Emir Hot is not a well known name in metal yet!!!. But will be soon enough if he keeps playing like this. Emir Hot, born and raised in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but now residing in the UK, has got some pretty hot talent on this album to help him out. None other then vocalist John West (Royal Hunt and Artension) and drumming legend Mike Terrana (no introduction needed there I guess).

Emir produced, arranged and wrote all the lyrics. This is a shred fest, is mix of melodic, neo-classical and progressive metal with some traditional Eastern Balkan music. Hence the title of the album, in which ‘Sevdah’ refers to a Bosnian style of blues music. Reminds me very much of early Malmsteen (Marching Out & Trilogy). Nothing you haven't heard before but if you like this style of metal it’s another disc to add to the heap.

I must say though the thing that stands out for me on “Sevdah Metal” is John West’s performance. I haven’t heard him sound this good for years. So if you are looking for some shredding, high pitch soaring vocals and are tight kick ass drum sound with a twist of Balkan traditional music then this is for you.

“Sevdah Metal” will take you on an amazing journey through time with the devastation of World War to World Peace and the flight of an imprisoned dove being set free. The more I listen to this album the more I like it.

Highly recommended.