Music entrepreneur Mike Varney may deserve honorable mention for laying a significant blue print for the shred movement. After a long hangover of Eddie Van Halen & Randy Rhoads, guitarists thought they had everything down pat by the end of 1982. Just as everyone was settling down, comes along a little "project band" named STEELER.

Assembled by Varney to get his new record label (Shrapnel) up and running, Steeler consisted of Ron Keel on lead vocals & Rhythm guitar, Mark Edwards on Drums, Rik Fox on Bass guitar and the US introduction of a Swedish guitarist in his late teens by the name of Yngwie Malmsteen. The middle initial "J" would come later, so as to not be confused with the other Yngwie Malmsteens in the world.

The self titled & only release by Steeler was ground breaking for the early shred movement. Tracks such as "Cold Day in Hell" & "No Way Out" were certainly attempting to reach an already growing heavy metal market in the early 1980s.

The track that sent shredders back to the bedroom to practice till their metronomes busted was "Hot on your Heels." Opening with an intro never before heard guitar picking technique (on acoustic guitar at that), and progressed into a full frontal attack with an electric fender strat, including sweeping arpeggios, two hand tapping and amazing alternate picking. Yngwie introduced himself and let it be known that Eddie & Randy had not closed, but opened the door to the shred guitar style and a glimpse of what was to come.

The songs are since dated and the lyrics may be hard to listen to, but, for 1983 the guitar playing is amazing and historic. This CD will make a great addition to your shred collection.

Until next time.....