OK, this is a first for Rockeyez - to review an instrumental. We recently conducted an interview with Jeff Loomis of Nevermore and the question we asked was, ‘Who is one of the best new guitarists on the scene?’ His answer was Rusty Cooley. Therefore, we contacted Mr. Cooley and he graciously sent us his latest release on Lion Music.

I was thinking to myself as I listened to the CD called “Rusty Cooley” ‘Is this going to be a boring instrumental with an ego manic?’ Well was I wrong because this CD is phenomenal. The guitar technique Rusty plays is high- quality, riffs in the vein of Yngwie that are clean sounding and more into the power with a symphonic style. Talk about shredding - Mr. Loomis hit the nail on the head when saying Rusty Cooley is one of the best new guitarists on the rise. I know instrumental recordings get lost in the shuffle but you have to give this one a chance.

Rusty hooks up with keyboardist Bobby Williamson and explodes in a ‘clash of the titans.’ I have not heard s guitarist this good since the debut of Yngwie playing in Steeler or Alcatraz. “The Butcher” is an amazing track that makes it seem like a Stradivarius is simple to play. The rippling guitar is flowing, doesn’t miss a note and is clean. “Dark Matter” is another track that is like a child’s bedtime song. It has its highs and lows with melodic chords until you reach the middle of the track when Rusty goes crazy almost sounding flute-like. I would have to say one of my favorite tracks is “Jazzmine’s Song” which reminds me of Van Halen’s “Jump” and has the flair of Eddie Van Halen.

I could just imagine that if vocals were added to this CD, they would not do it justice. Pop this CD in your car while you are driving and you’ll just capture the essence of fantastic playing. Check out this young gunslinger because you will be amazed.