Bad D.N.A.

Bad D.N.A. is a fulfilling work on which Marty Friedman layers melody strongly tinged with exotic sentiment, sharp, powerful guitar phrases and arrangement freely crossing rock and metal. A record of his mature period, released while continuing vigorous activity based in Japan. The playing’s technique is very high as ever, yet its focus is firmly placed on carefully conveying the distinctive quirks of melody and deep emotional sway, rather than flaunting fast picking. From the opener “Specimen” and the dramatic title track “Bad D.N.A.” to a cut like “Weapons of Ecstacy,” every song is engaging, while cuts like “Glorious Accident” and “Random Star” convey the work’s fullness. Marty Friedman’s exotic, songcraft-filled guitar is powerfully in sharp form throughout. A truly dense guitar album on which one wants to carefully note the distinctive way each note is made to sing and the phrasing that vividly defies expectation. His own one-of-a-kind character is inscribed as strongly as possible. An engaging record showing Marty Friedman’s mature expression — a record where the guitarist’s character shines.