The return of the guitar solo

I can't say how many times I've heard nu metal groups say, "I don't play guitar solos because I don't think they're the most important part of the song." What a crock! Those sissies just didn't have the dedication to practice enough and can't play a decent solo. So every time I hear those big empty interludes in nu-metal songs, I just cringe and pray that someone will come along and start shredding again.\nThe powers that be have answered my prayers. Shadows Fall has a new album that is hardcore, with guitar the likes of which hasn't been heard since Metallica's Ride the Lightning and Master of Puppets days. This group has been around since 1997 but has just recently been getting press. The Art of Balance is putting them on the pages of just about every guitar magazine.\nThe accolades are well-deserved. The album starts off by kicking you in the teeth and just doesn't stop. Lead singer Brian Fair screams like a crazed demon. Sometimes it gets to be a little much, but there are a couple songs, like "The Art of Balance" and "Welcome to the Machine," where he actually sings, which makes for a good change-up.\nThe musicianship of the band is what really separates Shadows Fall from the pack of no-talent, drop-D, nu-metal players. Jason Bittner holds down an unbelievable drum beat, and Paul Romanko adds volume with his bass. Matthew Bachand is an awesome rhythm guitarist and accounts for the tight layering of guitars on the CD. The lead playing of Jonathan Donais really impressed me. It sounds like a mix of Marty Friedman, Dimebag Darrell and Zakk Wylde.\nThis group is a great mix of thrash and heavy rock. Adding the haunting instrumentals "Casting Shade" and "Prelude to Disaster" into the mix makes this well-rounded album the band's best to date. If this CD is any indication of what's to come, I think the world may have just found some new guitar heroes.