Bob Katsionis	Website:	www.BobKatsionis.com
	Genre(s):	Neoclassical, Progressive
	Instrument(s):	Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Keyboards
	Trademark(s):	Virtuoso guitarist and keyboardist, purist neoclassical / progressive compositions, melodic / theme based arrangements, blazing speed and amazing precision.
	Album(s):	Turn of My Century Imaginary Force
	Collaborations:
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Bob Katsionis comes blaring out of the speakers from the get go with his unique, aggressive style of progressive, neoclassical fusion on his debut release Turn of My Century. The musical style, though distinctively unique, has some resemblance to some towering giants of modern progressive and neoclassical music, such as George Bellas, Theodore Ziras, and a wide spectrum of other major progressive talents. Katsionis fuses a combination of catchy musical themes with blistering fretwork and keyboards, driving progressions and rhythms, and a phenomenal musical vision that binds it all together. The compositions have an impressive depth that is made more impressive by the overall accessibility of the complex arrangements that Katsionis has assembled. Fans of aggressive progressive and neoclassical should take note, because Katsionis is a serious new talent of world class caliber that they should check out! Katsionis not only has the chops, the speed, and the drive down pat, but he can put it all together in solid compositions of his own invention that add another distinctive voice to the annals of modern progressive music. His compositional talent for creativity in themes and arrangements is in itself a notable accomplishment of impressive proportions that all composers understand how difficult it is to achieve... (or will once they have listened to this CD!)

If the first few tracks are not enough to disarm the staunchest critics, fear not because Katsionis does not leave anything to chance with his seventeen track onslaught of progressive aggression that leaves no stone unturned. Katsionis shreds it up with the aggressive, crystalline speed of the likes of Bellas, explores outside tonality reminiscent of Jens Johansson and Derek Sherinian, and pieces together monumental compositions of the caliber of Vitalij Kuprij, Theodore Ziras, and Vinnie Moore. Katsionis has a superb balance between his fluid, blazing sections and the catchy themes that are interwoven to keep the dynamics in proportion, though the scales tip conspicuously on the side of speed, without any objections from me! Katsionis conveys a general feel that consists of a dichotomy that is half positive and half consternation that is articulated with the intensive development sections. The positive side consists of inspiring motifs and themes that uplift the listener into a state of frenzied joy, only to be cut down by the intensive conflict that is conveyed by the contrasting development. The complementary aspects of the compositions create a conflicting struggle of epic proportions that draw the listener into Katsionis' amazing vision of musical fantasy.

Of the many CDs that I am sent to review, there are few that I receive, and even fewer of these are from new artists, that achieve this level of sophistication and this caliber of musicality, proficiency, and compositional depth. Bob Katsionis has set the standards high on this debut and it will be difficult for him to follow this release up with a second that will surpass it. We can only hope that this is only the beginning of a long legacy of superb music from this new virtuoso. It is very exciting to see a new talent of this caliber to burst onto the scene with this profound debut. Katsionis not only has a frightening grasp on progressive and neoclassical music, but he has an remarkable capability to put it together and pull it off without a hitch. And, Turn of My Century is absolutely, unbelievably solid from beginning to end!

Katsionis has got his work cut out for him to follow up this album with a second release to surpass it with equally inventive musical ideas without repeating himself... The challenge has now been issued! We can all only hope that Katsionis is up to the challenge the second time around... ;)

This CD is highly recommended. This is one of the best CDs I have heard this year. Thanks Bob! It is exactly this type of music that makes writing reviews worthwhile! Good job!!! Superb!!!!!

Bob Katsionis resoundingly dispels worries of his first effort being a one shot wonder on his second no-holds-barred release, Imaginary Force. Once again, as on Turn of My Century, Katsionis delivers a highly-charged, virtuosic performance with his unique brand of neoclassically-flavored, metal-tainted progressive instrumental concept music. And, once again Katsionis demonstrates his unearthly command over both keyboards and seven string electric guitar with a smoothly-polished, highly-refined assault of driving pyrotechnics like a master sorcerer conjuring fire winds and lightning from the empty air with his ethereal, mystical powers. Fans of Katsionis' first album should not be disappointed with his second effort, Imaginary Force.

