Jim Matheos – First Impressions

Best known as the visionary guitarist for progressive metal legends Fates Warning, Jim Matheos steps into a more intimate and introspective sonic landscape with First Impressions. This 1993 solo release reveals a side of Matheos that fans rarely seeemotive, nuanced, and masterfully restrained. Featuring stunning contributions from violinist Charlie Bisharat (Shadowfax) and recorded by metal production legend Bill Metoyer, First Impressions is a rich instrumental album that trades distortion for depth. The result is a captivating blend of acoustic textures, moody melodies, and meditative soundscapes that stir the soul as much as they impress the ear. This 2025 Brutal Planet CD reissue is remastered by Rob Colwell for maximum sonic clarity and warmth, and it comes packaged in a 6-panel full-color booklet housed in a traditional jewel case.