Throughout his career, former Accept shredder Wolf Hoffmann has been one of the most talented, yet most underrated guitarists of the Metal era. In his years with Accept, Wolf developed a very unique style of guitar playing. His leads and solos were out of this world and his rhythm playing was innovative and thoroughly melodic. I mean who can forget the opening riff to "Balls To The Wall"? Or "London Leatherboys"? "Metal Heart"? I could go on forever with this man. I was lucky enough to catch two nights of Accept's last U.S. tour and I was just blown away by Wolf's technique and melody. It's a memory that I, as a guitar fan, will never forget.

Having been a fan of Classical music all his life, Wolf decided to "experiment" with the two genres that are dearest to his heart: Metal and Classical, and I for one am VERY glad he did. The result is a gem called Classical that provides us with Wolf's "take" on some of the best Classical compositions ever made. With this CD, Wolf takes his guitar playing to a new mind-blowing level. Highlights are Grieg's "In The Hall of the Mountain King," Tchaikovsky's "Arabian Dance (The Nutcracker Suite Op. 71A)," Ravel's "Bolero," and Bizet's "Aragonaise (Carmen Suite No. 1)." Outstanding and innovative is Wolf's take on Beethoven's "Fur Elise" or as he likes to call it "Blues For Elise" (MetalGod's Pick), a blues guitar-based version of a classic that everyone loves. Wolf even throws in one of his own compositions called "Western Sky." Joining Wolf on this journey are former Accept cohorts Peter Baltes (John Norum) and Michael Cartellone (Damn Yankees) and other guests that include classic rocker Al Kooper on the Hammond B3.

With Classical Wolf Hoffman delivers a future "classic" that is bound to stand out and be enjoyed for years to come. And, as a final statement, I will say this: if you like classical music and if you like guitar...hell, even if you hate classical music...do yourself a favor and score this masterpiece. You'll be glad you did.

"Wolf Hoffmann Rules!!!" - Sebastian Bach

"Yeah, He Does!!!" - MetalGod

Reviewed by MetalGod

Visit the Official Wolf Hoffmann Website

Order Wolf Hoffman's Classical (U.S. version) from www.wolfhoffmann.com

Order Wolf Hoffman's Classical (Japanese version with bonus track) from