birth of a giant
| Format | CD |
| Country | USA |
| Recorded | 1998-99 |
| Issued | 1999 |
| Label | First World Music |
| Cat no. | FWD 99.03 |
| Playing time | - |
| Reviewer | Trond Gjellum |
| BILL RIEFLIN birth of a giant |
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Bill Rieflin is a drummer which for the masses is probably most known for his role as drummer in the American band Ministry, which in the 80s and 90s positioned itself as pioneers within the experimental industry rock, where elements from heavy rock and prog were fusioned with noise elements from avant garde and experimental electro-acoustic music,
In the latter years Rieflin has worked with musicians associated with King Crimson, and on his debut album Birth Of A Giant, both Robert Fripp (guitar and soundscapes) and Trey Gunn (Warr guitar) contribute. Bill Rieflin handles most of the remaining instruments, and besides being a first class drummer and percussionist, he also proves to be a competent vocalist with a voice slightly resembling David Sylvian.
The record presents a simply constructed and particularly structured music with elements of both prog, avant garde, metal and pop. From time to time it resembles somewhat the music David Sylvian and Robert Fripp made during the 90s, and amidst this we sense references to 80/90s King Crimson and Ministry. Some classical sequences and ethnic inspired moments have also found their way into the record, something which gives a nice variation.
The production is top notch, and you quickly hear that Rieflin knows how to use the studio as an instrument. All in all, this is a more than approved debut from Rieflin, and if your musical references are the above mentioned, I believe this record will be to your taste.
© 2001 Tarkus Magazine