Mike Milan Dedic is a name that all fans of the electric guitar and instrumental guitar music should know. Coming from Toronto, Canada, Dedic releases new music frequently, and now his new single is titled “Arena”. What do we have here? Of course, instrumental shred/neoclassical metal music, where Dedic and his guitar are the undisputed protagonists. Dedic has written the song, and his guitar playing is truly marvelous! His heroes are guitarists like Yngwie Malmsteen, John Norum, Randy Rhoads, and Ritchie Blackmore, whose influence can be heard in Dedic’s guitar sound and compositional style. I can say with certainty that Dedic is a good student of these masters, as he continues their tradition. “Arena” has no lyrics, but Dedic speaks fluently through his guitar, conveying his messages with brio and gusto. Dedic doesn’t reinvent the genre, but he is following his own personal path – “Arena” will mesmerize you with its feeling and technique! The production could be a bit clearer, yet that doesn’t hold Dedic back – his music is so masterfully arranged and performed that you will love every minute of it! If you are a fan of shred/neoclassical metal, this track will blow your mind. And if you simply appreciate good, melodic metal, you will find something of interest here. Mike Milan Dedic is claiming his place in the guitar pantheon, and I believe he deserves it. A full-length album with tracks like “Arena” could very well push him to the top!
♦ 8/10
Dimitris Zacharopoulos
