Lion Music is building a truly spectacular roster of innovative artists. The label has to be praised for consistently seeking out projects and musicians of exceptional quality and calibre. Recent months have seen some spectacular music coming out of this Finnish label. With “Return To Metalopolis Live” Lion Music have come up with a real find with the only known live moments on tape from the short-lived 1991 tour in support of the classic “Return To Metalopolis” by Chris Poland.” Return To Metalopolis” came out in 1987 and is a true classic in its genre. If you are a hard rock guitarist and haven’t got this in your collection get straight onto your music retailer and order it. Guitar instrumental nirvana awaits your ears. Trust me. 

The “live” release is on paper relatively short at thirty-seven minutes and features just eight tracks. Don’t let this put you off as what you get is six scorching live numbers and two studio demo outtakes from past years and an enhanced video of a live performance of the killer track “Alexandria”. The album opens with Chris asking “can we get some water up here. It sure is mighty hot in Phoenix”. He has probably been setting the place on fire with his incendiary licks. If the saying “groove or die” was taken literally one could say Chris Poland will live forever as he positively cooks on the opening track “Return To Metalopolis”. His tight riffing is so on the nose it’s scary and the modern metal and almost thrash like rhythms of his earlier employer, Megadeth are plain to hear. His soloing slithers and shifts with exotic phrases and harmonies and one is instantly reminded why Chris has such a loyal following of “guitar heads”. 

“Wake Up Dead” is a dark and frenzied rhythm workout. Drums and guitar lock horns and create unrelenting surging bedrock. Chris sings on this track and being honest he’s no Paul Rodgers but somehow his snarling vocals fit the song perfectly. The soloing on this number is stunningly creative. If there were a genre for blues/thrash Chris would have it all to himself. “Khazad Dum” is dark and menacing and once again demonstrates a guitar player with a great individual and original approach to soloing. This song demonstrates great arranging and composition. No one was doing it like Chris then and no one has done it like this since. The final moments of this song show Chris is no slouch when it comes to straight ahead rock blues playing along side his metal chops. “Psycho Boy” is another demonstration of inventive composition. If you want to get your rhythm playing and chordal picking tightened up play along with this track and you will be a cooler player in no time. There is a truly “wailing” solo at the end of this song and one has to keep reminding yourself this was 1991. “Nightmare Hall” is more aggressive rhythmic playing tempered with some original melodic lines. This track shows a hard rock trio in full and glorious flight. The final live track “Theatre Of The Damned” opens in spine tingling style. Cries of anguish are pulled from the guitar as Chris launches into one of his most dark but epic songs. Chris pulls all the stops out on this number with focused riffing and inventive and original soloing phrases.

It is truly a case of listen and learn from a master. “Pandora” is an unreleased studio outtake. It is supremely melodic using unusual harmonies but also shows a very restrained Chris Poland. Those hoping to hear some crazy soloing will be a little disappointed but those who enjoy listening to really intelligent and effective composition will love it. It’s pretty and yet dark at the same time. “Tin Man” is for this reviewer what could be described as the very tasty icing on this guitar rock release. This track brought to mind both Eric Johnson and Jeff Beck. It’s a gorgeous melodic rock workout and sounds optimistic and inspiring. If one listens carefully you will hear a very short snippet from the Tin Mans song “If I Only Had A Heart” from the Wizard Of Oz. I could listen to this track for hours, come to think of it I have. The “Alexandria” enhanced video is interesting and a nice touch. It’s basic and for those looking for close ups of the great man in action I’m sorry to say you don’t get em’. It’s all a bit dark and you don’t see much of Chris but what you do get is a marvelous performance of one of his classics.

Considering this was recorded in 1991 the sound is remarkable. There are a few moments where there is some flutter and deterioration (Wake Up Dead) but it’s so minimal that unless your ears are glued to your stereo you’ll probably not hear it. For Chris Poland Fans this release is a must, it reaffirms why he is held in such high regard. For listeners new to Chris Poland I would say seek out the studio release of “Return To Metalopolis” first and if you like his style dive in and pick up this new “live” release.

Let us know your views on Return To Metalopolis Live

Track Listing

Return To Metalopolis
Wake Up Dead
Khazad Dûm
Pyscho Boy
Nightmare Hall
Theatre Of The Damned
Pandora
Tin Man
Alexandria (live enhanced video)

Line Up

Chris Poland – Guitar
Dave Randi – Bass/Vocals
Mark Poland – Drums
Dave Eagle – Drums
Robby Pagliari – Bass