Fuck yes, Jeff Loomis!

[thetroy]

I've listened to the first 3 tracks so far, sounds better than Nevermore to me.

[GodOfRhythm]

Fuck...Excuse me while I go hang myself.

Fuck it, I'm going to DL the album, this anticipation and hearing about it not being good is killing me. I'll buy it when it comes out D=

C'mon dude, it's just my opinion. You might love it for all you know!

[Soap]

Download is done.
I've already listened to the first few tunes and I have to say...

I have picked up on the most critical part.
Number one and the only one:
The most important..."Heart". I feel a soulful pulse, in each song so far that I've listened to. Yes there are parts that I may not like as well as compared to others on this album so far. Even so, I feel a pulse coming through on nearly every tune so far.

Most players like this are void that critical component and lose it as they become more advanced and technically proficient. Yes as would be obvious, there is alot of wanking but I connected because I detected a soulful pulse coming through.
I don't have to say anymore because thats all that matters to me when listening to and trying out a new player. If they have no soulful pulse/feel its a no go.
If they have a soulful pulse/feel its a go. This album for me so far, is a go.

So far my favorite is "Aure Haze." A great piece.

I'll burn it to disk in few and throw in the car and enjoy it while in the car as well.

[thetroy]

I'll burn it to disk in few and throw in the car and enjoy it while in the car as well.

Good call I should do that too. I've had the same Whitesnake CD in my car for a month or 2, it's about time for a change!

I like "Race Against Disaster" best so far. The beginning kicks ass.

[Soap]

Holy Cow!
I love "Cashmere Shiv".
This song is a novel, he's telling a story. I love it man, I tell you I dig this tune. Yep, I see a 7 string in my future.

[Soap]

Head banging to "Race Against Disaster".

[Soap]

How about that "Sacristy"?
You like it don't ya, me too.
I feel like I'm listening to metalish musical bed time lullaby, sweet.

[Soap]

Not even a minute or so into "Devil Theory" and He's blown me away.
His muting technique is incredible.

[horns666]

GOR..Jeff is much more than clinical/noodling/speed..in fact he's pretty anti-clinical. He had his own section in GW but that was NOT his thing and didn't know or apply theory. He's all about the SONG..always was and always will be. Sure he can "shred"..but the song comes first. He knows when not to play as well...something so many players do not understand.

I tried to show my bro Clevo-Metal this over 10 years ago. He didn't care for it at that time because there wasn't much to compare it to. It wasn't a part of his diet and comfort zone ..Savatage/Queensryche/King Diamong/Yngwie ect. Although that stuff is amazing. NM took things to a whole new level when most people/bands just didn't care. They were carrying the torch while breaking new ground doing so. What you guys don't realize is there is MANY NM/ Jeff Loomis wannabes with thier take at their sound. I'm talking albout bands that have been around before '00. NM made BIG waves in the underground before the days of headbangers ball 2, youtube and myspace...ergo.."The underground". When I was introduced to Jeff, there wouldn't more than 50 people at their shows..that is NOT the case today. If there was no NM, Jeff may have already been known playing in better known bands such as Megadeth years ago...for starters. These new breed of shredders have all bowed down to Jeff Loomis because they been there from the start. Just learning about Jeff now in the sea of metal/ shredders now ..well the contrast isn't that blatant is it? They are THE band that bridged old school metal and shred to true modern metal. Like I said before..anyone that is "old school" should be weened on more accessable/radio friendly material. Youtube the song "Believe in Nothing"..there is a radio edit version/video..it was recorded in '99 and released in '00. Although that song is nearly 10 years old, it would sound more fresh than ANYTHING on the radio today...anything that rocks.
Example, When John and I were doing our original band back in early 2002. I wanted to bring a taste of Gothenburg to Cleveland..with a dash of Nevermore. NU/Rap was thriving and anything shred was MIA in the mainsteam. There still isn't a Cleveland band that captures the vibe of bands like Nevermore/Soilwork/Arch Enemy/Eidolon ect..with the exception of my freinds new band w/ Curran Murphy (Nevermore/Annihilator/Shatter Messiah) on guitar. Even they are just another metal band just as we would be. The reason I was so passionate about do that project is because there wasn't anything like it at that time..now, why bother. It'll sound just like everything else. Who knew?

I've had my finger on the pulse for over three decades. I know about every genre / sub genre / bands and players. My obssession for guitar oriented music only since 1978, I'd say much in common w/ Mike Varney. I seen and or heard everyone that evolved since. With that said, there is alot pf people out of touch and can't avoid sounding dated no matter how hard they tried, no matter how good they are. Sure, 80's is "cool" now, but anyone such as Dreamland certainly knows that was not the case in 2002. That scene has come along way since. I'm sure many could agree to that. Remember, there is a difference between "Dated" and "Timeless"..Anything that is popular such as any trend, not just c/w music WILL show its age. It always has an expiration date. Any music, especially metal that is genuine, with true musical value, and a delivery that sets themselves apart will always be timeless.

So, we are waiting for Soap's "honest view" of something that is virtually a blur within an infinite sea of old hats and new wannabes. I'm NOT ragging on Soap..he's a great dude. But to make an educated unbiased opinion at this time is day late and a dollar short IMO.

