By Andrew Catania
Dean Cascione is an American Neoclassic Shred Guitarist who is an innovative force in today’s shred guitar scene. In a genre overflowing with self-proclaimed speed freaks, Cascione is committed to shattering the shred stereotypes, delivering melodic NeoClassic Metal filled with passion and contrast. Experts have described Dean’s command of the instrument as “A showcase of Neoclassical fretboard pyrotechnics”, “Dangerous with a guitar,” “Vicious, high tech and aggressive,” “Channeled the spirit of Rhoads and the best of Malmsteen,” and “A bright star on the international guitar scene.”
Dean’s debut CD “Guitar Chop Shop” released in 2008, merited Guitar9’s #1 chart ranking in May of that year, and an overall ranking of #2 in their Top Sellers chart for NeoClassical Metal in 2008. In honor of one of Metal’s greatest legends, Dean joined forces with the mighty MANOWAR to record “Magic: A Tribute to Ronnie James Dio.” Straight from the heart, Dean embraced Dio’s legacy with his haunting instrumental interpretation of his Elf classic Nevermore. The tribute album was released worldwide in 2010. “Neoclassical Fire” (2011) conjured a “Blend of fierce fret board assault with sharp, powerful melodic phrasing.” The album merited Guitar9’s #1 chart ranking in sales during July and August of 2011 and held for an active seven weeks in the Top 10 charts for Neoclassical Metal, Shred, and Instrumental Rock genres.
“Shred Crusade” is Dean’s latest chapter of pure NeoClassic Metal (2015). Joining Cascione on this epic adventure rides Kenny Lane Swartz ( Drums), Paul Ranieri (Bass), Rich Kelly (Orchestration) and a cavalry of guitar wielding wizards to include: David “The Shred Demon” Shankle (DSG, Devil Land, Voodoo Gods, MANOWAR) and Joe Stump (Joe Stump Band, Holy Hell, Reign of Terror, Exorcism, Black Knights Castle) Influenced and inspired by decades of metal and classical music, Cascione holds the NeoClassic torch high and proud, as he prepares to deliver another volume of powerful guitar anthems! RIP and SHRED!
Dean Cascione’s fretboard pyrotechnics can also be heard on the Shredlord Joe Stumps (2015 Lion Music) release “Brothers in Shred.”
Dean is rated one of the best shredders across the globe. In fact, many people see Cascione as the eyes of the great legendary, Joe Stump. While Dean struggled to find his own identity and unique style, Joe Stump remains the solution to this curious young lad. Stump stood in the frontline for Dean while he drives into the career of being a guitarist. In a nutshell, Joe remains the ultimate mentor to Dean. Among other great things that Joe helped Cascione on is elaborating guitar vocabulary and expanding creativity. When Dean appeared in the world of entertainment, Grunge remains the rave and shred almost faded away in thin air. However, the only man standing at this period was Lord Joe who kept the hype of neoclassical guitar playing alive. The ability and inner intuition of Stump helped Dean to keep the fire burning in recording, playing and writing.
Dean Cascione Live at the SENE Film and Music Festival Blu Ray / DVD was released 9/2016. Here’s what the experts are saying about his performance:
http://deancascione.com/#PURCHASE_CDs_/_DIGITAL_DOWNLOADS_NOW!
Dean also makes guitars! Check his website out http://dccustomguitars.com/
