ATANAS SHISHKOV

Artist's Website
Contact Artist
Bulgaria

Available CDs

Warranties and Disclaimers

"Bulgaria's super shredder may well be Atanas Shishkov, who submitted his eight song instrumental CD-R, Flying Colours. Now ignore the cheesy drum machine sounds and sleep-inducing sequenced keyboards if you can, and you'll be left with fusion/rock/shred that features impressively fluid tapping, amazing string skipping and unusual intervals and positions. Shishkov loves to blaze, and each track from the opener ("Exotic Nights"), through the title track and the Mozart homage ("Mozart-Howe Theme"), until the final track ("The Mysterious Tower") comes rife with ultra-heavy shred and melodically based pyrotechnics. Like a lot of talented musicians, Shishkov has to break out of demo mode and hire some killer rhythm players and a dedicated, experienced producer in order to kick his original music into high gear. The talent is there, ready to be rocketed into instrumental guitar stardom.

"Flying Colours is Atanas G. Shishkov latest CD venture. Atanas latest CD consists of eight instrumental tracks. With a primary focus on fusion guitar playing the CD also features progressive elements.  With influences that span a list of who is who among guitarist, Atanas early influences were Gary Moore and Kirk Hammett. From there came  Yngwie Malmsteen and Joe Satriani. Later influences include Vinnie Moore, Jason Becker, Tony MacAlpine, Marty Friedman, Paul Gilbert, Michael Lee Firkins, Steve Vai and Steve Morse. As of late Atanas has been listening to fusion greats such as Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin, Mike Stern, Pat Metheny, Lee Ritenour, Allan Holdsworth, Frank Gambale, George Benson, Greg Howe, Scott Henderson and many valuable jazz musicians and bands – The Chick Corea Electric Band, Tribal Tech, Pat Metheny Group, Fourplay and UZEB.  Atanas is really expressive guitarist, he incorporates melodies,  grooves and soloing into a landscape that breathes with each note that is struck. There are plenty of melodies and minor explorations into the neoclassical world. I really like the underlying drum programming that makes up the foundation for the tracks on the CD. 

Personal Favorites: Exotic Nights - Flying Colours 

Bottom Line: If you like any of Atanas influences then you know what you are getting. The CD should appeal to instrumental fans and progressive rock fans." - John Kindred, Hard Rock Haven

"All of you have read the instructional lessons here at InsaneGuitar.com, but have you ever stopped to wonder how the authors actually use the material they present to you? Atanas G. Shishkov has written for the site in the past, but his work goes far beyond instructional columns. His latest release, Flying Colours, speaks wonders for what developed technique, musicianship, and style can accomplish. There is a lot more to Atanas's music than crazy tapping arpeggios and fast runs, though. There is a lot of depth to the music, and perhaps words cannot adequately describe everything that needs to be said. I was definitely taken aback by Shiskov's lead tone; it is simply stunning. The melodies are very moving and show a deep love for music. Perhaps the biggest surprise for me personally was the great style Atanas has. Flying Colours is not full of “fast to be fast,” scooped-out-mids rhythm sections. All the tunes have awesome grooves to them, but the melody is always in the limelight! One of my favorite tracks on Flying Colours is “Mozart - Howe Theme.” I remember hearing this played on piano when I was little, and I always loved it. Shishkov's version really does Mozart justice. You can check out clips of all the tunes from Flying Colours on Atanas Shishkov's site; his work is highly recommended!" - Carter Johnston, Insane Guitar