Allan Holdsworth "Metal Fatigue"

"Metal Fatigue" was Allan Holdsworth's truly first-class, 1985 release. An innovative guitarist and composer, Holdsworth put together what many to be his most powerful compilation of imaginative writing, containing haunting chordal melodies and daring improvisations. While the album is mostly instrumental, three of the cuts feature vocals by Paul Williams and Paul Korda. One instrumental, "Home", is a soothing ballad exploring unpredictable harmonies and progressions played with a beautiful, inimitable guitar sound. The over fourteen minute instrumental opus "The Un-Merry-Go-Round" contains several movements and themes that induce a profound impact as it relates an emotional story underlined by heart-piercing improvisations over heart-pounding changes. "Metal Fatigue" clearly establishes Holdsworth's mark of genius and is a landmark release by a guitarist who has devoted a lifetime's worth to his musical craft.