Jeff Loomis - Zero Order Phase (CD)

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Jeff Loomis is surely stranger to none - even vaguely - aware of the Metal world. Lead guitarist/main songwriter (together with W. Dane) of NEVERMORE, a band that has certainly sealed modern music with its unique sound, fusing all Metal genres and giving birth to an authentic and very influential style. As for his playing style, it melts low tuned Death/Thrash Metal riffing together with shredding neoclassical lead chops, admitedly influenced by Yngwie Malmsteen, Jason Becker and Marty Friedman.
So as the rumour had it that he was preparing his first solo attempt, most Heavy Metal fans' and guitarists' hearts were filled with the greatest of expectations. Hopefully, the result can't have disappointed anyone, cuz since the guitar has the main role, Jeff goes really crazy- guitar wise- and proves once more what a great player he is.
The riffing is great (as if it wouldn't be so), the enchanting melodies are everywhere and  the soloing is from outer space. The tracks are very near the spirit of NEVERMORE but hopefully Loomis is also fond of trying new things and is aptly experimenting with world music, jazzy and atmospheric parts.
Moreover, there are some important guest here, such as: the madman Ron Jarzombek (WATCHTOWER), Pat O'Brien from CANNIBAL CORPSE, jazz bassist Michael Manring and Neil Kernon who produced the album and played some fretless guitar parts.
Finally, the production is quite good although I think that the drums' sound is pretty close to a good drum-machine, totally deprived of dynamics, which might be due to exaggerated use of compression. Also, the keyboards' sound quality could also be much higher. Yet, the main thing here is Jeff's guitar, which truly does wonders.