Bio And Reviews
Confusion started in 1998 by Achilleas Diamantis after graduating from MUSICIANS INSTITUTE in California USA, being taught by Scott Henderson, Joe Diorio, Don Mock and Sid Jacobs.
He was given a taste of Jazz and Fusion and he realized this was the start of his life.
Once on the return to his home country Greece, Achilleas was given the amazing chance to work with one of his favourite Greek Jazz pianists Mr Marcos Alexiou who gave Achilleas the opportunity to include two of his own compositions in this album “Flying to the unknown”(Blue Mirror and Danger Zone). By Achilleas terms “I was thrown into deep waters”.
That was the beginning of the journey he was about to embark on and from then on he looked for musicians that would have the passion to do something and make a difference.
The difference in the musical mind of Achilleas was to incorporate different elements (such as Jazz, Rock, Blues, Funk, Acid and Latin) yet building it all into one main theme.
He found session musicians that liked his music and with several special guest appearances (Makis Boukalis, Nikos Vardis on bass, Seraphim Bellos on drums, Alekos Orfanos, Stratos Diamantis on Keyboards and Takis Paterelis on sax), he completed his first album in 1999 and named it
“Confusion by Confusion”.
“Surprising mixture of the obvious Hellenic influences and some highly innovative soloing” John Mclaughlin Archives.
“The debut CD that launched the Greek fusion phenomenon, these guys are tight” Tom Voli – Gnarly Geezer Records.
“Well performed, clearly and well produced jazz-rock. The beautiful thing about the nine compositions is that Diamantis hasn’t pint himself down on one style” Reni Yedema – Io pages Progressive rock magazine.
After the album was released Achilleas started to search for the musicians that would also have the same passion, determination, and the ability to produce their own unique sound.
After He found Takis Intas and Panagiotis Haramis they started to work for a new album!
Their new album “Genesis” released in 2001,as the title suggests is the birth of the band. Self-producing 10 songs that switch easily from hard Fusion-Rock to fast swing and then moving to slow melodic ballads.
Guests In The cd : Stratos Diamantis ,Kristieanne Travers
“The cd contains 10 amazing compositions that display complete originality and growth as a unit” Gnarly Geezer Records.
In 2003 they released the cd “Enter Alone”
Guests In The cd : Stratos Diamantis ,Kristieanne Travers
In 2004 Achilleas moved in Los Angeles California to play and promote his music with Chris Stefanetti: Bass.
In 2006 CONFUSION are back in Greece working in new material.
In 2010 They Released The Cd ” Different Colour”
Ric Fierabracci is the bass player for the new CONFUSION’S CD.
Trifon Koutsourelis : Keyboards
Takis Intas : Drums
Dimitris Giannopoulos : Sax
In 2018 working in new material with new member :Nick Vardis On Bass
Confusion – Different Colour(2010)
Tracks:
1. Crying For Nothing
2. Secret Mountain
3. Madness
4. Over the World
5. The Magic Cave
6. NY Walk
7. Labyrinth
8. Fishy Story
9. St Overdose
Members:
Achilleas Diamantis(Guitars),
Ric Fierabracci(Bass),
Takis Intas(Drums),
Trifon Koutsourelis(Keyboards),
Dimitris Giannopoulos(Saxophone)
Confusion – Enter Alone (2003)
Tracks:
1. Quarter Past Three
2. Spanish Way
3. Tripfall
4. Enter Alone
5. Voodoo
6. Cacophony Blues
7. Old Times
8. Edge Of The World
9. Pico ‘N’ Hoover
Members:
Achilleas Diamantis : Guitar
Panagiotis Haramis : El. Bass, Fretless
Takis Intas : Drums
Reviews:
MJBrady Published on: 22 Jan 2004 For PROGGNOSIS
Nice to see that this fusion trio from Greece is still creating music, I found the first Confusion cd – Genesis a very appealing mixture of progressive and fusion musics, and that theme continues with this, the bands second release. And as was the case with the first cd, they again provide a variable assembly of musics that encompass a wide array of influences. Achilleas Diamantis, is the bands leader, his guitar tones are every bit as diverse as the bands music is. Though fans of smooth legato fusion guitar should be taking notice of this cd, as Diamantis can deliver the Holdsworth vibe at the flick of the wrist. But unlike some of the other AH cloning experiments, Diamantis prevails to be equally influenced by other styles of guitar and musical idioms.
