Mattson is the brainchild of Finnish guitar prodigy Lars Eric Mattsson. After releasing a couple of instrumental albums, Mattson has changed directions with Another Dimension, which is more of a "band" effort. The music on Another Dimension is progressive euro-metal in the vein of early Yngwie Malmsteen's Rising Force, Stratovarius and Helloween. And there's plenty of shred on Another Dimension as Mattsson burns up the fretboard like a firetruck coming your way.

Besides featuring Lars Eric Mattsson shredding on guitar, bass and keys, the band features vocalist Bjorn Lodin who sounds like a mix of Andy Deris, Rob Rock and Graham Bonnet; in other words, he sounds pretty good. Lodin's growl is prominent throughout this release. Drums are handled by the appropriately named Eddie Sledgehammer, the only thing I can say is that his name suits him. Another cool thing about Another Dimension is that it features several prominent guests such as Patrick Rondat and Rob Johnson on guitar, Erik Norlander on keys, and the great Par Lindh on the Hammond B3.

The one weak point of Another Dimension is the songwriting, and while the songs are well-composed, they lack hooks and never quite grab you, until the solos kick in that is. But if shredding prog-metal with solid playing and awesome guitar work does it for you, then Another Dimension is one to pick up.

Shred Pick - "Angel Blue" (4:17)

Reviewed by Henry Bocanegra

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