Metal Storm
Reviewed by Nate Dressel
April 2, 2001


Hess - Opus 1
(self released 2000)

The era of neo-classical guitar acrobatics never died and this cd, featuring 12 instrumental guitar focused tracks is all the proof anyone needs. The guitar tones are mostly distorted while utilizing balanced contrasts and progressive dynamics to give a multi-dimensional aura to the song writing. The playing is technical perfection incarnate like most neo-classical releases, however, unlike a lot of virtuoso releases, this doesn1t sound like it was played by a robot. Ultimately, Tom Hess and Mike Walsh have created a guitar orientated masterpiece that is almost scary. Fans of Yngwie Malmsteen, Jason Becker, Dream Theater and progressive music in general need to hear this.