The cd can read like a muscial sampler for the history of Fusion music, song 1 – Quarter Past Three starts slow, but gains momentum, giving way to what sounds like a vintage Brand X cut, only instead of Goodsalls’ guitars, he lends more of a Holdsworth feel to the soloing parts. Some fluid and melodic bass work by Panagiotis Haramis, who shines on the whole cd here. Song 2 – Spanish Way is perhaps my favorite track on the cd, with an obvious hint of Spanish flamenco inspiration, the song goes the way of a DiMeola instrumental from his older era.
Song 3 – Tripfall, find the band in a hardrock/fusion territory. With some nice funk bits fitted between the breaks, this is the third consecutive song that shows Diamantis’ well rounded legato technique, as he proves to be a superb soloist. Song 4 – Enter Alone, this is the title cut here, very thematic and mellow, also a vocal tune that features the soft female voice of Kristieanne Travers, the song is a drastic turn away from the first 3 fusion numbers, and stays mellow for the duration of the song, Diamantis plays straight jazz, much in the vein of Pat Metheny this time, and again revealing his versatility as a well-schooled musician.
Song 5 – VooDoo, This is a choppy, technically challenging song, odd time signatures, and a heavy tone takes the band firmly back to the harder edged fusion heard on earlier cuts. This song offers bassist – Haramis, to give a sample of his deft soloing skills, which lead into yet another Holdsworthian lead solo by Diamantis. It should be no surprise that Confusion’s music is featured at Holdsworth’s – Gnarly Geezer records site. At times this arrangement reminds me of some of Frank Gambales’ moments with the Elektric Band, very cool song.
Song 6 – Cacophony Blues, pretty apt name for this mutation on the blues standard, with Diamantis showing yt another voice on his guitar, compared with what I heard on this cd so far, this song seems somewhat detached apart from the jazz/fusion stuff. Song 7 – Pico ‘n Hoover – This is the most abstract and improvised song on the cd, sounding as if the bands was just doing some warm ups, and spinning the recorder while doing so. Song 7 – Edge of the World, surprisingly, the cd ends ina very different manner than how it started as this song tails away into a peaceful soundscape of jazz chord phrasings, here again you hear Diamantis dabbling with the sound of Pat Metheny.
As you may see in these musings, this cd offers a few different takes on jazz and fusion, all the while featuring Diamantis’ wide range of style mastery on the guitar, yet many listeners may find it difficult to accept the transitions from hard fusion, to the mellower songs, not that the songs are bad in any way, as typically, the broad scope of jazz fans have their borders, one that very few fans on one side or the other are so willing to cross, snjobbery is prominent on both sides of the fence, yet what Confusion opted to inject equal amounts of both, so you take the jazz with the fusion, or vice versa, whichever you prefer, if you like both? Double the fun.
—– Performers Achilleas DiamantisGuitars, Keyboards—– Panagiotis HaramisBass—– Takis IntasDrums—– GUESTS:Kristieanne TraversVocals on 4—– Stratos DiamantisKeyboard solo on 2,5
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
In the summer of 2002, I reviewed Confusion’s 2001 CD “Genesis” (their second overall). Now – only a year later – I have received Confusion’s latest effort, “Enter Alone” (via Diamond Snake Records).
The impact of “Enter Alone” is immediate as the album’s first track, “Quarter Past Three,” cascades through the speakers with unabashed emotion and “Spanish Way” surges with energetic fervor and gutsy playing. This up-tempo mood prevails throughout “Enter Alone” save for a few quiet numbers towards the latter half of the disc.
Much of what I said in my review of “Genesis” remains true with “Enter Alone.” Overall, “Enter Alone” balances progressive rock and jazz-fusion in a solid manner. Compositionally, there isn’t much difference between the two records although one might argue that “Enter Alone” has tighter songwriting and I wouldn’t disagree.
A couple of features on “Enter Alone” that weren’t part of the sound of “Genesis” are the supple inclusion of blues, a more Southern California sound (i.e. the sound made popular by Joe Satriani), and a greater emphasis on smooth vibes created by guitar synths and keyboards. All of these elements give “Enter Alone” a fuller, richer sound, from beginning to end, as a total listening experience. Not to mention that the overall impact of the album can probably reach a wider base of music fans as well.
