Allow myself to slip into the language of the kids: OMG! WTF? According to the biog that accompanied this album, Journey into the Fourth Dimension, “is an album destined to become a classic within the neoclassical/progressive shred/fusion style.” I hadn’t realised that I was missing some neoclassical/progressive shred/fusion style in my life so I must thank Steve for the opportunity to rectify that situation.  

I can’t honestly say that I’m a fan of guitar wankery as a rule but I like to see myself as open minded (unless its emo.) When I received this, unlike other Cd’s that I’ve reviewed I for some reason cranked it up on the CD system in my front room - the big really noisy one. I’m fairly surprised that the neighbours didn’t call the police and accuse me of noise pollution because this is as far away from mainstream pop as you can get. It’s also very loud as it’s rather well produced but there’s no getting away from the fact that it is a very difficult listen and is definitely not for the casual listener. It’s not one that you could really play on a long journey with the other half and definitely not one to put on at your next BBQ. My eldest son who loves (almost) all things metal hated this with a passion (with one exception) and refused to put it on the pod. 

I’m really at a loss as to how to describe what’s on offer here. It’s incredibly fast and technical; I can easily see how some may dismiss much of it as Nintendo music. Track two Phantom Shadows is utterly awesome though I’ve no idea why it’s called Phantom Shadows. Occasionally it sounds like the kinds of intros that Rhapsody specialise but don’t lead to the killer power metal that I love so much, which is a bit of a bummer for me. 

Dreams of Wisdom and Prophecy is an acoustic noodle-fest whilst Epic Dramatic certainly lives up to its title. The most fun is to be had, however, in the final cut Flight of the Bumblebee. Many of you will know that Manowar’s Joey DeMaio has been hawking an excruciating version of this on stage for many years, well now he needs to stop as his thunder has been well and truly stolen! I’m tempted to say that this track is the best thing I’ve ever heard but I don’t know if I’m taking the piss! It’s just incredible – and very short as well. 

To sum up; this is not an album which everyone will enjoy; it’s certainly a difficult listen but at times very rewarding. It’s also very difficult to assign it a mark out of ten as I feel it’s one that you will either love or hate. That’s why I’ve hedged my bets and gone for the figure at the top because I know that if nothing else I’ll be listening to the final track on many occasions in the future.

Let us know your views on 'Journey Into The Fourth Dimension'

Track List

Introduction
Phantom Shadows
Battlefields Of Glory
Oriental Fantasy
Through The Darkness
Dreams of Wisdom & Prophecy
Epic Dramatic
Psychophony
Journey Into The Fourth Dimension
Nel Mezzo Del Cammir
Beyond The Pillars Of Hercules
Flight Of The Bumblebee