BOB KATSIONIS - Imaginary Force

Lion Music

Posted: 10/16/04

Reviewed by: Dirt

Category: Instrumental Progressive Metal

Released: 2004

Label URL: www.lionmusic.com

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Bob Katsionis is a keyboardist/guitarist/composer from Greece.  He began playing keyboards when he was ten years old.  His exposure to Dream Theater’s Kevin Moore, Rising Force’s Jens Johansson, and ELP’s Keith Emerson gave Katsionis a direction and shaped his improvisational skills.  He also picked up the guitar at age fourteen.  Within a few years, Katsionis beganplaying keyboards for various bands in Greece, opening for the likes of Slayer, Saxon, Blind Guardian, Rage and Kreator.  Since that time, he has played and recorded with Nightfall and performed with Firewind.  He also has a diploma in classical organ, theory, classical harmony and the history of music.

So Katsionis clearly has the goods, but is his music a learning experience or a listening experience?  Well, to me the most important thing is – can I identify with it?  Or do I feel like I being overwhelmed with theo ry and technique?  In the case of Imaginary Force, Bob Katsionis delivers high quality musicianship within a structure that can be enjoyed by the non-musician.  While listeners will certainly marvel at his chops, Katsionis’ songwriting is the thing that will keep your attention.  There are enough refrains throughout to make these definitive songs.  Additionally, there is a lot of variety as well.

Top Tracks:

“Imaginary Force” – a frantic guitar/keyboard/drumming speedfest!

“Is It Me Or The Weather?” – a Joe Satriani inspired song that is a departure from the ‘metal’ feel of the rest of the record

“March Of The Spirits” – a bouncy commercial keyboard sound with power metal guitar in the background, and some 70s Hammond organ that’s utterly cool

“Galaxy” – an epic with majestic keys

“Sudden Death” – a completely different vibe – dark and chunky with some 70s organ that breaks the disc up nicely

The Bloody Truth:

I’m not a huge fan of instrumental albums but this is some high quality material.  If you like keyboard/guitar duals, then you’ll enjoy Imaginary Force.  Prog-heads will also want to give this a listen.  We will certainly be hearing more from Bob Katsionis in the future.