This is no mere Malmsteen clone, though, as the compositions are devoid of that shlock-metal that makes Yngwie's vocal songs so appalling at times: Steidl is before anything a great composer and arranger. Guitar-wise, I rank this guy in my top 5, alongside Al DiMeola, John McLaughlin, Shawn Lane and Steve Vai. Just check out the unbelievable solo studies ("Irrlichter" and "Will-o-the-wisp" at each end of the CD) to see what I mean. Another incredible piece is his harp-guitar duet, "Jeux d'eau," in which he doubles the harp's arpeggios note-for-note at blinding speed. But again, speed is only one of the ingredients.

I corresponded with Steidl for a while, and he was supposed to have a multi-album deal with Shrapnel and high-profile endorsement deals with various instrument-makers like Yamaha, but I haven't heard from or about him in years, so I'm a little concerned; is the guy still alive? To conclude, this album is a must-have for all guitar fans, period. It is quite hard to find, but Shrapnel still has it on their most recent catalogue, so it's worth hunting.

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