Nevermore guitarist Jeff Loomis: solo track posted online
Nevermore guitarist Jeff Loomis has posted a solo track called "Jato Unit" on his MySpace page. The song comes off Loomis' forthcoming solo debut, "Zero Order Phase", which is scheduled for release on September 30 via Century Media Records. As a result of his invaluable contributions to Nevermore's trademark sound, Jeff Loomis has become one of modern metal's most recognizable guitarists and the source of many of the last decade's best riffs. Taking the classic techniques he learned from listening to legends like Jason Becker and Yngwie Malmsteen as a teen and applying his own ingenuity, he has managed to carve his own niche and create an instantly recognizable style. With the increased visibility, there has been a call by fans to record and release a solo album; an opportunity that has not presented itself with the busy schedule Nevermore has kept. Fortunately for those fans, the band has taken a well deserved break, leaving Loomis time to hit the studio himself to record ten blazing, instrumental metal tracks.
Robert Lang Studios played host to Loomis' first solo venture earlier this year with producer Neil Kernon and drummer Mark Arrington joining the fray. Arrington had been with Nevermore in 1993-94 to play on half of the songs that ended up on the band's self-titled debut, and Kernon recorded the first three Nevermore albums. So while there was a sense of familiarity, the reunion was refreshing and this spirit carried over into the songs themselves. Also contributing to the album are Ron Jarzombek (Watchtower), who splits solos with Loomis on "Jato Unit", Pat O'Brien from Cannibal Corpse on "Rage Against Disaster", celebrated jazz bassist and solo musician Michael Manring on "Cashmere Shiv", and Kernon himself playing a fretless guitar solo on the same track.
"Zero Order Phase" track listing:
01. Shouting Fire At A Funeral
02. Opulent Maelstrom
03. Jato Unit
04. Azure Haze
05. Cashmere Shiv
06. Race Against Disaster
07. Sacristy
08. Devil Theory
09. Miles of Machines
10. Departures
Video footage of Jeff Loomis shredding it up in March at the Schecter booth at the Musikmesse Frankfurt 2008 fair in Frankfurt, Germany can be viewed below (courtesy of "MaryJana666").