The talented guitarist from the progressive neo-classical band Adagio, Stéphan Forté release this instrumental solo album together with, among others, IA Eklundh (Freak Kitchen), Jeff Loomis  (Nevermore) and Glenn Drover (Megadeath). On "The Shadows Compendium" Stéphan lets all his energy loose and give full rein for his passion in the mixture of classical music and the rock-hard progressive metal as he normally delivers in Adagio. Here he skips the vocals and he conveys through a instrumental performance a feeling of a full music experience with a very high level in the technical aspects.

The introductory title track is played with different string instruments and is mixed with dazzling guitar neck masturbation solos. Along with progressive influences in the bottom it will be pretty mighty to digest. The Swedish guitar phantom IA Eklund contributes to the song "De Praestigiis Daemonum" and duels flashes back and forth and geniuses have really created a playhouse in this one. I will be both intrigued, impressed and speechless with admiration of the individually talented musicians on the album. Though after a few listens through, I also get a little tired and would have liked to hear some singing too. Of course it is my taste in music. "Duat" is one of the best tracks on the album where a mixture of oriental influences and classical melodies spices it all up in a metal pace.

If you are a guitar geek and are not afraid to get an overdose of technical brilliance, this is a disc for you. As expected, the disc is both well produced and well mixed by Kevin Codfert.