Produced by Megadeth/Cacophony's Marty Friedman, Apocrypha's first release received rave reviews around the globe when it was released and teenage band leader/guitarist Tony Fredianelli quickly became known for his blinding shred guitar chops, rooted in classical music and thrash metal. Some say that this band was years ahead of their time, as their combination of over the top progressive metal and wailing guitar has influenced many of today's successful progressive metal groups. Housed in a deluxe digipak cover, THE FORGOTTEN SCROLL, has been out-of-print for over ten years overseas.
T**E
An overlooked shred classic
This album is the best the band Apocrypha released. The guitar is of the shred variety but very unusual. It showcases Tony Fredianelli and should have been better known. The music is inventive and very melodic and heavy at the same time. After this album Apocrypha changed their style considerably. The Eyes Of Time was progressive and a little weird while Area 54 was progmetal ahead of its time. The fact that the band was so different may explain their lack of popularity. Even their early shredding was different which I think is good. For anyone reading this, do yourself a favour. Buy this album. It may not be as in your face as other artists in the Shrapnel canon but their music rewards you on listening several times.
S**S
killer guitar playing and songwriting!
This re-mastered cd is a technical guitar masterpiece. Tony Fredianelli's playing is brilliant. I miss this band. To have Apocrypha shut down for Tony to join Third Eye Blind was the equivalent of having Picasso stop his work to paint walls neutral colors with a roller for a home builder.
P**R
this was a gift
It arrived in decent time and without defect. This was a gift to a friend, so I haven't any personal reviews to give.
S**B
Five Stars
Amazing record
J**K
Apocrypha
cant wait to get this in cd player and in collection this is traditional metal at its best!
J**T
At Last!!!
I'm not going to get too eloquent here. The previous reviewer (Justin) pretty well covered it; apart from the fact that I'd compare this album with those of Cacophony, Racer X, and early Tony Macalpine. (-In other words, the other really cool early Shrapnel artists) I personally thought this was the strongest, and most unique of Apocrypha's work. -Not a filler track on the entire album. (Yeah... I meant to say 'album'. I've been waiting 20 frickin' years for this to get re-released on CD! Thank heavens Shrapnel FINALLY came to their senses.) If you're a fan of old-school thrash, or just want to get an idea where guys like Jeff Loomis (Nevermore) may have gleaned some of their inspiration, pick this up. Tony Fredianelli was a monster player. -Right up there with Marty Friedman and Jason Becker. (Appropriate that Marty produced this disc.) If you're a guitarist (or just a fan of shred), this one is a must for your collection.
A**L
Pristine record
Record came quicker than expected, and in pristine condition. Gave it a good play then hung it up on the wall. Hope to do business again!
D**S
Shredtastic
Along with Cacophony this was the pinnacle of shred released on the Shrapnel label. Come back Tony and do it again. The guitar gymnastics were way ahead of its time with soaring vocal lines and great melodically crafted guitar. I rate this in my top ten albums of all time but I'm a sucker for neo-classical shred.
S**K
apocrypha
non conoscevo il suddetto album e sorpresa e' stata . melodie al confine del thrash potente e melodico allo stesso tempo con ottima chitarra annnessa
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