As previously reported, NEVERMORE guitarist Steve Smyth (ex-TESTAMENT, DRAGONLORD, VICIOUS RUMORS), together with bassist Steven A. Hoffman, and special guest drummer extraordinarre, Atma Anur (CACOPHONY, GREG HOWE, TONY MACALPINE), comprise THE ESSENESS PROJECT; an instrumental offering aimed at bringing mood, melody, diversity, and shred, back to instrumental music.

An excerpt from a new press release reads as follows:

“This is certainly a different path I find myself going down, more in the area of progressive rock territory,” Smyth comments. The twelve songs( all produced and engineered by Smyth) are a collaboration between Smyth and his old friend and former bandmate, Steve Hoffman, a well respected classical and jazz musician, bass teacher and instructional author in Northern California. Smyth: “For this debut, Steve [Hoffman] and I went for more of a “soundscape” type atmosphere, rather than focus purely on the shred factor. We wanted to focus on the song, not merely use this as a vehicle for shredding over.” They also knew they wanted the best when it came to a percussionist.

Enter drummer extraordinaire Atma Anur. Best known in the “shred guitar” circles as the man who drummed on countless legendary Shrapnel Records releases, Atma appears as special guest drummer on The EssenEss Project debut. Cacophony (Speed Metal Symphony), Jason Becker (Perpetual Burn), Greg Howe (debut), Ritchie Kotzen and Tony MacAlpine are just a few of the many influential and cutting edge guitarists and musicians Atma has worked with in the past.

“We were absolutely excited when we confirmed Atma to drum on this album,” says Smyth, adding, “Steve Hoffman and I both grew up listening to Atma, and his absolutely insane progressive and innovative style. We had always hoped we might get the opportunity to work with him one day, and now it’s happened.”

Recording largely on their own, Steve Smyth and Steve Hoffman, or “Ess en Ess”, take you on a 70+ minute journey through sonic landscapes that range from wildly progressive metal riffing, to experimental rock breaks, through to jazz fusion, with a whole host of other musical influences not normally associated with rock/metal, being stirred into the musical melting pot. “We’re both into a lot of different types of music, and wanted to get as much variety into each song, in as tasteful a manner as possible,” says Smyth. One listen to this incredibly ambitious debut, will tell you they’ve hit their mark..

While Steve Smyth assumed the role of engineer, and makes his producing debut with this album, this album has also benefited from the invaluable input of two illustrious individuals on the production side of the music world.

The album was mixed by Kent Matcke (METALLICA, JOE SATRIANI, SAMMY HAGAR) at his Pro Music Studios, and mastered by the one and only John Cuniberti (Joe Satriani, GEORGE LYNCH, MICHAEL MANRING producer) at the world famous Plant Studios, all complemented by the excellent artwork from artist Asgeir Mickelson. These selections were no accident. “We knew we wanted the best for this album, and I think we got some of the best, most experienced ears and eyes in the business in Kent, John and Asgeir!” says Smyth.

Due for release November 5th, 2007 through Steve Smyth’s own Two Louder Music label, The EssenEss Project will take you on a journey through many highly varied, mood driven, and action packed songs. Through their brand of instrumental progressive rock, they aim to bring melody, musical diversity, groove, and shred, back to instrumental music.

Worldwide CD release: November 5th, 2007, available exclusively through Two Louder Music. Worldwide download release: November 5th, 2007, via iTunes and all major digital retailers.

Album samples (rough mixes) from the upcoming debut album, The EssenEss Project, are available here:

'Sphere', 'O.T.W.T', 'Just When You Think', 'Can You See', 'The Afterlife'.