However, "Forbidden Dimension" reveals an artist who has undergown much growth as a musician and guitarist in the past few years. While the compositions can still be said to often serve as a platform from which Fra leaps forth with his blistering guitar solos, the guitar is more integrated into the whole. The compositions display more depth and the musical interplay between the incredible line-up is astounding. With Kyle Honea handling bass (see the "Guitar Gods" interview with Kyle HERE), Jon Doman on drums (graceously tracked in Greg Howe's studio by Greg himself - see Greg's "Guitar Gods" interview HERE), the incomparable Vitalij Kuprij (all piano plus keyboards on "Winter") and Bob Katsionis dashing out jaw-dropping keyboard solos on 5 of the 8 tracks, this is an all-star line-up that delivers at every turn!

The music keeps one foot firmly planted in the progressive/shred department, but with the harmonized lines & stop-start action woven into the fabric of this sonic stew, one foot seems just as firmly planted in the fusion camp. But that fact doesn't mean the music is toned down this time around - just listen to a blazing unison lines of "Illusions" or the drum breaks and break-neck pace of "Evolution". Fra rips across the fretboard at inhuman speeds, fingers blurring and leaving heads spinning.

"Reflection" offers more blazing double-bass drums supporting alien melodies and sweeping arpeggios, with bass, piano, & drum breaks, and a bizarre toy piano sound in the distance to add to the frenzy.

"Secrets (part 2)" gives us a peak at Fra's quiet side - "Secrets (part 1)" was featured on "Suspension" (read the review HERE) - while "Winter" is classic progressive fair that turns much of the spotlight (but not TOO much, guitar fans!) over to Fra's amazing band. This is followed by "Inside" (the light-speed harmonized guitar & keyboard sections will melt your speakers down) and "Atlantide" polishes off the disc without letting things cool down - more insane instrumentation for the mind and fingers of Francesco Fareri.

Bottom line: Not for the timid. But if you like your metal progressive, bold, ground-breaking, and fast, this CD is a must!