This being a re-release from 1996, with updated sound, it’s obvious, that it doesn’t quite fit into today’s styles in metal, perhaps sounding a bit outdated, because nobody really does albums like this anymore (do they?). These kinds of albums had their pinnacle from the mid-80’s to the early-/mid-90’s, and then more or less faded out, probably because the audience for this kind of music was relatively limited.

This one reminds me in many ways of Vinnie Moore and Marty Friedman ( ‘guess no introduction is needed), and in the more melodic parts sometimes like early Satriani.

In that sense also, that there’s really nothing new here. Although I have to say, this album is not just a show off of how fast or equilibristic he can play, but also have a focus on the melody, in some passages gets quite classical orchestral or groovy, and have some fine compositions. But still, also because of the general length of the numbers (mostly 5 minutes+), you start missing the vocals after a while, something to break the flow so to speak.

Sure, M.H. knows have to handle his guitar, there’s a lot of very good guitar playing, also in a way that it doesn’t completely turn into the total show off, that many of these instrumental albums did - and the guys helping him out on this album is also doing a steady job, among others David Harbour on bass.

So, to conclude: If you’re into shred from back then, or didn’t get acquainted with the style yet, this is not a bad album to go for, it’s neither bad nor boring.

Had he done this album 20 years ago, I would probably have been more thrilled about it. Personally I had my share of this kind of metal though, and apart from a few tracks, I probably won’t be listening very much to this album after this review is done.

Things, also music, have a habit of returning after approximately 20 years, maybe this style too…just not for me.