FRASER EDWARDS – The Reckoning

When you think of Americana music, you wouldn’t automatically think of a British Musician, that is until you’ve heard The Reckoning by Fraser Edwards. The 3rd solo album by the virtuoso guitarist/producer/engineer is his first instrumental offering, and explores the sounds of the banjo, and ragtime piano mixed into Power Metal songs. Few artists would be as brave as Fraser Edwards to create a Power Metal album with Country and Bluegrass themes, and even fewer would be so successful at pulling it off. Fraser decided to take the time during the pandemic to learn a new instrument, the banjo, and are we ever are glad he did.

Blistering Bluegrass

Never would this reviewer have ever believed that such a union between Metal and Bluegrass would work, but with Fraser Edwards’ incredible sense of melody, humor and fun in play, anything seems possible. Though the album is basically an instrumental effort, Fraser is joined by friends and Ascension bandmates Ricki Ascension on vocals for the track “The Harvest”, and drummer extraordinaire Andrew Scott throughout the record. Favorite tracks for this reviewer include “The Prophet”, “The Viking Cowboy” and personal favorite “The Champion”.

Final Notes

If you think you’ve heard it all before, and no one has anything new to offer, then think again. The record is full of fun, surprises, and great melodies from start to finish. Throw in the pyro-technic guitars Fraser is known for, with the incredible lightning drumming of Andrew Scott and you have a real winner. Go out and buy the new album by Fraser Edwards: The Reckoning. Once you’ve tried Heavy Metal with a banjo, you’ll never go back!

Lineup

Fraser Edwards – stringed instruments
Andrew Scott – drums & percussion
Ricki Ascension – vocals on “The Harvest”

The Reckoning – Tracklist

1. The Prophet
2. The Reckoning
3. The Haymaker
4. The Champion
5. The Ghost
6. The Clodhopper
7. The Harvest
8. The Heist
9. The Judge
10. The Viking Cowboy
11. The Adventure (Bonus Track)