Metal Underground.com

Unless you’re a budding guitarist, David T. Chastain may not be a name you instantly recognize. But chances are you’ve heard his work, whether on a Nike commercial, or on one of your favorite tv shows. He’s provided instrumental pieces for nearly every major network, and has written and produced music for Firewind and HammerFall. He also founded his own record label, Leviathan, which has produced albums consisting mainly of Chastain’s own projects, but also a handful of other artists.

Chastain has been actively involved in the industry for more than twenty years, and recently decided to release a compilation CD of his heavier instrumental pieces, aptly entitled "Heavy Excursions." The album’s focus is on scale-climbing and shreds, and is a wise investment for string aficionados. Unfortunately, for those less enthusiastic about guitar-centric compositions, “Heavy Excursions” quickly becomes a repetitive mix.

Several of the tracks have a thrash edge to their tempos, but they eventually dwindle down into mellow monotony. The exceptions to this rule are the two highlights of the album, "Wild And Truly Diminished," and "Blitzkrieg." The opening of "Wild and Truly Diminished" is similar to Slayer’s "Raining Blood," and is a good listen throughout, with higher range frets and lots of reverberation. "Blitzkrieg" also has a bit of a Slayer-ish sound, and is about the only track where drums are allowed to do their part, rather than playing second fiddle to the guitars. "Blitzkrieg" is an old school assault that is a solid tune.

There’s a bit of funky sleaze throughout "Burning Passions," and the intro to "Schizophrenia," but the latter ends up sounding more like casino music. The Spanish guitar in "Pompous Rompous" and "Excursions Into Reality" is a nice addition, and "Set" offers a sing-song sampling of strings that reminds me a bit of the underrated but complex sounds of middle eastern music.

Overall, there’s a lot of focus on thrash and early stadium rock, but so many of the tracks are just similar enough for the album to become mundane halfway through. Certainly those who enjoy instrumental and, specifically guitar compositions, will enjoy this sampling, but if you’re not looking for an educational listen, "Heavy Excursions" probably isn’t worth the bother.