I feel that “Enter Alone” represents Confusion as a more relaxed and more confident band. While Confusion will largely appeal to the jazz-fusion contingent, there is lots of material on “Enter Alone” that will be of interest to fans of instrumental rock guitar. Among Rough Edge readers especially, fans of progressive rock would be wise to consider adding Confusion’s “Enter Alone” to their collections.
“Enter Alone” was produced by Achilleas Diamantis & Confusion.
Confusion is Achilleas Diamantis on guitar, Panagiotis Haramis on bass, and Takis Intas on drums.
Confusion – Genesis – 2001
Tracks:
1. Intro
2. Where R U?
3. 7 To 4
4. Traveler in Time
5. Sick
6. The Fool
7. Escaped Soul
8. Occupational Hazard
9. Spunky
10. Ending
Members:
Achilleas Diamantis: Guitars, Synth guitar, Keyboard programming
Panagiotis Haramis: Electric Bass, Fretless
Takis Intas: Drums
Additional players:
Stratos Diamantis: Keyboards Kristieanne Travers: lyrics and voice
Reviews:
Douwe Fledderus – August 2002
After releasing a demo this is the first album of Confusion. The band is already working on a next album but we will concentrate on this first effort of this talented band. This album opens with an introduction “Intro” (0:57) in the form of some delicate keyboard samples with a narration in perfect English by Kristieanne Travers the girlfriend of Achilleas Diamantis. In “Where R U?” (4:53) the band starts with a heavy progressive and complex piece of music but suddenly the music switches to bluesy Jethro Tull guitar rock and the next minute you hear a reggae tune which flows into a difficult Jazz Rock piece. This track gives a perfect expression to their name: Confusion.
“7 to 4” (5:24) could be a track of one of the best Alan Holdsworth albums. A fantastic fusion piece with a great fretless bass and drums basis with keyboard and Holdsworth like guitar solo’s on top of it. It is amazing to hear such musicianship on a debut album by a band still not discovered by a record label yet. The people of the big labels are sleeping again. On “Traveller in time” (6:18) the brother of Achilleas, Stratos Diamantis is playing some keyboards. The opening of the piece is bringing again memories of Alan Holdsworth. And believe me, if people compare a guitar player with Alan Holdsworth or Scott Henderson you must have a lot of talent and skills. This piece is also a real Confusion piece because in the end the piano and drums are in a duel together and the piano rhythms are bringing you to Cuba.
“Sick” (5:30) is a track with again a lot of variation. Rhythmic jazz-rock pieces with hectic guitar solos are combined with delicious slow fusion work. In “The fool” (4:52) the basis is bluesy but you can hear also some dance rhythms. Panagiotis is playing some nice fretless licks here. My favourite track is “Escaped soul” (9:57) (dedicated to Kristieanne) a delicate track with beautiful and emotional guitar work. Stratos is playing the keyboard strings here. The Holdsworth lovers will enjoy this track a lot. Also I have to mention the delicious bass solo of Panagiotis Haramis.
Next is “Occupational hazard” (6:39) with besides the jazz rock also some blues parts. Takis Intas is showing that he knows something about drumming. In the end Achilleas Diamantis is playing one of his many solo’s of this album. Before the album is closed with “Ending” (0:47) (“is your mind a mess?”), which is in the same vain as the introduction of “Intro”, we first can listen to a track with the title “Spunky” (4:33). Complex jazz-rock rhythms are combined this time with some Funky music.
Well mixing all those styles is giving some Confusion but the music on “Genesis” is mainly Jazz Rock Fusion orientated. Achilleas Diamantis is the big man behind Confusion but all three members are very talented musicians. It sounds like they have no difficulties to play all those complex structures. People who like the music of Alan Holdworth must listen to Confusion. I know Achilleas likes also the music of like Scott Henderson but I am not very familiar with his music so I won’t compare the two. Only the fact that Achilleas sounds often like Holdsworth is a great compliment I think. But besides all the guitar work there is also some great drum and bass playing. “Genesis” is a good fusion album made by some very talented Greek musicians. It is amazing they still have no record deal. I am sure we will hear again from Confusion in the near future.
