"Just sitting back listening to this album (on vinyl no less) and felt compelled to write a review. This is one of the greatest instrumental rock/metal guitar albums ever. Take an incredibly talented innovative guitar player, add one of the best rock bass guitarists in the world and one of the craziest drummers out there - and lets face it to play on this album you have to have these types of credentials or you wont keep up with Mr Howe - and top it off with music that takes you somewhere instead of being a technique lesson and you have Greg Howe's debut album.There are a number of albums out there that changed the course of history in instrumental guitar playing and this deserves to be in that list. Buy it and discover what's possible..."
Killer instrumental Prowice, Here
D. Hogan | PA - United States | 05/09/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Super technical fretwork here !!! Showcases some really catchy melodies a mix of Raw technical metal,Funk & jazz. Out of Easton, PA, this fella should teach music at G.I.T. or Berkley. There is no equal to this shredder's class, in original compositions. The first of many astounding releases from an artist, that should have been marketed better.He embarrasses most high fame studio & live performers. Check it out, you won't believe your ears !!!"
Up there with Eddie, Vai and Satch
Bob Ross | 03/24/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Greg Howe is definitely the best to be discovered by Shrapnel, mainly because never went down the boring neo-classical route but opted for groove and fusion. Along with Howe II's 'High Gear' this is his best offering, helped in having a crack rhythm section. I'm amazed at the energy he has in sustaining such clean fretburing soloing but at the same time maintaining a keen sense of melody beneath the shred. The one slight nag I have is that he could have done with varying the tone a bit more, which could have got a bit boring if the album had been longer. Nevertheless, he deserves the recognition afforded to the big names of shred."
Songcrafting at its height
Keni Kendrick | WInston-Salem, NC | 09/17/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Much has been, and will be said of this album as more people listen to Greg. A definitive groove with guitar ranging from funk to downright metal shred. A quick listen reveals NOTHING about what this album can not only do to your ears, but your heart and soul as well. Tasty, soulful, gripping, and oh yes, watch out for that burst of speed that comes ripping through at that right moment. You know the rollercoasters going over the hill, you looked on at how high it was, but once you're on it its an indescribable rush. Much like Gregs playing. Those of you that simply MUST have a voice with your groove check out "Now hear this" and "Howe II" with Al Howe Gregs brother laying Vocals on both albums. Every album (and Im having to rebuy them due to the fact I didnt have the foresight to get them on CD instead of cassette, and wore them out QUICKLY)is a treasure of songcrafting. The guitarwork will hook the musician, the music will hook any listener in hearing distance."