Maurock: “Magnetar” – A Variety of Tunes that Showcases Technicality and Melody

Mauricio D. Ortiz is an Ecuadorian musician, producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He is best known as Maurock. In addition to his work, Maurock has produced for a variety of artists, and has enjoyed a successful career as a solo artist. He has collaborated at large events with many talented and internationally known musicians as Marky Ramone (Ramones), Lemmy Kilmister (Motorhead), Static X, Michael Graves (Misfits), Scott Lan (Anthrax), John 5 (Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie), Alex Skolnick (Testament), Mike Stern, Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Christopher Broderick (Megadeth), Jeff Duncan and Joey Vera (Armored Saint), Dino Cazares (Fear Factory / Divine Heresy) and Mike Stone (Queensryche).

Recently in 2014, Maurock has also performed in a music video for well-known pop artist GabyBoy/Gabriel Boyér showcasing a Flamenco/ Bachata guitar style. Maurock has released his instrumental rock EP “Magnetar”, which is indeed a fine effort, resulting in a variety of tunes that showcases technicality, melody as well as a range of different styles!

“Magnetar” is the perfect opener to this EP, showcasing a meaty guitar riff as well as Maurock’s all-out assault on the guitar. “Afuera” is more dynamic. It starts off at a slow tempo then it develops and continually changes intensity.

“Solar”, “Esperanza” and “Nostalgia” form part of the triple ballad collection on here, and are my outright favorites. These songs are spiritually uplifting and brimming with touching melodies. Well composed and brilliantly executed. “Universo” and “Miaguitar” sound like a soundtrack you’re likely to hear in an action game. These songs are full of energy, if you’re looking to get pumped up while doing sports or something, these song works perfectly.

Maurock is an extremely versatile guitarist with a solid technique. His immense control over the fret board and melodic control is remarkable. Like most guitarists he has progressions reminiscent of his influences and peers, but all of the notes he plays, possess a unique Maurock flair.

Maurock has the ability to combine power with finesse, aggression with sentiment and ferocity with tranquility. This is without doubt great instrumental rock guitar music.

Maurock is intelligent with his melodic riffs and smooth changes, making sure you can feel the music he has written with every song. If you have any interest, appreciation or are drawn to guitar music in any form, shape or fashion, stop wasting time reading this review and purchase this CD.

This is a purely instrumental album, and that’s a good thing: this music needs no distractions from lyrics, and is strong from the first to the last track. Unlike many guitar-driven albums that get boring; the styles and the songs begin to sound the same after the 3rd song, even for listeners who are guitarists. This does not happen here. As Maurock runs a gamut of styles that will hold your attention all the way through!

Guitar-power, beauty, and intensity…it’s all there

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