Zero Order Phase (2008)

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This is the first solo album released by Speed/Thrash Metal band Nevermore’s guitarist Jeff Loomis, and in my opinion, a must have for any fan of instrumental metal. Loomis has cited Jason Becker and Marty Friedman as influences, and this album lives up to its expectations (it even has a cool, Sci-fi inspired album cover) without getting bogged down in neo-classical technicalities. The musical style is broadly faithful to that of Nevermore, so fans of that band will take to this album quite well. Released just a few months after his bandmate Warrel Dane released his solo album, Loomis plays guitar and bass on Zero Order Phase, with former Nevermore member Mark Arrington on drums.

A complete album, it includes fast tracks filled with face melters (‘Jato Unit’, ‘Devil theory’, ‘Race against Disaster’), slower, more melodic tracks (‘Azure Haze’, ’Sacristy’) and the odd Neo classical inspired track (‘Miles of Machines’). The more memorable songs are the ones where the absence of a vocalist is not felt. While all the songs are enjoyable, there are parts which sound like overstretched solos from a Nevermore song. There is tons of shredding going on here, but it is well-balanced among tastefully-arranged riffing and atmospherics as well as actual melodic playing that is soulful as well as technically able. Keeping the listener’s attention from wandering during the entire 50 plus minutes of a solo guitar album is quite an achievement, and this album grows on me everytime I listen to it.

My favourite song here, ‘Jato Unit’ is a lightning fast, twin guitar attack with guest guitarist Ron Jarzombek of Watchtower trading solos with Loomis with dizzying pace. The song plays like an extended thrash metal solo with neo-classical bits that leave the listener stupefied. Another beautiful track, ‘Cashmere Shiv’ features ominous atmospheric parts, soulful soloing by Loomis and Pat O’Brien of Cannibal Corpse, an Indian-fusion sounding bass solo by Jazz musician Michael Manring, and a fretless guitar solo by the producer Neil Kernon. ‘Miles of Machines’ is a shreddy, fast paced track that reminds one of Yngwie minus the excessive classical parts, demonstrating Loomis’s range as a guitar player. The rhythm guitar work is also commendable, with frequent changes of pace that keep the listeners on the edge.

The production is crystal clear and very tight, with a downside being that the drums sound very programmed (which they are not). I also thought that the bass was rather subdued in most parts. On the whole, there is nothing very different or mind blowing about this album, just some very good instrumental metal. In my opinion, it cements Loomis as a guitar virtuoso well on his way to becoming a contemporary guitar ‘god’, which many people lament the absence of.

- Siddharth R