Album Notes

Rob Metz IS the next generation of instrumental rock guitarists making music today. His new CD album, AXIS SHIFT, is a 10 track alchemy of compelling instrumentals, masterfully produced that offers a rich, distinct sound charged with emotion.

Stylistically, AXIS SHIFT digs deeper into combinations of rock, metal, shred, jazz and world elements with Metz's primary focus on allowing the listener to experience their own introspection and spirit through this self described musical shaman. AXIS SHIFT was also an open invitation to great musicianship from the other players who compliment Metz's vision for this CD. You can hear Michael Swan play soulful saxophone, Byron Nemeth and Mike Risko add their over the top guitar chops to a couple of solos, Mike Dolsen and John Gall on synth and piano along with Jared Lees on the bass and auxiliary percussion.

A fantastic follow up to Metz's very well received debut CD, Legion of Dreams, AXIS SHIFT is a must have.


Trixi- Guitar Central:

Rob covers the gamut here. Heavy riffs, sweet melodies, shredding leads and soulful interludes. The creative maturity in his song writing and musical structures shine brightly throughout. The variety of styles and tones on this CD make it well worth the price .

Live show review at usaprogmusic.com-

Rob Metz showcased melodic guitar instrumentals in a style similar to Joe Satriani. Backed by drummer Jay Tucker and bassist Jared Lees, the power trio format gave Rob & Co. plenty of room to stretch out on material from his two albums Legion of Dreams from 2006 and his most recent, Axis Shift. Rob is a talented and tasteful player, with an especially nice touch with the whammy and his myriad foot pedal effects. Jared Lees delivered an excellent bass solo full of Jaco style harmonics & funky thumb slapping, while Jay Tucker not only provided the drums, he also appeared to be in charge of the sequencers that were taking the place of keyboards. The melodic and tonal sense Rob brings to his instrumentals keeps them from sounding like the typical blues jams that are so common with guitar/bass/drum groups.