Katsionis sets the stage on the first and title track, "The Imaginary Force", that establishes his magical, unworldly skills paralleling the concepts founded in the classical virtuoso traditions of Mozart's "The Magic Flute" and Paginini's violin concertos that showcased these towering musicians of ages old with their instrumental prowess within creatively different musical stylings relative to their times. This initial track establishes the fusion of highly-structured, grippingly complex arrangements that dominate the album with relentless drive, unyielding aggression, classical melodic lyricism, and blistering duelling keyboard and guitar exposition. The album progresses with "March of the Spirits" that sets the precedence for the thread of stylistic and compositional continuity that establishes the fluid transition of tracks in a concept album format. Theodore Ziras steps up for an enthralling guest lead guitar solo that, though somewhat brief, adds a dimension of his own blazing, melodic style of neoclassical virtuosity to the album. The cavalcade of unrelenting fury continues on the ensuing track, "Sing For The Day", that shifts slightly from the onslaught of shameless neoclassical shreddery to a more thematic style of melodic leadwork that interleaves staggering staccato runs and gutsy riffery with the captivating melodies that recapitulate the title track's themes. "Galaxy" follows with a change in keyboard voicings and compositional feel, integrating a looser feel with the nostalgic compositional content that takes the listener on a journey through maze-like woven themes, patterns, and pedal tones in the preliminary sections that give way to Katsionis' climactic, quicksilver keyboard lead. Katsionis again changes direction of the next track, "Sudden Death", that has a Derek Sherinian-flavored, ominous feel to the diminished progressions and disjointed rhythms. The heavy, crunching rhythms and disonant harmonization on this track add a divergent dimension to the album that demonstrates a further depth to Katsionis' style and influence. "Bird's Eye View" returns to the initial, more aggressive and fastly paced style and feel of the album with an added infusion of Katsionis' signature speedy yet savory melody lines voiced on both keyboards and guitars. Katsionis demonstrates an appealing grasp in his balance of luring melodies with speedy patterns and quickly changing themes and intricately involved development.

The album takes an unexpected turn on the seventh track, "Is It Me Or The Weather", that shifts to a groove-based, riff-laden progressive rock style reminiscent of Eric Johnson and Joe Satriani. This new dimension offers an interesting change of soundscape to the listener and a bit of a relief from the furious attack of aggression that precedes this track. "All My Naked Hopes" follows with a return once again to the melody-laden, neoclassical style, this time with Eastern tonality themes reminiscent of Blackmore's classic "Gates of Babylon". The classically-influenced showcase of Katsionis' prowess continues on the following track, "Separated", that is a contemplative yet upbeat track that integrates catchy themes with some outside harmonization within the developmental sections. "Separated" draws to a climactic apex with a further unleashing of Katsionis' uncontainable instrumental barrage.

The album draws to a close with a Trilogy of compositions that though progressive and heavily instrumental are in no way similar to Yngwie's Trilogy. The tonality is again remindant of Derik Sherinian's outside, darkly ominous style of tonal imagery. The track may be upsetting (if not offensive) to some listeners with the continual sexual moans of female lust that make this piece sound more like a porn soundtrack than a work of serious progressive music. Despite the intentional distraction of the continual sexual innuendo (that is more like blatant sexual perversion than innuendo, as the title suggests, "St. Pervert"), the tonality and harmonization that Katsionis uses is interestingly creative in depicting the accompanying implied acts of perversion with the tonal imagery conveyed. But, listeners should be forewarned before cranking up "St. Pervert" within the neighbors' earshot that your unwitting neighbors may think you are blasting your stereo from your TV's DVD player while watching some sadistically dark XXX metal fantasy movie... Katsionis departs from his deprave divertimento on "St. Pervert" and "Tsifteteli" with the climax of his trilogy of lust, "Ouzo", that features Kuprij-style melodically-blistering keyboard work with thundering rhythms, adrenaline-pumping tempos, and mesmerizing patterns, speedy sequences, towering runs, and staggeringly fluid sweeps.

My review of Turn of My Century put forth the challenge for Katsionis to answer his first album with a second that met and even surpassed the caliber he established on his maiden release. More often than not, after a lifetime of buildup to a new artist's first release, the artist is not able to deliver subsequent releases that meet the expectations that are built by the initial release that the musician pours everything they have into. Katsionis has risen to the challenge on Imaginary Force and has delivered a resounding effort that will leave listeners conquered and limp on their sofas from this overwhelming onslaught of classically-influence progressive virtuosity. Fans of the music and stylisms of Kuprij, Sherinian, Bellas, and Ziras should enjoy this masterful compilation of highly-charged, technically-proficient arrangements from European virtuoso Bob Katsionis. Good job again Mr. Katsionis!

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