Stehpan Forte is a French guitarist founder of the neo-classical metal band Adagio.  After four albums with Adagio he decided to release his first complete record. I know what you are thinking. This is an album with endless shredding with little to no melody. Well you are only partly right.
 
“The Shadows Compedium” is an album that can be easily listened even from the non-guitar lovers. If you enjoy listening to Steve Vai you will find this album interesting and pretty enjoyable. The tracks are well written and the good thing is that the guitar does not cover every other instrument. Stephan Forte is a multi-instrumentalist so there are also some piano parts that give the album some variety.
 
Also the guests in this album are not to be taken lightly. Jeff Loomis from Nevermore, Glen Drover from Megadeth and Franck Hermanny are only some of the guests that contribute in this album. While this is a guitar album, at no point you get the feeling that mister Forte tries to show off. Most of the tracks have great structure with melodic lines that can keep your interest.
 
“The shadows Compedium” sums up the great technical capabilities of the French man. And as far as guitar album goes this is one of the most interesting albums I have heard. If you are into Steve Vai you should give this album a listen and also give a listen to his band Adagio.