even a sweet double kick drum spurt in here. Good track!

Bulldozer - A truck's ignition leads us into this track. The music is not quite as crushing as one may have expected from such a title. Though, at 02:15 the lead kicks in. Alas, it is short lived and goes back into the sounds of hard work. I should note the recording of this CD is brilliant and presents much clarity and a perfect balance of instruments. Guest appearance from John Denner on guitar.

Questions In My Mind (Part I) - In here you will find more magnificent guitar leads and even some more vocals. This would make a fantastic album for folk to try their hardest at playing along to, guitar wise. As these leads are the kinds of leads one imagines though never actually manages to thrash out.

Hi-Tech Orient - Here we have a track to throw you completely out of your thoughts as to how this album may progress. It is filled with digital samples in every aspect. It is a true representation of its title. Not my thing though I think it is perhaps a bit of a 'take the piss' type track.

Questions In My Mind (Part II) - Emotionally driven and slow paced. This one is acoustic and provides vocals. The vocals are executed well and tend to present a smooth delivery each and every time. A nice, mellow track.

Spring - Here we have the shortest track off the album at 02:16 which begins with a cowboy style holler. It is, I believe, a rendition of a classical piece by Vivaldi.

Empathy - A deceiving introduction into this track with a slow paced acoustic melody which soon becomes a rhythmic lead. The drums create a beat to follow whilst the rhythm guitars guide you through its story. This does of course harbour another good lead. Guest appearance from Igor Tatarevic on Harpischord and Taher Sanuri on Vocals.

Macedonion War Song - I wouldn't have a clue whether this is based on some sort of traditional Macedonian song or not. However, I can tell you that this is filled with some sinister guitar leads.

Friend - A melancholic, acoustic piece with strings and vocals which are soon accompanied by some digitally enhanced samples and a heavier, electric musical backing.

Shimmering Karma - This track has a combination of both acoustic and electric guitar pieces. There is also some flute within here amidst a whole lot of lead.

The Road To Nowhere - This track emanates a personal struggle being egged on by others. It fuels the inner stress and envelops an implosion. It is a good track and one of the better as a listener. The guitar lead filled songs would be more appreciated when viewed live. As only then one can truly grasp the intensity of all that picking.

Raindrops - The ambient sound of rain guides us into this last track accompanied by a melodic acoustic guitar and piano. It ends as it began with the sound of rain. Guest appearance from Igor Tatarevic on keyboards.

In essence, this CD is a guitarists dream. It is filled with insane guitar leads. It is in that respect which makes this a very metal album. However, it isn't filled with metal music. There are a lot of slow paced tunes which I would have to in turn class this as hard rock yet a fantastic demonstration of Ivan's abilities. If you are eager to learn guitar or are even a player now, then this is worth a listen. In here you will find some amazing riffs and for those most appreciative of that should definitely give it a listen. This is very much like a Steve Vai thing but I was able to handle listening to this album.

The package presented to me consisted of the CD, a thorough contact information sheet, a one page bio and a copy of an interview all contained in a plastic sleeve. The CD cover bares a castle under a greyed sky. The CD itself has what seems to be either rough, yet majestic seas or turbulent skies printed upon it. Within the sleeve is a picture of Ivan himself and to the right is a detailed list of guest musicians and thanks. It is on the very back of the CD you will find the track list. There are no lyrics to follow, which is a shame, and the one thing lacking from this album.

The bio details a list of band ventures gone astray and I suspect such mastery may be to blame as no one likes to be out performed. So then where does such a person fit in? Do we place all these gifted musicians into a room and hope the brilliance doesn't clash and can create the ultimate metal band? Or do we simply let these gifts go to waste? I say fuck all those egotistical maniacs that can't handle the gifted. Out do them all and be your best at all times! Basically, I am in awe of Ivan's abilities and can only ever dream of possessing such brilliance with a guitar. I would classify him as a guitar god! Do yourself a favour and get yourself a copy and lose yourself in the talent.

ivan mihaljevic