I'm glad if he hears the talent I did in '96. The much needed inspiration after the loss of Criss Oliva and a time when my first real "hero" seemed to have lost his stripes. Jeff's inspiration was Kirk Hammet and "Ride the Lightning", his all time favorite album. I think it safe to say he took that inspiration and ran with it. I thank the ancient ones for that record! Where would guys like Soap and I be without albums like "Disraeli Gears" or "Live at Leeds". The whole thing is CONTINUUM. Could anyone really form an opinion of a movie by watching the last 10 minutes of it.?? THAT is a great analogy..because its the same exact thing..

[horns666]

Not even a minute or so into "Devil Theory" and He's blown me away.
His muting technique is incredible.

I'm glad your digging it man...

But your teasing me..stop it!!

I'm NOT going to listen to another second of it!!! I'm just going to buy the cd the day it comes out..just like I did when I was a kid with a new Van Halen record. I wanna sit there by my stereo in awe..that is one of my favorite joys in life. Its wayyyyyyyyyyyy better than any sex I've ever ever had!!!!

[Jacksons Shred]

Alright, I got it. Here's my little review on everything so far.

Shouting Fire at A Funeral - Haha, one hell of a name. Right off the bat you can hear that Jeff's trying to tap into some of his influential playing, rather than his own signature style. You can still tell it's Jeff playing, but there are a few moments where you're like "Wow, that's not a cliche' Jeff Lick". This definitely has deep influences in Jason Becker's style of melody.

Opulent Maelstrom - Very Cacophony influenced, you can hear Jeff messing with harmonies that aren't in 3rds, to give it a sort of weird but cool sound. He also sounds like he's tampering with some 12 tone row idea's at some parts, I could be way off though. This song is a little dragged out, which is my only complaint for this one.

Jato Unit - Killer fucking song, I talked about this earlier in my thread. Signature Jeff Loomis tone and rhythm style, great Loomis licks here. Love hearing the Cacophony influence in this one, great song.

Azure Haze - This song has a lot of emotion, lots of feeling and a great vibe to it. More of a melodic song rather than a shred fest. I really like this one.

Cashmere Shiv - I like the way this song goes from kind of strange, to a really cool riff, to back to being strange. A bit of typical Jeff licks in this one, but you can also hear that he's definitely experimenting and has grown a hell of a lot as a player since the early Nevermore days.

Race Against Disaster - Halfway through the song is when it gets really cool..Super Jason Becker influenced at some points.


Sacristy - This starts off sorta like Opus Pocus, and this is a really fucking cool, slow, heavy, melodic song. That's all I can really say.

Devil Theory - Cool tune, some parts remind me of Jato Unit.

Miles Of Machines - I've heard bits and pieces of this fucking song. Holy fucking shit, that's all I can fucking say. Holy. Fucking. Fuck. Shit. I can't get over the sheer awesomeness of this song.

Departure - Cool way to end an album, nuff said.


Overall Thoughts: Well, I can agree with what of GodOfRhythm said in some ways, but for the most part I disagree. This album as a whole is really fucking good, straight up Jeff Loomis signature style playing. It's a really long album, the songs are between 4-6 minutes, and there are a bit of times where you're like "This is getting a little redundant". Another minor pet peeve is I would have loved to hear more non-metal songs in this. This album had a lot of great moments but some of them were cut short but some brutal riff that didn't really fit, and should have kept going with the slow exotic melody.

If you're a Jason Becker worshiping crack whore such as myself, check out this album. If you love Marty Friedman, check out this album. If you love Jeff Loomis, you will just be proud of what Jeff has accomplished and this will definitely make his presence known among the guitar community.

If you're not a fan of Nevermore, but want to hear Jeff's playing, check this out. If you straight up don't like Nevermore, or Jeff's playing, this album is not for you.

Now excuse me while I change my pants and smoke a carton of cigs.

[Soap]

This guy is good, really, this is stellar stuff.
The best I've heard in a very long time, seriously, I'm hooked on this cd.
I'll be listening to this cd for a very long time.

Sorry guys, but to those that don't like it, remember this is the first time I've really listened to him, so I'm not biased when I say based only on this cd "Zero Order Phase". I like dig his playing and to me this cd is stellar stuff. Not a bad tune on it.
I must visit the woodshed and then acquire a 7 string.

[horns666]

Screw you guys..you're tempting me to DL this sumbitch..I'm not gonna do it. Nope, I will wait!!

I'm his biggest fuggin' fanboy..I already know I'll love it..he has never dissapointed me..ever!

[Soap]

Now excuse me while I change my pants and smoke a carton of cigs.

Beat ya to it. He seems to have had that overall effect on me as well.
I was like a kid listening anticipating each song one after another.

[Jacksons Shred]

Screw you guys..you're tempting me to DL this sumbitch..I'm not gonna do it. Nope, I will wait!!

I'm his biggest fuggin' fanboy..I already know I'll love it..he has never dissapointed me..ever!

You have balls dude, I told myself I was going to wait, then when people started talking about It, I cracked.

I'm definitely going to buy this album as soon as it's in stores though, Jeff's fucking killer..