Enter Jeff Loomis, a genuine and gifted virtuoso whose credibility is rendered cast iron not only by his position as guitar “meister” in residence with molten metallers Nevermore but also by the fact that the only reason he once got turned down for a job with Megadeth was that he was sixteen at the time! A brief break in Nevermore’s intense schedule has allowed both Loomis and singer Warrel Dane to release solo albums.
In the guitarist’s case this has allowed him to bring to fruition an album of musical visions which in some cases he has been working on for some time and collaborate with some truly remarkable artists. If this review were for one of the specialist guitar publications it would be easy to slip into “Guitar” mode and wax lyrical in purple passages about techniques, modes and styles. But what might an album of this nature and calibre mean to the “real” rock and metal fan and is it relevant? I believe that it is.
Quality will out and as well as being a devastating technician, Loomis has a stunning ear for melody and harmony which means that if you don’t understand what you are listening to in technical terms it is still an enjoyable experience. Music is about how it makes you feel and the compositions on this album take you on an emotional journey. Underpinned by trade mark devastating seven-string rhythms, the solos and melodies have their launch pad to soar, swirl and beguile. Analogies lie somewhere between a magnificently spiced curry and a subtle and complex wine! The title and indeed execution of track two sums matters up nicely; ‘Opulent Maelstrom’. This track probably features every guitar technique under the sun at some point but is nothing short of a joy to listen to.
‘Jato Unit’ features the extraordinary and edgy playing of Ron Jarzombek and to listen to him and Loomis trading solos is surely the aural equivalent of liquid gold. An ‘Azure Haze’ is entirely different to a Purple one with the composition emphasising spine tingling harmonies. ‘Cashmere Shiv’ moves into complex jazz/ prog territory featuring jazz artist Michael Manring with album producer (and former Nevermore collaborator) Neil Kernon contributing a fretless guitar solo! ‘Race Against Disaster’ is probably the heaviest of the heavy in the collection, a sledgehammer of a track featuring robustly melodic “vocal” lines from Loomis and guest Pat O’Brien (Cannibal Corpse).
The guitar is a wonderful instrument and in the right hands it can not only rock your world but sweep you clean off it into another dimension. ‘Zero Order Phase’ provides such an experience if you care to embrace it. ‘Megadeth’ reckoned that ‘The World Needs a Hero’. By rejecting Jeff Loomis all that time ago, it is gently ironic that they were instrumental in allowing one of today’s most exciting talents to flourish.