What makes Zero Order Phase by Jeff Loomis notable?

The album was well-received within the metal community, praised for its intricate musicianship and songwriting depth. It helped solidify Loomis as a prominent figure in the progressive metal scene, influencing aspiring guitarists and contributing to the resurgence of technical thrash metal. Zero Order Phase marked Jeff Loomis's solo debut after his tenure with the influential metal band Nevermore. Released in 2008, it showcased his virtuosic guitar skills and compositional prowess, setting the tone for his future solo work.

How many songs are on Zero Order Phase?

Zero Order Phase has 10 tracks, running approximately 54 minutes.

Zero Order Phase

Jeff Loomis · 2008

54 min · 10 tracks · thrash metal

Technical precision and aggressive riffs intertwine with melodic interludes, delivering a relentless exploration of modern thrash metal.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Shouting Fire at a Funeral — This opening track encapsulates the album's intensity with rapid-fire riffs and complex time signatures that establish Loomis's technical mastery from the start.
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Opulent Maelstrom — Featuring both aggressive passages and atmospheric sections, this track showcases Loomis's ability to blend melody with technicality, making it a standout representation of his style.
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Devil Theory — With its intricate dual guitar harmonies and relentless pacing, this track exemplifies Loomis's signature sound while delving into darker thematic elements.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album showcases technical prowess with intricate compositions but may not have a lasting impact beyond its genre.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate atmospheric interludes, such as 'Azure Haze', which provide contrast to the relentless pace of the surrounding material.

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

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 Shouting Fire at a Funeral 4:54
2 Opulent Maelstrom 6:07
3 Jato Unit 4:41
4 Azure Haze 4:59
5 Cashmere Shiv 6:16
6 Race Against Disaster 6:13
7 Sacristy 4:50
8 Devil Theory 6:16
9 Miles of Machines 5:45
10 Departure 3:56

What to play next

Listen next

Plains of Oblivion

2012

Full Jeff Loomis discography Artists like Jeff Loomis

thrash metal

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata