You never quite know what style of guitar playing is going to greet you when you put on a new
Paul Gilbert disc, as he's tackled blues, pop, and acoustic pieces in the past. But on his 2008 release,
Silence Followed by a Deafening Roar,
Gilbert focuses on what made him such a renowned player among guitar shredders worldwide in the first place, as he totally focuses on his soloing and riffing capabilities (and goes "all instrumental," to boot). It may be 2008, but such tunes as the album-opening title track and "Eudaimonia Overture" could have easily come out in 1988, and probably would have caught the attention of every Guitar for the Practicing Musician subscriber at the time. And there are even a few tranquil moments ("Bronx 1971") and oddities (the piano-led "The Gargoyle") thrown in for good measure.
Paul Gilbert remains one of rock guitar's top gymnasts, as evidenced throughout
Silence Followed by a Deafening Roar. ~ Greg Prato