Michael R. Stevenson's fourth studio album packs a K.O. punch. This time Drummer Tim Donahue (Yngwie Malmsteen/ Cherry Poppin' Daddies) contributes two tracks. Album eases in with the nylon, classical and majestic intro "Rite of Passage" which segues to "Exile to Babylon." Fans of Yngwie's "Black Star" will enjoy this, as Michael sets out to make a statement of Shred and Melodic proportions on a simple static throbbing Metal bass line. Sorcerer's Apprentice is the hottest new iconic neoclassical shred masterpiece. With World class Drumming recently laid down by Donahue, this song is up with the very best progressive metal. Michael does the unbelievable by taking the Neo-Classical Shred Mastery established with "Duel" (Secret Planet) and "On the Edge" (Roach Hotel), both of which also feature Donahue, to an even MORE INTENSE level!!!! 7 minutes long, you gotta hear it!!!! Ginseng Headrush turns the album 180 degrees from the Neo-Classical by groovin' with killer production and memorable bluesy rockin' and modal licks in an outright killer rock song that rivals Joe Satriani's best.... think "Mystical Potato Head Groove Thing." The title track is a great dark and heavy cut that has clean nylon overdubs, will remind you of Metallica and Scorpions playing instrumentally. "Deep Inside You" is a minor key vamp where Michael pulls out all the stops with beautiful melodic playing mixed with insanely fast and clean runs. "Alien Funk" changes pace nicely with a laid back groove and Mixolydian melody, harmonized in an "alien" style.... great to drive your car while listening! "Spanish Wind" shows Michael expanding on his prior unaccompanied solo guitar mastery shown on "Lightsaber" (Secret Planet) and "Paganini's Revenge" (Roach Hotel) by taking the shred to the Nylon String Guitar.... nice transition to the Nylon String "Barcelona Express" you have never heard Michael play like this before, as the song is like a trip to Spain, complete with plenty of tension, romance and high melodic and shredding drama! Nuclear Melons is a fun fast bluesy tune with an early 90's drum track by Tim Donahue, and Michael recently laying a new and improved lead track for an original tune of his that has been a crowd favorite since the early 90's.... think Satriani and Vai cuttin' loose with plenty of shred tricks and whammy bar fun!!!! Album closes in style with "Porch on the Bayou" a single guitar acoustic track with a cool clean chorus.... pretty upbeat, could be theme music for the new guy walkin in to town in a cowboy movie.... the whole album leaves you saying "Wow!"