When a website called "The House of Shred" gets a CD titled Evil Shred by a band named "Frankenshred," you just know it's a match made in heaven! This instrumental album by the power trio of guitarist Dr. Frankenshred, bassist World War Spencer, and drummer "Kelly Knight" (they already sound like they kick ass, don't they?) is not the cheesy all-speed-no-songwriting-ability CD you might think it is. These guys are obviously all talented musicians, and they bang out some truly killer music here. No kidding!

The Doctor absolutely rips through this entire disc. For example, at the end of the almost 11 minute-long first track, "Evil Shred - part 1," I picture his fingers a bloody, mangled mess. Spencer and Knight also knock out some ballsy rhythms. Spencer, in particular, makes sure that his bass is not lost in the shuffle by tossing in mini bass runs here and there. His playing reminded me a lot of Slaughter bassist Dana Strum, only more sinister. Also of note: "World Wars Revenge" (bass solo), "The Journey" which features great interplay between the three musicians, "Grinding the Axe" which has a great, heavy groove to it, and the final track, "Better Shred than Dead" (awesome title!) which features thrash-metal like rhythms and sick(!) soloing.

One production note: The first track of the CD sounds... "brighter" than the rest. I don't know if it was recorded at a different location or time, but it just seems like tracks 2 through 9 are a bit "duller" sounding. That's not to say that they sound bad - the only reason I noticed is because the first track sounds different. You'll forget all about it while listening to this disc, though. This is great stuff for fans of heavy music who want upbeat tunes to bang their heads to. Any Malmsteen, Axel Rudi Pell, or Joe Stump fan should dig this, too. Personally, I think some of these songs could be hits if vocals were added (only because "traditional" Rock radio won't play instrumentals unless it's as background music for the sports report or something)! Anyway, pick up Evil Shred and marvel at the musical talent on display!

Pick of the Lot: "Better Shred Than Dead" (4:35)

Reviewed by Shredfest