EEr – Christopher Ruel
Achilleas Diamantis returns from his debut with a new group named “Confusion” that takes its name for Diamantis first album and that takes his brand of intensive fusion to the next level. The opening track comes straight at the listener with some aggressive, fusionish guitar work that is reminiscent of Sir Holdsworth with its speed and outside harmonization. The increase in aggression is a marked departure from Diamantis first effort and distinguishes this CD from its predecessor. But, like the debut, this album exemplifies Diamantis’ painstaking efforts to compose impressive compositions with paradoxically complex yet fluid arrangements that demonstrate a lot of thought and insight. The guitar work that is characterized by more aggression, grit, and speed than the first effort is sure to raise the brows of agressive fusion fans that may have been lulled into complacency by the first album (though I liked this album too). The balance of unusual melody lines, speedy, chaotic runs, and ever-changing soundscapes should fit the bill for listeners who can’t stand to sit still.
The composition and soloing on Genesis are attention-keeping throughout. The caliber of musicianship is consistently good throughout, as well. And, the production quality captures the complex instrumental work with crystal clarity.
The seventh track, “Escaped Soul”, is built around balladic melodies reminiscent of the great fusion pioneer Jeff Beck, though played with a Diamantis spin. This track adds a new angle to the album with its return to a smoother, more refined form of jazz that again demonstrates Diamantis’ wide scope, as well as good taste. “Escaped Soul” revisits the types of voicings and carefully placed phrasings that characterized Diamantis’ first album.
Diamantis and company have produced a fine fusion effort on Genesis. Confusion has carved a niche for themselves with their unique brand of complex yet cohesive composition that is centered around aggressive fusion. If you like outside harmonization that strikes some balance with palatability, and if you like continually changing arrangements, then you might want to try this one on for size. Some of the ideas lean more towards the abstract end of the spectrum rather than accessible, but overall the content is pretty well-rounded. Give it a shot!
Confusion (1999)
Tracks:
1. Open Mind
2. Funk You
3. Mystic Samba
4. Blues 4U
5. Old Story
6. Alone
7. Marcos Song
8. Dark Trip
9. Pray For Love
Members:
Guitars- Achilleas Diamantis
Bass – Makis Boukalis (tracks: 1 to 4), Nikos Vardis* (tracks: 5)
Drums – Seraphim Bellos (tracks: 1 to 5)
Keyboards – Alekos Orfanos (tracks: 1, 3), Stratos Diamantis (tracks: 2, 5 to 7)
Bio And Reviews
Confusion started in 1998 by Achilleas Diamantis after graduating from MUSICIANS INSTITUTE in California USA, being taught by Scott Henderson, Joe Diorio, Don Mock and Sid Jacobs.
He was given a taste of Jazz and Fusion and he realized this was the start of his life.
Once on the return to his home country Greece, Achilleas was given the amazing chance to work with one of his favourite Greek Jazz pianists Mr Marcos Alexiou who gave Achilleas the opportunity to include two of his own compositions in this album “Flying to the unknown”(Blue Mirror and Danger Zone). By Achilleas terms “I was thrown into deep waters”.
That was the beginning of the journey he was about to embark on and from then on he looked for musicians that would have the passion to do something and make a difference.
The difference in the musical mind of Achilleas was to incorporate different elements (such as Jazz, Rock, Blues, Funk, Acid and Latin) yet building it all into one main theme.
He found session musicians that liked his music and with several special guest appearances (Makis Boukalis, Nikos Vardis on bass, Seraphim Bellos on drums, Alekos Orfanos, Stratos Diamantis on Keyboards and Takis Paterelis on sax), he completed his first album in 1999 and named it
“Confusion by Confusion”.
“Surprising mixture of the obvious Hellenic influences and some highly innovative soloing” John Mclaughlin Archives.
“The debut CD that launched the Greek fusion phenomenon, these guys are tight” Tom Voli – Gnarly Geezer Records.
“Well performed, clearly and well produced jazz-rock. The beautiful thing about the nine compositions is that Diamantis hasn’t pint himself down on one style” Reni Yedema – Io pages Progressive rock magazine.
After the album was released Achilleas started to search for the musicians that would also have the same passion, determination, and the ability to produce their own unique sound.
After He found Takis Intas and Panagiotis Haramis they started to work for a new album!
Their new album “Genesis” released in 2001,as the title suggests is the birth of the band. Self-producing 10 songs that switch easily from hard Fusion-Rock to fast swing and then moving to slow melodic ballads.
Guests In The cd : Stratos Diamantis ,Kristieanne Travers
“The cd contains 10 amazing compositions that display complete originality and growth as a unit” Gnarly Geezer Records.
