Former EVILE lead guitarist, Ol Drake will release his debut solo album, Old Rake, on June 22 in Europe and June 23 in the USA. The album features instrumental guitar encompassing a myriad of styles, including flat-out shredding, classical, progressive, melodic and acoustic.
Check out audio samples of the songs that are set to appear on Old Rake in the YouTube clip below.
The first track, “Guitarists Playing Guitars” showcases the six-string shredder’s phenomenal fretwork and features special guest appearances from the likes of Gary Holt (EXODUS, SLAYER), James Murphy (DEATH, TESTAMENT, OBITUARY) and Josh Middleton (SYLOSIS). Also featured is sticksman Mike Heller (FEAR FACTORY, MALIGNANCY), who performs drums on the entire album.
Ol Drake comments: “Behold the first single from the already-rusty ‘Old Rake’. This song was written by trying to write the cheesiest riff possible and going from there. I was speaking to Gary Holt and he said he’d like to solo on the album, and it just happened that when he’d said that I’d reached the main ‘solo section’ in its writing process. Then I thought, ‘I might as well go all out.’ James got involved and I couldn’t believe it; to have two of my idols from growing up on one of MY songs was mind-blowing. I then asked my friend, Josh, from SYLOSIS, who is a ridiculous shredder, and my other friend, Amit. I met Amit through his working at a metal magazine publication, but mainly from at festivals involving alcohol; ridiculous shredder, too!”
“Old Rake” is available to pre-order now on CD and limited-edition signed CD. The album is also available to pre-order now on iTunes, including an exclusive bonus track as well as an instant download of “Guitarists Playing Guitars”.
For anyone brave enough to attempt playing any songs from the album, there is also a deluxe 242-page tab book, featuring full tablature for both guitar and bass, transcribed by Ol Drake himself.
Old Rake was recorded at the guitarist’s home studio and was mixed with producer and former DEATH, TESTAMENT and OBITUARY guitarist James Murphy.