What makes Hands Without Shadows 2 – Voices by Michael Angelo Batio notable?

This album is notable for its extensive tributes, particularly 'Tribute to Dimebag,' which resonated deeply within the metal community following Dimebag Darrell's tragic death in 2004. It also reinforces Batio's influence in the neo-classical metal scene, demonstrating his capacity to attract attention not only through technical skill but also through heartfelt homage. By 2009, Michael Angelo Batio was already established as a virtuoso guitarist known for his technical prowess. 'Hands Without Shadows 2 – Voices' serves as a follow-up to his 2004 release, showcasing his ability to blend instrumental prowess with tribute performances to rock icons, reflecting both his dedication to the genre and his evolution as an artist.

How many songs are on Hands Without Shadows 2 – Voices?

Hands Without Shadows 2 – Voices has 10 tracks, running approximately 60 minutes.

Hands Without Shadows 2 – Voices

Michael Angelo Batio · 2009

60 min · 10 tracks · neo-classical metal

A whirlwind of intricate guitar solos and dynamic arrangements paying homage to rock legends with a neo-classical flair.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Tribute to Dimebag — This track encapsulates the emotional weight of loss in the metal community, showcasing Batio's virtuosic playing while honoring Dimebag Darrell's legacy.
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Clapton Is God — This track highlights Batio’s deep admiration for Eric Clapton, blending technical mastery with a melodic sensibility that pays respect to one of rock's greatest guitarists.
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EVH — An explosive tribute to Eddie Van Halen, this track features innovative techniques that reflect Batio's style while celebrating Van Halen's profound impact on guitar playing.
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Symphony of Destruction — This cover transforms a classic Megadeth song into an instrumental showcase, emphasizing Batio's ability to reinterpret iconic tracks through his unique lens.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate guitar work and tributes but lacks cohesive flow across its varied tempos.

What we noticed

Tracks are predominantly instrumental, with only occasional vocal elements in the form of background harmonies or spoken word.
The pacing varies significantly, with some tracks maintaining a high tempo while others slow down for dramatic effect.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Dial in That Frequency 0:24
2 Tribute to Dimebag 7:36
3 Clapton Is God 6:04
4 Metallica Rules 8:40
5 EVH 7:59
6 Symphony of Destruction 6:43
7 All Along the Watchtower 5:40
8 Tribute to Randy 2 / You Can't Kill Rock and Roll 3:53
9 On the Double 3:31
10 MAB Forum Shreddathon 9:46

What to play next

Listen next

Intermezzo

2013

Go back to

2 X Again

2007

Full Michael Angelo Batio discography Artists like Michael Angelo Batio

neo-classical metal

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata