Alex Skolnick Trio - Conundrum (2018) [CD-Rip]

Blending the elegance and sophistication of jazz with the conviction of metal, the Alex Skolnick Trio, led by Testament guitarist Alex Skolnick, makes their long awaited return with the new album Conundrum. The trio's first new studio effort since 2011's Veritas features almost all exclusive original music with six compositions by Skolnick, one apiece by bassist Nathan Peck and drummer Matt Zebroski, and a gorgeous interpretation of Erik Satie's "Gymnopédie No. 1." The sweeping multi-layered, multi-section songs are chock full of masterful harmonics, beautiful chordal work and intense solos with Skolnick noting that the "album captures many styles in an effort to channel that angst into art and inspire others to do likewise."