Band : James Byrd’s Atlantis Rising
Album title : Beyond The Pillars
Label : Lion Music
Distributor : Bertus
Release Date : 15/07/2011
Release : CD

Although the origins of the songs on this album date from 1987, they have a fresh sound.  We should call ourselves lucky that Lion Music has made the effort to release this album, because had it not been for them we might never have heard these fine songs, as they were gathering dust in the archives of Freddy Krumins.

Both Freddy Krumins and James Byrd are known from their work with Fifth Angel. When both artists left the band in 1987, they started writing, and recording most of  this material, while some songs were originally intended for the second Fifth Angel album.

Fans of James Byrd will know 7 of the track titles, as they also featured on James Byrd’s solo debut album, but on that album they were played in another version.
What we get here is hard rock, with a metal edge.  As a matter of fact upon hearing this album I immediately thought back to those days when we were regularly reward with a new US Metal compilation album, albums that were ideal to get to know some unearthed gems that would sometimes later on become very successful, or were never heard of again. The sound of the album is peculiar, and there’s a good reason for that.  These songs were recorded in a mobile studio, played live, but with no audience, which created a kind of echo. 
Needless to say that Mr. Byrd  is a fine guitarist.  He’s proven that over the years, and this album is once again a statement of his talents.  But don’t overlook Mr. Krumins vocal performance.  He may not have the most powerful of voices but both in highs and lows he stands his ground.

Fans of James Byrd should not hesitate and buy this album, but Malmsteen fans also might give it a try, because Byrd’s way of playing has many similarities to Mr. Malmsteen’s.

90/100

Erik Morren.