Blitz
(Released, December 1999)

Players

Matt Gorney: Bass, Drums, Lead and Backing Vocals
John Gorney: Keyboards, Lead and Backing Vocals
Mark Mistysyn: Guitars, Lead and Backing Vocals

Track Listing

1. V 3.0 (M. Mistysyn)
2. Millennium Man (M. Gorney)
3. Two Glasses of Wine (J. Gorney) lyrics
4. Believe (M. Gorney)
5. White Blossom (J. Gorney) lyrics
6. Mashed Potato Man (M. Mistysyn)
7. Lessons I've Leaned (J. Gorney) lyrics
8. All I Have to Give (M. Gorney)
9. If I Could (J. Gorney) lyrics
10. All Alone (M. Gorney, M. Mistysyn)
11. Surely, She Heard (J. Gorney) lyrics
12. My Demon (M. Mistysyn)
13. We Sat Alone (J. Gorney) lyrics
14. Hope (M. Gorney)
15. Woe Is Me (J. Gorney) lyrics
16. AB (M. Mistysyn, S. Kelley)
17. Addicted (M. Gorney)
18. Call My Name (J. Gorney) lyrics
19. Down (M. Gorney)
20. Just So You Know (J. Gorney) lyrics
21. Singin' Solo (M. Gorney)

Review

Shitar's follow-up to the immensely popular Excruciating!, Blitz demonstrates a more mellow approach to song writing. The revisitation of John's keyboard introduces a nuance to Shitar songs that has been absent in the recent past. The guitar playing is scaled back and vocals are generally more at the front. Shitar also does much more singing as a band as evidenced by many 3-part harmonies with each member taking a part. 

Matt, as usual checks in with his share of rockers (including the album's opener Millennium Man), a few medium tempo tunes and a ballad. John's songs, primarily ballads, contribute to the mellow feeling of the album. John's Just So You Know  places his stamp on the album and could end up ranking as one of his best ballads of all time. Mark's contributions are more of a quirky variety, including a completely a-capella tune called Mashed Potato Man -- reminiscent of a barber shop quartet.

Overall, Shitar's 30th album is solid and serves as an admirable follow-up to Excruciating! 

Rating (Out of *****)

****

**Blitz was recorded from 12/10/99 to 12/14/99 in Beach Front Studios in Virginia Beach, Va. 

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