At War With Self is a new instrumental group that consists of guitarist/multi-instrumentalist Glenn Snelwar (Gordian Knot), Grammy-nominated bassist Michael Manring and drummer Mark Zonder (Fates Warning). After reading the press sheet and browsing the artwork of Travis Smith, I knew that I have an exceptional album at hand. The first listening proved my assumption to be right, and the following listens only strengthened my impression.

Torn Between Dimensions is the band's debut on Free Electric Sound. It contains ten emotional pieces, which all are founded on a wide variety of musical styles. Everything from progressive rock, metal, classical guitar passages, fusion, bluegrass and jazz are included on this tour-de-force of instrumental progressive rock. The words aren't enough to describe the music, you must experience it yourself. All I can say is that there isn't a single weak song on this album (all the songs are equally amazing).

This album was mixed at Giant Steps Recording, New Jersey (June 2004) by Vic Stevens. The sounds are apt — crystal clear and atmospheric when it's called for. Nevertheless, the distorted guitar could have had a bit more "presence" in the mix. The renowned Bob Katz handled the mastering of 'Torn Between Dimensions' at Digital Domain Studios, Orlando, FL. Needless to say, the mastering has been done skilfully.

Now that you've reached the final chapter of this review, you have only one thing left to do... Order At War With Self's Torn Between Dimensions — you'll regret if you don't. Particularly the fans of Gordian Knot will consider this album as a tremendous discovery.

Release date: February 22nd, 2005

There's a sample of "The God Interface" on the Laser's Edge website for you to listen.

Visit Glenn Snelwar's Website

Visit Michael Manring's Website

Visit Mark Zonder's Website


- MAGE (February 21st, 2005)

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LINE-UP:
Snelwar, Glenn: Electric and Acoustic Guitars, Mandolin, E-bow, Keyboards and String Section Programming Manring, Michael: Fretless Bass and E-bow Zonder, Mark: Drums and Percussion
Producer:	Golden, Ken
Mixing by:	Stevens, Vic
Mastering by:	Katz, Bob

	TRACKLIST:
	01. The God Interface 02. Torn Between Dimensions 03. A Gap in the Stream of Mind Part One 04. Grasping at Nothing 05. Coming Home 06. The Event Horizon 07. A Gap in the Stream of Mind Part Two 08. Run 09. A Gap in the Stream of Mind Part Three 10. At War With Self Length: 50:08