Jeff Loomis has already gained his share of fame in the metal World. His main style of playing is influenced by Yngwie Malmsteen and Marty Friedman, amongst others. When metal act Sanctuary broke up in late 1994, the remnants of that band formed Nevermore, with Loomis as their self-taught lead guitarist. Since then, Jeff has been shredding all around the globe. In the past, he’d stated that he’d always wanted to record a solo album, much like his musical heroes Marty Friedman and Jason Becker did before him. That album became reality in 2008 and is entitled Zero Order Phase.
Even if one wouldn’t know what guitarists’ work this album was, they’d instantly have mentioned Nevermore. The sound is very similar to the progressive metal act from Seattle, just without vocals.
I love Loomis’ shredding and his fine-tuned sense for melody. That’s what really makes this album worthwhile; those heavy compositions with the swinging guitar solos we know so well. In contradiction to that, ‘Azure Haze’ is a slower song, more laid-back than the rest of the tracks.
The album knows a couple of surprises. On ‘Cashmire Shiv’, Loomis enlisted a guest musician who plays a fretless guitar. The sound sounds quite unique in the heavy metal environment it finds itself in. The same song also contains the catchiness we’re used to from Nevermore songs, which is really nice to hear.
Heavy shredding with droning guitar riffs and melodies of Nevermore level; what more could we want from a solo album by Jeff Loomis? I’m positive that fans will love this album, and it will appeal to metal heads and hard rockers who share a taste for innovative riffing as well. Well worth the purchase!