The band only released two albums, of which this is the second. Widdly diddly diddly dum, shred shred, and more shred. Actually, there is some killer playing but first and foremost, this is a band with a vocalist (Peter Marrino) and song structures.
The band also has two amazing guitar players who have had differing fortunes, to say the least. Marty Friedman has gone on to be one of the genre’s best players with his solo work, as well as being a member of Megadeth. Jason Becker’s story is quite sad as while recording Dave Lee Roth’s A Little Ain’t Enough, he contracted ALS and has been unable to perform since, he is confined to wheelchair and bedridden.
I prefer this style of guitar album to the out and out shred fest albums, as the solos are short, sharp, and to the point. There is some unbelievable playing here and it’s jaw dropping in places from both of them. In terms of songs, my favourite is ESP. A great metal tune with a killer riff and wicked groove, and the playing is insane. Of course there are moments of pure widdlefestarama, like the title track which wears you out by just listening to it.
All hail Shrapnel records for putting albums like these out, and giving guitarists a voice.
9/10 from The Grooveman.