In 2003 they released the cd “Enter Alone”
Guests In The cd : Stratos Diamantis ,Kristieanne Travers
In 2004 Achilleas moved in Los Angeles California to play and promote his music with Chris Stefanetti: Bass.
In 2006 CONFUSION are back in Greece working in new material.
In 2010 They Released The Cd ” Different Colour”
Ric Fierabracci is the bass player for the new CONFUSION’S CD.
Trifon Koutsourelis : Keyboards
Takis Intas : Drums
Dimitris Giannopoulos : Sax
In 2018 working in new material with new member :Nick Vardis On Bass
Confusion – Different Colour(2010)
Tracks:
1. Crying For Nothing
2. Secret Mountain
3. Madness
4. Over the World
5. The Magic Cave
6. NY Walk
7. Labyrinth
8. Fishy Story
9. St Overdose
Members:
Achilleas Diamantis(Guitars),
Ric Fierabracci(Bass),
Takis Intas(Drums),
Trifon Koutsourelis(Keyboards),
Dimitris Giannopoulos(Saxophone)
Confusion – Enter Alone (2003)
Tracks:
1. Quarter Past Three
2. Spanish Way
3. Tripfall
4. Enter Alone
5. Voodoo
6. Cacophony Blues
7. Old Times
8. Edge Of The World
9. Pico ‘N’ Hoover
Members:
Achilleas Diamantis : Guitar
Panagiotis Haramis : El. Bass, Fretless
Takis Intas : Drums
Reviews:
MJBrady Published on: 22 Jan 2004 For PROGGNOSIS
Nice to see that this fusion trio from Greece is still creating music, I found the first Confusion cd – Genesis a very appealing mixture of progressive and fusion musics, and that theme continues with this, the bands second release. And as was the case with the first cd, they again provide a variable assembly of musics that encompass a wide array of influences. Achilleas Diamantis, is the bands leader, his guitar tones are every bit as diverse as the bands music is. Though fans of smooth legato fusion guitar should be taking notice of this cd, as Diamantis can deliver the Holdsworth vibe at the flick of the wrist. But unlike some of the other AH cloning experiments, Diamantis prevails to be equally influenced by other styles of guitar and musical idioms.
The cd can read like a muscial sampler for the history of Fusion music, song 1 – Quarter Past Three starts slow, but gains momentum, giving way to what sounds like a vintage Brand X cut, only instead of Goodsalls’ guitars, he lends more of a Holdsworth feel to the soloing parts. Some fluid and melodic bass work by Panagiotis Haramis, who shines on the whole cd here. Song 2 – Spanish Way is perhaps my favorite track on the cd, with an obvious hint of Spanish flamenco inspiration, the song goes the way of a DiMeola instrumental from his older era.
Song 3 – Tripfall, find the band in a hardrock/fusion territory. With some nice funk bits fitted between the breaks, this is the third consecutive song that shows Diamantis’ well rounded legato technique, as he proves to be a superb soloist. Song 4 – Enter Alone, this is the title cut here, very thematic and mellow, also a vocal tune that features the soft female voice of Kristieanne Travers, the song is a drastic turn away from the first 3 fusion numbers, and stays mellow for the duration of the song, Diamantis plays straight jazz, much in the vein of Pat Metheny this time, and again revealing his versatility as a well-schooled musician.
Song 5 – VooDoo, This is a choppy, technically challenging song, odd time signatures, and a heavy tone takes the band firmly back to the harder edged fusion heard on earlier cuts. This song offers bassist – Haramis, to give a sample of his deft soloing skills, which lead into yet another Holdsworthian lead solo by Diamantis. It should be no surprise that Confusion’s music is featured at Holdsworth’s – Gnarly Geezer records site. At times this arrangement reminds me of some of Frank Gambales’ moments with the Elektric Band, very cool song.
Song 6 – Cacophony Blues, pretty apt name for this mutation on the blues standard, with Diamantis showing yt another voice on his guitar, compared with what I heard on this cd so far, this song seems somewhat detached apart from the jazz/fusion stuff. Song 7 – Pico ‘n Hoover – This is the most abstract and improvised song on the cd, sounding as if the bands was just doing some warm ups, and spinning the recorder while doing so. Song 7 – Edge of the World, surprisingly, the cd ends ina very different manner than how it started as this song tails away into a peaceful soundscape of jazz chord phrasings, here again you hear Diamantis dabbling with the sound of Pat Metheny.
