Marking Lion Music's 300th release, guitar virtuoso / composer LARS ERIC MATTSSON returns with the ultimate neo-classical experience in which metal and rock guitar, bass and drums meets classical music for the harmoniously rich Aurora Borealis.

According to a press release, this new wholly instrumental 12 track release takes a fresh approach to the blend of guitar and orchestra for a musical experience as uplifting as seeing the wonder of the northern lights, from which the album gets its title.

Whilst the combination of orchestra and guitar may have been done before by amongst others one of Mattsson’s influences ULI JON ROTH (ex-SCORPIONS); Aurora Borealis takes the range of sound and expressions further that what has been heard before and places as much emphasis on each tracks backing as with its guitar work. The result is a highly captivating and listenable experience. Lush in textures and timbres, ‘Aurora Borealis’ comes across at times like a film score; sometimes fast and exotic whilst at others sweet and luxurious. Many moods are covered and all of which see Mattsson deliver impassioned guitar work in his own inimitable style.

Lars Eric Mattsson comments: “I tried to compose the music with enough variations and the right flow from start to end and keep things listenable by using the right arrangements.”

Despite its relative complexity Aurora Borealis may well be easier on the listener than some of his previous vocal progressive metal releases such as 2010’s critically acclaimed Mattsson – Tango, although Lars concedes with a smile, “It might sound less complex though I am not sure it actually is!”

As a final comment when asked to sum up the new release Mattsson responds: “Classical music and rock has been mixed before with various results but never this way, I tried to create something very unique and I don’t think it’s fair to label this as just another instrumental guitar album.”

Aurora Borealis sees release on Lion Music on April 15th.

Aurora Borealis tracklisting:

'Rising'

'Bounce'

'Cold Water Spirit'

'Forward Thinking'

'Revolutionary Star'

'The Heart'

'Eternal Cycles'

'Clear Skies'

'Planetary Strength'

'Parisienne Etude'

'Midnight Sun'

'Starfall'

For more info visit Larsericmattsson.com.