Cheap Maximum Security (Music) (Tony Macalpine) Price

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Customer Reviews of Maximum Security

Classic instrumental guitar
1987 saw the release of arguably the finest neo-classical album ever recorded, and certainly the high point of MacAlpine's career. Amazingly, Tony exhibited even greater command over technique on Maximum Security than on the debut, Edge of Insanity, and his melodies were even more memorable. More geared towards classical -- the first album having experimented with fusion as well -- Maximum Security is neo-classical metal at its best.

The arrangements on Maximum Security demonstrate MacAlpine's inherent musical awareness and knowledge of complex musical structures. Take, for instance, the opening number 'Autumn Lords'. With the urgent counterpoint of guitar and keyboard and a powerful main melody, it makes for intensive listening. Technique is represented throughout as a complement to composition, not as an isolated commodity. Check out the evocative 'Tears of Sahara' (which features George Lynch's melodic contribution) or 'The Time and the Test'. Not only is the latter one of his strongest pieces, but it also contains some of his most jaw-dropping playing.

Other highlights include the classically-inspired 'The King's Cup' (with impressive leads from Night Ranger's Jeff Watson); the nostalgic 'Sacred Wonder'; and the furiously paced 'Hundreds and Thousands', which gives the guitarist licence to pull off almost every guitar trick in the book, all at blinding speed and with great dexterity.

As a whole, Maximum Security reflects those qualities highly valued in instrumental albums: drama, tension, melody and technical expertise. With this record MacAlpine recorded an exercise in cohesive perfection, one which he would never again be able to emulate.

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So what?
When I was an aspiring guitarist in my teens I pretty much looked solely to speed merchants for inspiration. A short while after I moved on as my tastes grew more diverse. Recently, I've dug up some of my old shred albums, including this one. Unfortunately they don't stand the test of time that well, particularly the neo-classical noodlings of Malmsteen, Moore and MacAlpine. In fact they sound downright one dimensional and unmemorable compared to great players from other genres. I've chosen to comment on 'Maximum Security' as it's regarded by most fans as TM's best neo-classical album . Gifted technician as TM is, I'm afraid he's the type of shredder that provokes the 'So what?' view from non-guitar freaks. I will admit his CAB work is more interesting although he's occasionally prone to throwing in shreds of metal.

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Top notch composer and performer
This is guitar playing at its best. If you're new to Tony MacAlpine, he's a classical-influenced guitar player somewhat in the vein of Yngwie Malmsteen, but he is no clone; these songs tend to be meticulously arranged, as opposed to improvisational explosions. (His style is different on later albums, I'm speaking of this album here).

I originally became introduced to MacAlpine through Edge of Insanity in the 80's, but I didn't keep up with him and didn't even know he had more instrumental albums. Only in the last few years did I even note he was still cranking them out. I saw it, and I thought to myself "Hmm, I wonder if this is as good as the other one I have?" Well, yes Virginia it is, if not better.

Listening to this album, most of the songs grow on you, but the one that stood out to me right away was "Hundreds of Thousands". After listening to it I felt like I just got off the craziest high speed roller coaster, my face red, hair blown back, and barely able to stand.

Yngwie's first album was a masterpiece, but he never followed it up with anything similar. Tony doesn't quit, the wealth of excellent instrumental work this man has done is second only to Joe Satriani.

If you love this album, check out Edge of Insanity. Also consider Evolution and Premonition, which are a somewhat more modern style, but also very good.