As you may see in these musings, this cd offers a few different takes on jazz and fusion, all the while featuring Diamantis’ wide range of style mastery on the guitar, yet many listeners may find it difficult to accept the transitions from hard fusion, to the mellower songs, not that the songs are bad in any way, as typically, the broad scope of jazz fans have their borders, one that very few fans on one side or the other are so willing to cross, snjobbery is prominent on both sides of the fence, yet what Confusion opted to inject equal amounts of both, so you take the jazz with the fusion, or vice versa, whichever you prefer, if you like both? Double the fun.
—– Performers Achilleas DiamantisGuitars, Keyboards—– Panagiotis HaramisBass—– Takis IntasDrums—– GUESTS:Kristieanne TraversVocals on 4—– Stratos DiamantisKeyboard solo on 2,5
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
In the summer of 2002, I reviewed Confusion’s 2001 CD “Genesis” (their second overall). Now – only a year later – I have received Confusion’s latest effort, “Enter Alone” (via Diamond Snake Records).
The impact of “Enter Alone” is immediate as the album’s first track, “Quarter Past Three,” cascades through the speakers with unabashed emotion and “Spanish Way” surges with energetic fervor and gutsy playing. This up-tempo mood prevails throughout “Enter Alone” save for a few quiet numbers towards the latter half of the disc.
Much of what I said in my review of “Genesis” remains true with “Enter Alone.” Overall, “Enter Alone” balances progressive rock and jazz-fusion in a solid manner. Compositionally, there isn’t much difference between the two records although one might argue that “Enter Alone” has tighter songwriting and I wouldn’t disagree.
A couple of features on “Enter Alone” that weren’t part of the sound of “Genesis” are the supple inclusion of blues, a more Southern California sound (i.e. the sound made popular by Joe Satriani), and a greater emphasis on smooth vibes created by guitar synths and keyboards. All of these elements give “Enter Alone” a fuller, richer sound, from beginning to end, as a total listening experience. Not to mention that the overall impact of the album can probably reach a wider base of music fans as well.
I feel that “Enter Alone” represents Confusion as a more relaxed and more confident band. While Confusion will largely appeal to the jazz-fusion contingent, there is lots of material on “Enter Alone” that will be of interest to fans of instrumental rock guitar. Among Rough Edge readers especially, fans of progressive rock would be wise to consider adding Confusion’s “Enter Alone” to their collections.
“Enter Alone” was produced by Achilleas Diamantis & Confusion.
Confusion is Achilleas Diamantis on guitar, Panagiotis Haramis on bass, and Takis Intas on drums.
Confusion – Genesis – 2001
Tracks:
1. Intro
2. Where R U?
3. 7 To 4
4. Traveler in Time
5. Sick
6. The Fool
7. Escaped Soul
8. Occupational Hazard
9. Spunky
10. Ending
Members:
Achilleas Diamantis: Guitars, Synth guitar, Keyboard programming
Panagiotis Haramis: Electric Bass, Fretless
Takis Intas: Drums
Additional players:
Stratos Diamantis: Keyboards Kristieanne Travers: lyrics and voice
Reviews:
Douwe Fledderus – August 2002
After releasing a demo this is the first album of Confusion. The band is already working on a next album but we will concentrate on this first effort of this talented band. This album opens with an introduction “Intro” (0:57) in the form of some delicate keyboard samples with a narration in perfect English by Kristieanne Travers the girlfriend of Achilleas Diamantis. In “Where R U?” (4:53) the band starts with a heavy progressive and complex piece of music but suddenly the music switches to bluesy Jethro Tull guitar rock and the next minute you hear a reggae tune which flows into a difficult Jazz Rock piece. This track gives a perfect expression to their name: Confusion.
“7 to 4” (5:24) could be a track of one of the best Alan Holdsworth albums. A fantastic fusion piece with a great fretless bass and drums basis with keyboard and Holdsworth like guitar solo’s on top of it. It is amazing to hear such musicianship on a debut album by a band still not discovered by a record label yet. The people of the big labels are sleeping again. On “Traveller in time” (6:18) the brother of Achilleas, Stratos Diamantis is playing some keyboards. The opening of the piece is bringing again memories of Alan Holdsworth. And believe me, if people compare a guitar player with Alan Holdsworth or Scott Henderson you must have a lot of talent and skills. This piece is also a real Confusion piece because in the end the piano and drums are in a duel together and the piano rhythms are bringing you to Cuba.
