UMUR "Zero Order Phase" is the debut full-length studio album by US guitarist Jeff Loomis. The album was released through Century Media Records in August 2008. "Zero Order Phase" was recorded while Nevermore had a recording- and touring break between the releases of "This Godless Endeavor (2005)" and "The Obsidian Conspiracy (2010)". A break that also spawned the debut solo album "Praises To The War Machine (2008)" by Nevermore singer Warrel Dane. Except for a couple of guest appearances by artists like Pat O´Brien (Nevermore, Cannibal Corpse) and Ron Jarzombek (Watchtower, Spastic Ink, Blotted Science), Jeff Loomis basically plays all guitars and bass on the album. Former Nevermore drummer Mark Arrington plays the drums on the album.

Stylistically "Zero Order Phase" is exactly what I exptected from a Jeff Loomis solo album. The basic foundations of the tracks are rooted in US power/thrash metal with the occasional progressive edge and that part of the music is actually pretty close to sounding like Nevermore. A feeling that is further enhanced by the distinct sounding dry and cold Neil Kernon production. This is not Nevermore though and "Zero Order Phase" is a fully instrumental release, where Jeff Loomis is allowed to showcase all his amazing guitar shredding techniques but also his strong sense for melodic playing.

Besides his incredible speed and dexterity which are sure to amaze most listeners, he is also a skilled composer, and while I would argue that "Zero Order Phase" is first and foremost an album which will satisfy listeners who are guitarists themselves, there are memorable themes and other catchy moments throughout the album that could be enjoyed by other music listeners too.

Upon conclusion "Zero Order Phase" is arguably a high quality release by Jeff Loomis. It´s also a bit predictable, and I could have wished for something a bit different, showing another side of Loomis playing than what we are used to from his Nevermore contributions. Of course his solos are much longer and there is more variation in his playing on "Zero Order Phase" than on anything he has done with Nevermore, but to my ears it´s still not different enough. The Neil Kernon production, which is also very much in the same vein as the productions he has done on some of the Nevermore albums, doesn´t really help on that impression either. It´s very much a subjective point of view though and regarded objectively "Zero Order Phase" is a high quality release and therefore a 4 star (80%) rating is deserved.