The only reason I know of him was because his LP "Metal Fatigue" was reviewed in metal fanzine Kick*Ass Monthly* shortly after it came out in 1985. I recall Bob Muldowney saying in his review something to the effect of "I don't really understand this LP or why I was asked to review it." For whatever reason, Holdsworth had switched to Enigma Records, which primarily had metal bands, and this LP was sent for review to KAM. I was in search of the next "Rising Force", so despite the cautionary review I ordered this LP from Slipped Disc. For the first 25 seconds I thought I had found the next "Rising Force", but then at 0:26 it became clear that this was jazz fusion, or perhaps what fusionists think a metal LP should sound like.
But I didn't dislike it, and it stayed in low rotation; it even grew on me enough that in college (I think?) I picked up his 1982 LP "I.O.U.". Then I got his 1986 LP "Atavachron", where he fully embraced the "SynthAxe", and my revulsion was so strong that my Holdsworth period was mostly done (think Eddie Van Halen switching to keyboards on "1984", but much, much worse).
My musical horizons were expanding by the time I hit college and I became more knowledgeable and appreciative of jazz. But this LP still occupies a weird place in between metal and jazz. I won't go so far as to say it's a necessary LP, but it's certainly a good LP that nicely showcases Allan's challenging style, even if it sounds like it was written for fellow guitarists instead of regular listeners. I should revisit his extensive discography and forgive him for his SynthAxe dalliance.
Standout songs: "Metal Fatigue", "Home" (full LP)
Skip 'em songs: "In the Mystery"
Final score: 6/10
* See my "Haunting The Chapel" review for a note about Bob Muldowney and Kick*Ass Monthly.
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