“Sick” (5:30) is a track with again a lot of variation. Rhythmic jazz-rock pieces with hectic guitar solos are combined with delicious slow fusion work. In “The fool” (4:52) the basis is bluesy but you can hear also some dance rhythms. Panagiotis is playing some nice fretless licks here. My favourite track is “Escaped soul” (9:57) (dedicated to Kristieanne) a delicate track with beautiful and emotional guitar work. Stratos is playing the keyboard strings here. The Holdsworth lovers will enjoy this track a lot. Also I have to mention the delicious bass solo of Panagiotis Haramis.
Next is “Occupational hazard” (6:39) with besides the jazz rock also some blues parts. Takis Intas is showing that he knows something about drumming. In the end Achilleas Diamantis is playing one of his many solo’s of this album. Before the album is closed with “Ending” (0:47) (“is your mind a mess?”), which is in the same vain as the introduction of “Intro”, we first can listen to a track with the title “Spunky” (4:33). Complex jazz-rock rhythms are combined this time with some Funky music.
Well mixing all those styles is giving some Confusion but the music on “Genesis” is mainly Jazz Rock Fusion orientated. Achilleas Diamantis is the big man behind Confusion but all three members are very talented musicians. It sounds like they have no difficulties to play all those complex structures. People who like the music of Alan Holdworth must listen to Confusion. I know Achilleas likes also the music of like Scott Henderson but I am not very familiar with his music so I won’t compare the two. Only the fact that Achilleas sounds often like Holdsworth is a great compliment I think. But besides all the guitar work there is also some great drum and bass playing. “Genesis” is a good fusion album made by some very talented Greek musicians. It is amazing they still have no record deal. I am sure we will hear again from Confusion in the near future.
EEr – Christopher Ruel
Achilleas Diamantis returns from his debut with a new group named “Confusion” that takes its name for Diamantis first album and that takes his brand of intensive fusion to the next level. The opening track comes straight at the listener with some aggressive, fusionish guitar work that is reminiscent of Sir Holdsworth with its speed and outside harmonization. The increase in aggression is a marked departure from Diamantis first effort and distinguishes this CD from its predecessor. But, like the debut, this album exemplifies Diamantis’ painstaking efforts to compose impressive compositions with paradoxically complex yet fluid arrangements that demonstrate a lot of thought and insight. The guitar work that is characterized by more aggression, grit, and speed than the first effort is sure to raise the brows of agressive fusion fans that may have been lulled into complacency by the first album (though I liked this album too). The balance of unusual melody lines, speedy, chaotic runs, and ever-changing soundscapes should fit the bill for listeners who can’t stand to sit still.
The composition and soloing on Genesis are attention-keeping throughout. The caliber of musicianship is consistently good throughout, as well. And, the production quality captures the complex instrumental work with crystal clarity.
The seventh track, “Escaped Soul”, is built around balladic melodies reminiscent of the great fusion pioneer Jeff Beck, though played with a Diamantis spin. This track adds a new angle to the album with its return to a smoother, more refined form of jazz that again demonstrates Diamantis’ wide scope, as well as good taste. “Escaped Soul” revisits the types of voicings and carefully placed phrasings that characterized Diamantis’ first album.
Diamantis and company have produced a fine fusion effort on Genesis. Confusion has carved a niche for themselves with their unique brand of complex yet cohesive composition that is centered around aggressive fusion. If you like outside harmonization that strikes some balance with palatability, and if you like continually changing arrangements, then you might want to try this one on for size. Some of the ideas lean more towards the abstract end of the spectrum rather than accessible, but overall the content is pretty well-rounded. Give it a shot!
Confusion (1999)
Tracks:
1. Open Mind
2. Funk You
3. Mystic Samba
4. Blues 4U
5. Old Story
6. Alone
7. Marcos Song
8. Dark Trip
9. Pray For Love
Members:
Guitars- Achilleas Diamantis
Bass – Makis Boukalis (tracks: 1 to 4), Nikos Vardis* (tracks: 5)
Drums – Seraphim Bellos (tracks: 1 to 5)
Keyboards – Alekos Orfanos (tracks: 1, 3), Stratos Diamantis (tracks: 2, 5 to 7)