Baltimore’s own six-string sorcerer, EH, storms back into the hard rock and metal scene with ‘Parts’, a seven-song juggernaut that redefines what it means to pay tribute to one’s past while blazing new trails into the future. Seamlessly blending reimagined recordings from his early days in the 1980s with fresh, contemporary material, EH’s latest release is a compelling testament to his passion, technical evolution, and unwavering dedication to his craft. The album, meticulously mixed and mastered by Mariano of Sonic Synthesis Studio, serves as both a historical archive and a forward-looking sonic statement, appealing to metal aficionados and audiophiles alike.
The album launches with a thundering, full-bodied re-recording of “Protectors,” a track that immediately sets the tone for the musical journey that lies ahead. As the opening riff bursts forth, listeners are enveloped in a world of blistering guitar lines and commanding, chugging rhythms. EH’s technical prowess is undeniable; his fretwork dances between furious shred passages and melodic flourishes, offering a rich, layered experience that showcases his evolution as a guitarist. The re-recorded version feels muscular and mature, as though every note carries the weight of EH’s decades-long mastery.
But the surprises don’t stop there. Directly following this modern reinvention, EH gifts listeners a time capsule with the original cassette recording of “Protectors (Cassette Recording 1981).” Hearing the unpolished, youthful version is an electrifying experience, transporting us back to the days when EH and his drummer, both just fourteen years old, were making their first indelible marks on the genre. The raw, angular energy of the original track, with its brash guitar tones and bombastic rhythms, is a thrilling reminder of how potent teenage ambition can be. By pairing these two versions back-to-back, EH invites us to reflect on his journey—how he’s grown, yet never lost the primal drive that made him a force to be reckoned with.
“It’s really a neat thing to have all of those recordings through the years and be able to revisit them and present them in an upgraded fashion today,” EH muses. His words reflect not only pride in his past but a sense of fulfillment in how he’s managed to keep that early spirit alive while refining his art.
As ‘Parts’ unfolds, the remastered version of “Sands of Time” takes center stage. Ankha Nel, a renowned sound engineer, has worked her magic on this track, and the results are nothing short of breathtaking. What was once a potent, if somewhat rough-around-the-edges, song has been elevated to a higher plane. Each instrument finds its rightful place in a beefy mix, where the interplay between the guitar, bass, and drums creates a lush, almost cinematic soundscape. EH’s signature guitar solos gleam with newfound clarity, their fluidity accentuated by Nel’s expert touch.
This reimagined “Sands of Time” proves how remastering, when done thoughtfully, can breathe new life into a beloved composition. It’s not merely about polishing the surface; it’s about giving each element the space to resonate, to tell its story with newfound vibrancy. The song’s sense of urgency and drama remains intact, but now it comes wrapped in a package that makes every note more impactful.
The album’s title track, “Parts,” offers yet another dual experience, capturing the essence of EH’s career-long balancing act between the raw and the refined. The modern rendition of “Parts” is a behemoth of a recording, dripping with heavy, multi-layered guitar arrangements that command attention. Ronaldo Rodrigues’ contributions on synthesizer bring a new dimension to the track, weaving in atmospheric textures that push the song beyond traditional hard rock boundaries. It’s a piece that feels urgent, expansive, and undeniably heavy, with a relentless rhythm section that drives the song forward like a battering ram.
Following this, listeners are treated to the original 1981 cassette recording of “Parts,” a brash and wild performance that captures the untamed energy of EH’s teenage years. The contrast between these two versions is stark yet deeply rewarding. On one hand, you have the mature, polished version with its monumental sound and complex arrangements; on the other, there’s the raw, unfiltered energy of a young guitarist exploring the boundaries of his craft. Together, they paint a vivid picture of growth, illustrating how time and technology have transformed EH’s approach without diluting the essence of his musical voice.
As ‘Parts’ enters its final act, EH introduces an entirely new track, “Strengthen,” a masterclass in contemporary metal songwriting. This song hits hard from the first note, with a relentless barrage of guitars, pounding basslines, and explosive drum fills that showcase the band’s tight, muscular performance. The production here is immaculate, capturing the full force of EH’s modern sound while allowing each instrument to shine.
“Strengthen” feels like the ultimate culmination of everything EH has learned over the years: a perfect storm of technical wizardry, melodic sensibility, and raw, visceral power. It’s a song that could easily stand alongside the great anthems of modern metal, yet it’s distinctly EH, infused with his unmistakable flair and attention to detail. This track is the perfect embodiment of the album’s title, suggesting that every step in EH’s journey has, indeed, fortified his creative muscles.
The album closes with “Momentum,” a single mixed by Ankha Nel that features Ronaldo Rodrigues’ masterful work on the Mellotron and synthesizers. This track is a sonic adventure, where lush, layered soundscapes meet blistering guitar solos to create a feeling of forward motion, as though EH is leading us into the future of heavy music. The Mellotron adds a touch of vintage warmth, contrasting beautifully with the hard-hitting modern production.
“Momentum” is more than just a closing statement; it’s a declaration of intent. EH shows no signs of slowing down or resting on his laurels. Instead, he’s pushing forward, experimenting with new sounds and textures while staying true to the hard rock and metal roots that have always defined him. The track’s triumphant feel leaves listeners exhilarated, and perhaps even a bit in awe of the journey they’ve just experienced.
In ‘Parts’, EH offers more than just a collection of songs. He presents an immersive narrative of growth, resilience, and the boundless potential of musical reinvention. From the raw, visceral recordings of a teenage EH exploring his craft with unabashed intensity to the sophisticated, multi-dimensional soundscapes of today, ‘Parts’ is a masterful encapsulation of a life lived in service to the electric guitar.
The differences between the 1981 recordings and the new material highlight how far EH has come. Where the early songs are angular and brash, capturing a youthful hunger for expression, the modern recordings are full, heavy, and sophisticated. The advanced audio technology and mature arrangements create a lush listening experience, yet the fiery heart of EH’s music remains unchanged. His guitar wizardry ties the album together, creating a cohesive sound that transcends decades.
‘Parts’ is a call to join EH on a journey through time, to witness the evolution of a guitarist who has never stopped chasing perfection, even as he honors the reckless spirit of his past. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to EH’s world, this album promises to be a feast for the ears and a profound testament to the transformative power of music.
OFFICIAL LINKS:
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-708584802
Reverbnation: https://www.reverbnation.com/ehrocks
