www.hardrockhideout.com

I remember listening to Vinnie Moore’s first album (actually it was a cassette), Mind’s Eye back in high school. I have always thought he was an awesome shredder that never got his due. To The Core probably wont change that for the current UFO axeman, but it will make a whole bunch of his fans happy.

To The Core is purely an instrumental CD.  There are no vocals to get in the way of Moore’s incredible playing.  His guitar playing takes center stage, and it is awesome! Truth be told, I am not a big fan of instrumental records, but Moore’s playing is always a pleasure to behold.

The first few songs on this disc are similar to  Steve Vai, and Joe Satriani’s style of playing.  The guitar work is so good, you almost wish there was a singer to drive home Moore’s awesome licks. “Soul Caravan” has a distinct 70’s vibe about it, complete with some cool saxophone to compliment Moore’s playing.

John Deservio from Black Label Society serves up the bass work on this disc.  He does a good job keeping up with Moore’s frenzied fret work, and shows off some chops of his own on the song, “Tailspin”.

To the Core has whet my appetite to hear more from Vinnie Moore.  I am long overdue to pick up some of Moore’s stuff in UFO, and this disc has prompted me to do so.  If you are a fan of virtuosic style of guitar playing, To The Core needs to be on the top of your shopping list.

For more information on Vinnie Moore, check out his myspace page, or his website, at this link. You can purchase To the Core, here.

Rating: Out of 10

Track Listing

1. Fly
2. Panic Attack
3. Off The Hook
4. Transcendence
5. Soul Caravan
6. Jigsaw
7. Remorse
8. Tailspin
9. Over My Head
10. Into The Open
11. Into The Sunset

Vinnie Moore – Guitar
Van Romaine – Drums
Tim Lehner – Keyboards
John JD Deservio – Bass