Baltimore’s rock guitar maestro, Eric Hall – known to fans simply as EH – returns to the stage with his scorching new album ‘Higher and Higher’. A celebration of heavy riffs, searing solos, and a dedication to the purity of rock ‘n’ roll, this album is a defining statement of EH’s enduring musical vision and ferocious guitar prowess. An opus of seven carefully curated tracks, it thrusts listeners into a whirlwind of thunderous soundscapes, nostalgic riffs, and transcendent vocals, all executed with impeccable craftsmanship.
Opening with the title track, “Higher and Higher,” EH wastes no time in igniting a sonic explosion. It’s a triumphant anthem anchored by the powerhouse vocals of Tanya Venom from Stormstress, whose commanding presence elevates the piece into a stratosphere where rock meets metal. Venom’s voice roars with an uncontainable energy, declaring, “I’ve got to rise higher and higher. I’ve got to do more than ever before,” over a ferocious backdrop of crunching guitar rhythms, explosive bass, and precision drumming. The track’s architecture draws from the anthemic legacy of Judas Priest and the soulful edge of Heart, showcasing a finely balanced amalgamation of heavy yet melodic influences. Mariano’s mixing and mastering give the song a polished yet visceral feel, capturing EH’s guitar wizardry in high fidelity.
Pulled from EH’s own vaults and originally recorded in 2014, “Steady Progression” is a relentless display of his signature axe-wielding finesse. It’s a hurricane of bone-crushing riffs, blistering solos, and pounding rhythms that weave a hypnotic instrumental tapestry. Each guitar phrase serves as a testament to EH’s meticulous dedication to tone and technique, keeping listeners hooked as he traverses complex progressions with ease. Mariano’s mastering injects fresh life into this archive gem, ensuring the raw energy of EH’s playing remains intact and timeless.
“Imposing” lives up to its name with a colossal wall of sound that commands attention from the first note. This chugging instrumental, mixed by the experienced Sam Koop—whose credits boast work with legends like Iron Maiden, Michael Bublé and Biffy Clyro—serves as a cauldron of molten riffs and euphoric guitar pyrotechnics. EH’s mastery shines through with riffs that bulldoze their way into the listener’s psyche, while deft soloing cuts through with surgical precision. The song captures the essence of rock’s raw power and refuses to let up, delivering a heart-pounding experience that’s equal parts brute force and dazzling complexity.
Featuring the extraordinary keyboard work of Ronaldo Rodrigues, “See Through Behavior” merges EH’s incendiary guitar lines with sweeping, atmospheric keys. This track unfolds like a cinematic journey, where EH and Rodrigues engage in a masterful call-and-response dynamic. EH’s guitar sizzles with electrifying phrasing, while Rodrigues fills the spaces with lush, textured harmonics, creating an auditory feast of epic proportions. It’s a symphony of rock and progressive elements that captivates from start to finish, masterfully mixed and mastered by Mariano to highlight every subtle nuance of this adrenaline-soaked collaboration.
Also hailing from 2014, “From There to There” serves up an irresistible blend of classic rock and metal nostalgia. It’s a track that pays homage to the greats while showcasing EH’s distinct touch, layering thunderous grooves with melodic precision. The relentless rhythm section propels the piece forward, inviting listeners to lose themselves in a timeless headbanging experience. Mariano’s work on the mixing and mastering front ensures that the old-school grit of the track stands strong, delivering a sonic punch that feels as relevant today as it did a decade ago.
In “That’s Right,” EH unleashes an avalanche of guitar mayhem. It’s a no-holds-barred instrumental romp where his riffs, solos, and shredding cascade with unrelenting intensity. This track, mixed by Ankha Nel – an industry veteran with Multi-Platinum and Gold accolades—captures the raw and unbridled essence of rock. Nel’s expertise in engineering ensures that every note from EH’s guitar slices through the mix, leaving listeners in awe of his technical virtuosity. It’s a guitar lover’s paradise, designed to batter the senses into gleeful submission.
Closing out the album in epic style is “Ready to Rock,” an anthem that embodies the timeless spirit of rock music. Featuring the vocal dynamism of Scott Foster Harris, former LA Guns frontman, this track is a full-throttle tribute to the power of pure, unfiltered rock ‘n’ roll. Harris’ voice rides the wave of EH’s powerhouse riffs, delivering an unforgettable performance that will have crowds chanting in unison. Mixed by Ankha Nel, the song’s production captures the vintage magic of classic rock while infusing it with a modern edge, making for an unforgettable climax.
‘Higher and Higher’ stands as a monolithic achievement, showcasing EH’s ability to blend technical proficiency with soul-stirring emotion. His guitar playing is both audacious and artful, making this album a must-hear for any rock or metal aficionado. With contributions from world-class vocalists and seasoned engineers, EH ensures that every track is a testament to the enduring spirit of rock music. It’s an album that not only embraces the past but pushes forward, inspiring a new generation to keep the fire of rock burning brightly. In an era where technology dominates, EH reminds us that the power of a well-played guitar still reigns supreme. ‘Higher and Higher’ is more than just an album; it’s a rallying cry for rock’s indomitable future.
OFFICIAL LINKS:
https://www.reverbnation.com/ehrocks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fh6pBpQPYFQ
