Guitarz Forever

Dario Lorina CD Review
Shrapnel Records
2013

CD Review by Scott Thomas

Dario Lorina, a young guitarist who has been making waves in the music industry over the last several years. At the ripe old age of 16, he was recognized for his passion and what some may call exceptional talent, and began touring with multi-platinum songwriter and Warrant front man, the late great Jani Lane. During that time, Dario strongly created a reputation and name for himself as a player and gained the respect of many which has given him the opportunity to play with various notable artists. He has been touring consistently throughout the USA and Europe since 2006.

“Dario Lorina, playing it the way it should be played”… ~ Jani Lane (Warrant)

What is this? Wow!!! The first tune flying off this CD is a cacophony of articulately played harpsichord “tickle me” notes colorfully streaming past my brain at break-neck speed. Boy Oh Boy… Is this just a taste of things to come or what? This exciting pyrotechnic guitar track “Demon Rum” is just what the Doctor ordered to loosen up those ol’ brain cells. This is lubrication for the musical mind, a truly instrumental volcanic guitar showcase. I’m strapping in and buckling-up tight for what I think is about to come…

In 2006 Dario was featured in an instructional video entitled “Rock Begins” which was targeted towards a younger audience and taught the basics of rock guitar. He’s received attention from major companies, USA and abroad, with such endorsers as Marshall Amps, Coffin Case, Crafter USA, Snap Jack Cables, Sfarzo Strings, Handwired Effects, PikCard and the European guitar company, LAG who has since invited him to the annual Musikmesse fair in Frankfurt, Germany for the past several years to work with the company on promoting their guitars. Dario has been featured in Guitar Player Magazine and Europe’s Guitare Xtreme Magazine.

Instrumental track number two “Pipe Dreams” is a reminiscing vibe full of spirited animation, quintessence emotion, and of course, virtuoso guitar playing. This is a very modern sounding and illuminating piece. As we propel forward, “My Heroine” fires out of the gate full speed ahead with catchy squawking riffs and well executed squealing dual guitar harmonies, powerful drum grooves and menacing bass playing. Dario’s velocity has passion. “Villians” is a dark brooding unrelenting side-splitting track. I really dig the galloping rhythm and the shock and awe melodic lead soloing… Spectacular! The next trail blazer in our midst is the feel-good enterprise and righteously baptized tune called “Silhouettes”. The tune is a nostalgic melodic ballad full of warm heartfelt passion, spirited crescendos, and lastly, gorgeous song writing that really makes me sway to the sounds.. Subsequently, “Feels Good” steps off the starting line with exciting malevolent guitar work, slamming percussions and monstrous diabolical bass playing.

In October of 2008, Dario was asked to join Motorhead for a song live at the House of Blues in Las Vegas, NV. He is also featured in the Music Star Productions All Star DVD (2008) with George Lynch, Bruce Kulick, Jennifer Batten and Darrell Roberts as “Next Generation of Rock Guitar” with Dario Lorina and more.

“He has the skill and heart that reminds me of Randy Rhoads”… ~ Sally Steele (Vegas Rocks Magazine)

We are now almost half way through the album and so far Mr. Lorina hasn’t failed to inspire and or entertain… Moving forward, we have another treat that all us guitar players have played at least once in a jam session situation “The House of the Rising Sun” which was played and performed by many through the years but made commercially famous by the 60’s band the ‘Animals’ with it’s sixteenth-century English folk arrangement and fascination. Dario engages this historical piece of music and nails it with much charm and fanfare. Here’s a ruminate track with prophetic proportions called “Alive”. The tune is formidable and dark, but at the same time draws you in with its foreboding allure. This song is built around a guitar hook reminiscent of spy film scores and driving surf music like in the old “Batman Theme”.

April of 2009 brought Dario to tour with Metal Blade Records recording artists and legendary American heavy metal band, Lizzy Borden, playing festivals like the European, Keep It True and the American, Rocklahoma.

“I just know all the Lizzy Borden fans around the world are going to be blown away when they see him play” … ~ Lizzy Borden

The next Track “Ambrosia” is a hard hitting celebration as the young guitarist continues to branch out and explore new sounds and adventurous solos. Now the reflective “Words Unspoken” adds to this recording artist’s brilliance, and proves that there appears to be no end in sight to the youthful master’s musical prowess. The production’s over all quality is fresh sounding, well produced and highly engineered as with the next ball of fire “Sacksong”. This song reminds me of Joe Satriani’s “Surfing With The Alien”… Dario really pushes his guitar antics here and shreds the hell out of his melting fretboard. The drumming department definitely adds a lot of life and power to his creations.

After touring worldwide with Lizzy Borden throughout 2010, the year began with appearances at the 2011 NAMM show, and by joining Motorhead on stage for the second time at the House of Blues in Las Vegas, NV, January 29th, 2011, to accompany Phil, Mikkey, and Lemmy on the Motorhead classic “Killed by Death”. The summer of 2011 brought Dario back on the road with Lizzy Borden and their “Summer of Blood” tour with dates across the U.S.A as well as in Canada. November 2011 brought Dario to Mexico and Europe with Lizzy Borden on their “Death Takes a Holiday” tour headlining shows and playing festivals like Hell and Heaven in Guadalajara, Mexico with Megadeth, Christmas Metal Fest in Lichtenfels, Germany with Saxon, Anvil & Lordi, and Hard Rock Hell in Prestatyn, UK with Ace Frehley and Black Stone Cherry. 2012 & 2013 summer festivals with Lizzy Borden included Hellfest in Clisson, FR | Gods of Metal in Milan, IT | Headbangers Open Air in Hamburg, DE | Kavarna Rock in Bulgaria, and Skogsrojet Festival in Sweden. At such a young age, Dario has made an impact in the industry in an intense way and there are many great endeavors ahead. Only time will tell what the future holds.

Onward through the fog as they say, we now come to the tune “Revolutions” and another pinnacle performance and spectacular ride through the harmonic meadows of sonic potentiality. This tune will have you throwing and pounding your metal fist into the air. I truly dig Dario’s progressive rock style as with the vibration “Armor Odium”. He can move through chord arrangements like a musical genius without forsaking the premise of each tune. His music is like a lecherous carnival ride that isn’t over ’til the bearded fat lady sings…

In Closing, this is a hard-hitting instrumental album and truly a musical feast. An avalanche of thundering carefully crafted energetic masterpieces with absolutely stellar guitar laden performances… A must for your instrumental guitar library of music. “Highly Recommended“

Dario Lorina Debut Album Set To Release On Shrapnel Records On September 10th

Dario Lorina’s debut solo CD reveals a guitarist brimming with extreme musical ability. This guitarist brings more diverse influences into play than the average neo-classical riff monger.