Shouse – Jaded (Album Review)

After a fifteen-year hiatus, rock guitarist Mike Shouse has returned with Jaded, a striking instrumental album that bridges decades of rock and metal influence with bold technical precision. Known for his critically acclaimed Alone on the Sun and a winner of the 2011 Gods of Indie Guitar competition, Shouse’s reemergence is nothing short of triumphant. This time, he’s armed with a powerhouse rhythm section, Charlie Zeleny (Jordan Rudess, Terry Bozzio) on drums and James Pulli of Impellitteri fame on bass, and supported by a guest lineup of legendary guitarists including Michael Angelo Batio, Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, and Tony MacAlpine. The result is a masterclass in guitar-led storytelling with not a lyric in sight.

The album opens with (Prelude) Romeo and Juliet and Romeo Is Gone, setting the tone for what’s to come. A slow, dramatic synth fade-in makes way for an aggressive guitar line that cuts like a sword. It’s intense, theatrical, and almost Black Sabbath in its doom-laced grit. Batio’s guest solo elevates the track into full-blown shredder territory, and Zeleny’s rapid-fire drums give the piece a relentless energy. It’s the sound of war, heartbreak, and power all clashing in one explosive opening salvo.

A Bitter Cold continues the energy, showcasing Shouse’s deft command of speed and technique. The opening riff fades smoothly into a barrage of finger-picked licks and hammer-ons. It’s a cold, biting song that feels like a blizzard of notes, sharp and deliberate.

Let’s Go breaks from tradition with a bold bass-forward mix. Pulli’s playing is front and centre, a rare treat in a genre that often buries the bass under layers of guitar and effects. Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal delivers a piercing solo, while the guitar screams and sings in tandem. Shouse’s fretwork remains the undeniable centrepiece, proving that vocals are unnecessary when the guitar itself speaks so fluently. Adlibs like “let’s go!” are peppered in, but otherwise, the instruments carry the full narrative.

Smiley Faced Emoji marks a shift in tone. Softer in execution but not in craft, the track leans more toward classic rock than hard-edged metal. There’s a layered depth here, background guitar work adds texture and warmth while the lead guitar takes a slower, more melodic approach. At times, it feels like the song could belong on a 90s film soundtrack, channeling emotion through distortion and phrasing rather than speed or volume.

Then there’s Bucket of Bolts, a sci-fi rock opera in miniature. Opening with what sounds like robotic chatter and the hum of a space engine, it quickly transforms into a heavy, cosmic jam. Guitars mimic machinery, solos weave like interstellar radio signals, and it all feels like a musical space battle. The band leads us as the crew of this imagined starship, navigating through the chaos with control and style.

The title track Jaded is a nod to early 2000s hard rock, before diving headfirst into a Metallica-influenced storm of riffage. It’s a powerful piece that begs to be played with your eyes closed, a sonic rollercoaster of nostalgia, attitude, and sheer talent. The distinctly American tone of the instruments grounds the piece in a familiar, gritty world.

Memoriam pulls back the curtain to reveal something far more personal. A piano joins the arrangement, and the tempo slows to a meditative pace. It’s mournful, beautiful, and introspective. Shouse plays every part here, and the result is an emotional interlude that shows his depth not just as a technician but as an artist.

Finally, Upon Looking Back closes the album with a bright, brisk energy. There’s an 80s glimmer to the track’s intro, almost pop-leaning, before the familiar power of the lead guitar takes over. It blends eras, styles, and tones effortlessly, and the driving beat, once again led by Zeleny’s crisp drumming, keeps the pulse fast and firm.

Jaded is an instrumental odyssey that doesn’t need vocals to say everything it wants to say. Mike Shouse proves that time away has only sharpened his skills and deepened his creative voice.

SCORE/Excellent – With flawless production, genre-blending compositions, and virtuosic performances from every contributor, this album is both a technical marvel and a heartfelt journey. Whether you’re a metalhead, a classic rock purist, or simply a fan of world-class guitar playing, Jaded delivers something both familiar and fresh. It’s a long-awaited return that was worth every minute of the wait.

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

The Album will be released on all streaming platforms on September 5th 2025, so make sure you follow Shouse to get notified. Or Pre-order Jaded album here.

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