Jay-Pee
As Wessel had previously mentioned, Jeff's first solo album is pretty damn awesome. The album itself is scheduled for release on the 30th September this year, but I stumbled upon it on a sharing site, so if anyone's in need of something different, search for it on bunalti.com.... Also check out Jeff's band, Nevermore's latest album, "This Godless Endeavour" for some of the most innovative shit you'll ever hear.
Jeff's project is all instrumental and although the album as a whole sounds the same, each track has it's own soul. I had picked up that there's an rather weird solo on the song, "Cashmere Shiv", probably coming from a 8-string bass, or a fretless guitar, but it compliments the music, and therefore it's fitting. "Miles of Machines" features this neo-classical nylon-guitar intro that would even make Jason Becker jealous, and the shredding as a whole is also top-notch.
This is a heavy metal record, make no mistake about it, but it will appeal to a larger audience, and all the songs seem to grow on you like no other will. Although no-one would ever, or soon at least, be able to outplay the master, Petrucci in terms of clinical accuracy and fret board excellence, Jeff’s attempt surely comes really close…..
Check this shit out, you’ll be amazed..
AlanRatcliffe
Ok I just checked out both Zero Order Phaze and This Godless Endeavour. Good playing, but I wouldn't really call it innovative. Zero Order Phase is very one dimensional as most guitarist's solo albums are. Godless Endeavour has strong melodies and choruses, which set them apart from the vast majority of modern metal outfits, but it didn't really manage to engage me.
It's a fretless bass in Cashmere Shiv, BTW.
I don't think it's just 'cos I'm an old fart either ? - I also got some DragonForce (Ultra Beatdown) and have been enjoying that so far.
jacopetra
I have to agree. Jeff loomis is one of the best guitarists and has a unique style. I have the cd Zero order phase, but i cant wait to get the original. and i also have the entire Nevermore collection(originals) exept for enemies of reality. their new album will hopefully be out next year, and their dvd will be out in october 2008. can wait to get it. and also listen to warrel dane - praises to the war machine, (the vocalist of nevermore's solo album) thats also amazing!
