In continuing the music theme, we’re starting the newest meme: the three-beer CD review. This is where the SG (yours truly), drinks three hearty ales and then grabs the newest purchase from his collection and muses on its merits for your entertainment…or not, as it might be…

Jeff Loomis - "Plains of Oblivion" (2012)

Here we have former Nevermore axe-wielder Jeff Loomis‘ second solo effort, and it’s all that and a bag of crisps. I’m pairing it currently with a new-ish release from Firestone-Walker: the Wookey Jack, which is some form of black rye IPA.  Not among my favorites from them, to be sure, but it will appeal to those digging the new Cascadian Black style ales and lagers…

So, for those NOT in the know, Jeff Loomis is badass in every sense of the word (check below for one of the coolest things ever, the “guy sitting busquing on the sidewalk and Loomis shows up to shred” video from a while back).  His work in Nevermore (and, prior to that, as a member of Sanctuary) is freaking legendary.  I could spend an entire post just talking about the killer solos from his time in that band, but let’s focus on the newest material, shall we?

OK, the bad:  I’m all for adding vocals and shit, but this lady singer, Christine Rhoades, seems forced.  Maybe he’s banging her or some shit, but it doesn’t work as much as you’d like.  Check song four “Tragedy and Harmony” for the initial salvo into this territory.  Then, once she has left her taint on your mouth, perpare for the madness.    The solo sections from 3:36 up through 4:15 are fucking insane.  It’s shit like this sets Loomis apart from many others today.  It’s not just his technique, which at times rivals uber-master Tosin Abasi (Animals as Leaders), but it’s his energetic and mostly Metal delivery that takes him Sly Stallone Over the Top.  You can FEEL the intensity.


copyright someone other than me at sometime other than today

This album is a tier above the first solo effort in that he expands on his songwriting. It’s not just guitar wankery…Well, he is never a wanker. Just sayin’ is all. Whereas the first platter was very technique-centric, this is really trying to spread the wealth out. Actually, as non-Metal as it is for me to say this, it’s his SLOWER tunes – “Continuum Drift” and “Rapture” – that are the highlights. Actually, as crazy as it is to say, it’s the guest appearance by Chris Poland on ”Continuum…” that is the actual highlight. The section starting at 1:24 is majestic and shred at the same time, and really puts a complicated juxtaposition in here. Poland’s emotional delivery really sets up Loomis’ work in here (2:18 – 3:05, with a heart-rending three-note bend sequence that’s tear-jerking at 2:31)…Gorgeous…

His guest appearances are superior. Obviously the aforementioned Poland, but he also gets newly resuscitated Tony MacAlpine and also lesser known Attila Voros to lay some shred down.  Tony’s work is particularly inspired, so give it a whirl…

All-in-all, still not as full-on-madness as I would hope, but a great release from one of today’s best.  Those into guitar magicianship should not hesitate to grab this and drink a sixer of NOT Firestone-Walker Wookey Jack to celebrate…maybe something more like North Coast Brewing no.38 Stout instead…