Combining virtuosic tapping, ferocious shredding, and deep hooks,
Controlled Chaos is the debut solo album from versatile American guitarist
Nita Strauss, who first caught the metal scene's attention playing in the all-female
Iron Maiden tribute band the Iron Maidens and the popular West Coast hard rock/glam metal outfit Femme Fatale. Citing influences like
Steve Vai,
Yngwie Malmsteen,
Jason Becker, and composer Johann Strauss, the latter of whom is actually a distant relative, the 11-track instrumental set delivers a lethal blend of melody and might. ~ James Christopher Monger