"Here it is at last! You had an opportunity to read the review of Mike's "Trinity" EP in the previous issue of Department of Virtuosity, and now you will get to know about his first full-length album. Mike handled all instruments and vocals with the exception of some tracks where he was supported by Matt Schultize on drums/percussion and Kent Bollan on bass, along with rhythm guitar on "This Country Boy Can Rock."
Well, Mike is a real and loosened-up rocker with the spirit of a romanticist. It's evidenced by some lyrics and his special words directed to his beloved flame in the CD's liner notes. But getting down to business (Mike does know the ambiguity of this phrase, ha!), I admit that the guitar and his vocal are the leading "characters" in the story called "Holy Avenger". His stuff is simple, straight-forward and sincere, because this is what corporate rock is all about. It is very catchy, accessible, bright, energy- and optimism-bursting and really driving. One of its greatest advantages are powerful production and rock 'n' roll solo-efficient guitar parts. In other words, all elements are mached with themselves, and here is also the lack of excess of form. Mike can scream and sing with verve. Moreover, he adroitly jumps from rock, through blues, all the way to country music. Another virtue of the album is the fact it includes a non-tiring musical blend. A tiresome music has a destructive impact on listeners, but, believe me, this joyful man with a seductive smile from the cover is not a killer, ha ha.
In my opinion, "Holy Avenger" is a kind of hit-by-hit stuff from whom such tracks like "Little Princess", "Watch Her Walk", "Just Like Yesterday" and "Can't Stop This Feelin'" can be surely played on the radio. They are most rhythmical and stimulating, so the conclusion is that they can be also most appealing to the listeners. This guitar album consists of 12 basic tracks and 3 hidden bonuses - a gift for a surprised hearer, ha! Michael "Oxygen Thief" Stollaire managed to strike an awkward balance between his corporate and musical life provided that he was born with entrepreneurial and musical flair. He does know what I mean, so all that's left for me to do is writing: great job, Mike!"
~ Nicolo @ The Department of Virtuosity, Heavy Metal Pages Magazine
"The mic loves Stollaire's voice, and that gives him a giant leg up on many artists."
~ Music Connection Magazine, August 2008
"Looking for some tunes to get that party started!? Look no further than Michael Stollaire's debut solo album, Holy Avenger! Truly showcasing Michael Stollaire's amazing guitar playing abilities and great vocals, this 13-track album takes you on a Rock 'n' Roll journey."
~ Rock In Review, January 2009
"Holy Avenger will attract guitar aficionados like honey attracts bees."
~ Wildy's World, August 2008
"I have one word -- Fierce!"
~ Robyn Young, Film Music Magazine
"LOVE IT! You're one of the few indies that have a sound quality which matches the Major-signed acts."
~ Eric Short, Short Circuits Import Co., The leading importer of electronics in the Northeast region of the U.S.
"This seasoned singer-guitarist enlisted the aid of veteran musician Stu Simone to construct a disk of high-energy tracks. He has come back to what a lot of listeners are clamoring for: punchy rock tunes with an electric feel and a pick-you-up attitude."
by Rob Swick, All Access Magazine, April 2009
"Michael Stollaire's Holy Avenger rocks hard with a polished sound. Almost every track includes a screaming guitar solo, although Stollaire takes a break from burning up the fret board during "One Love," a tender ballad."
By Dan MacIntosh, Indie-Music.com
"Michael Stollaire's Trinity is an enjoyable three-song EP. It starts off with, "Little Princess," a catchy, lively rock 'n' roll tune that makes you want to get up and dance, and the CD finishes off with the hard rock song, "Just Like Yesterday," complete with wailing guitar ho
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