The Empyrean

John Frusciante, the funk-rock guitarist of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, has released his 10th studio album. "Funk-rock guitarist", however, can only describe a part of Frusciante's immense talent.

The solo artist left the band and began his solo career in 1992 after assimilating the disappointing side of being famous via the band's world-wide notoriety. After the departure, he jumped into the world of heroin and almost never made it out. Frusciante rejoined the band in 1998 with his existential experiences now part of his music.

The word "empyrean" was used by writers such as Keats and Dante to describe the highest point in heaven. According to johnfrusciante.com, the guitarist's personal blog, the concept album is a story that "takes place within one person, and there are two characters." It was recorded on and off between December 2006 and March 2008.

Released in January 2009, The Empyrean is an extraordinary concept album. The album is an avant-garde display of musical depth that only a studied artist could produce. Also, Frusciante's musical appreciation is evident. His cover of Tim Buckley's "Song to the Siren" and the magnetic force of "Unreachable," gives you a futuristic and underwater sensation through the use of effects and instrumentation. Contributors to the record include a gospel choir, a string quartet, Johnny Marr and Chili Pepper band mate Flea.

If you hate the Red Hot Chili Peppers, it doesn't matter. Frusciante's solo work is worlds apart from the music the Chili Peppers have produced. Frusciante's experimental vision of music is mastered through his honed perception of what he wants the music to sound like and completely contrasts the radio-friendly work of the Chili Peppers.