Orchestrate II: Rage & Restraint (2019)
Performers:
Track listing
01. Orchestra Pit (1:08)
02. Chant of the Octagoth (4:59)
03. Time Piece (:31)
04. Syrkus of Lydia (6:41)
05. Logician’s Lament (2:22)
06. Octavian III (5:00)
07. Lifelong Quest (4:16)
08. Wrath of The Conductor (5:22)
09. Winterlude: Nöel (3:49)
10. Masquerade Nokturne (3:43)
11. The Empress With No Clothes (:47)
12. The Orchestrator (4:08)
13. Mundus Novus (3:04)
14. Final Quest (1:10)
“Orchestrate II: Rage & Restraint”, released in 2019 and Michael's first solo album since 2010, is a sequel to his 2006 “Orchestrate” disc. It features his signature heavy neo-orchestral material, this time with a more balanced electric vs. acoustic attack, stellar drumming from Michael’s brother Brian, plus 4 violinists, 2 violists, 2 cellists, among other orchestral players.
On “Orchestrate II”, Michael’s focus is, again first & foremost, the compositions themselves, which feature epic melodies and a deeper sonic palette that boasts more dynamic range than any of his previous records. There are plenty of chops as well, as Michael takes numerous electric, acoustic, and nylon solos, while also playing unison lines with violins, violas, string sections, flutes, and french horn.
“Orch II” received high praise from the press. Forgotten Scroll.net dubbed Michael a “composing genius”, and Metal Chronique.fr had this to say regarding the album: “Orchestrate II remains above all a beautiful showcase of the mastery of Michael Harris in terms of composition and virtuosity on guitar”.
