It’s not very often that we are graced with a solo record where the guitar is the primary focus. For some, it could be challenging to hook new fans without radio ready, catchy choruses on every song. Pat Reilly, however, doesn’t have that problem.
Who Is Pat Reilly?
Originally from Queens, New York, Pat Reilly is influenced by guitarists like Mary Friedman (ex Megadeth), Dimebag Darrell (Pantera), and David Gilmour (Pink Floyd). He has toured throughout the US, Canada, and Europe quite a bit in his career with bands such as Through the Discipline and Tengger Cavalry. Starting in 2017, he released 5 instrumental tracks as part of his solo career. In January 2020, Pat Reilly released his debut album ‘Path To Transcendence’.
‘Path To Transcendence’ Tracklist
The first five songs on the album do not have any vocals, but honestly, they don’t need them. The guitar riffs are so melodic throughout that they completely engulf you, and this is first experienced in the opener, “Between Two Worlds”. If Killswitch Engage and Amon Amarth came together, this is what it would sound like. It’s one of my favorite songs on the album.
“Emergence” follows with a slow and bluesy sound. If this album were a movie soundtrack, this is the song that’s playing in the love scene. Booming drums then kick us into “Bleeding Life” before taking us on fast paced ride with electrifying riffs. The drums continue to pulse until things slow down ever so slightly.
While it may be a short song, the slow orchestra sounds in “The Sleepless” are a fantastic lead into the epic “Dracarys”. The haunting waning guitar and pulsing drums lead into a classic chorus accompaniment right before the guitar takes off. There is also a riff in here that is reminiscent of Game of Thrones, providing us with a battle like atmosphere.
Our first introduction to vocals on the album comes from Anthony Q Quiles on “Winter Sunrise”. His clean vocals were a great addition to this ballad. There is a change of pace though with “Birth of Freedom” and “Vitality”. Both of these tracks are heavy and aggressive while Michael Centrone delivers in your face vocals with the reminder to keep pushing through. “The Farewell Illusion” is the final track on the album and it also does not have any vocals. It starts out slow and bluesy and builds up to a heavy yet orchestral style before the guitar takes the lead. It closes with the sounds of flowing water or a fountain, creating a feeling of purity and peace.
The Final Verdict
Pat Reilly is an incredible songwriter and ‘Path To Transcendence’ is a great example of how diverse of a musician he is. His music speaks for itself and is definitely worth listening to. The album itself is fantastic from beginning to end, and because it’s so versatile, there’s something for everyone.
My husband, aka the Instagramless Chris, also loved this album so much that he’s now a fan too. He typically is a Coal Chamber and Static X kind of guy, but ‘Path To Transcendence’ is now in both of our regular rotations.
Where to Find Pat Reilly’s ‘Path to Transcendence’
You can purchase the physical copy of download the digital copy of ‘Path to Transcendence’ here. You can also find it on your favorite streaming platform here.
Where to Keep Up With Pat Reilly
- Pat Reilly’s Website
- Follow him on Instagram
- Pat Reilly on ReverbNation
- Connect with him on Facebook
- Follow Pat on Twitter
- Subscribe to Pat on Youtube
- Pat Reilly on Bandcamp
Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram: @the_versatile_virgo
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