Former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Joe Holmes has released a new self-titled solo album, marking a significant return to his musical roots. The album, produced with Rich Mouser, showcases Holmes' evolution as an artist, drawing from his diverse experiences and collaborations. The recording lineup includes Robert Locke on vocals, Robert Trujillo on bass, and Mike Bordin on drums, mirroring the setup of Holmes' FARMIKOS project's debut album. This album is a testament to Holmes' journey, from his early days with Randy Rhoads to his time with Ozzy Osbourne and David Lee Roth, and his current solo endeavors.
The album's creation is a reflection of Holmes' growth and the impact of his various influences. He shared with Guitar World, "Every situation prepared me for the next. From Randy to Dave to Ozzy. All my collective experience has contributed to this album. From my sound, style, and songwriting to the creative partnerships and touring experience, it all had an impact."
One of the standout aspects of the album is the collaboration with Rich Mouser, who co-produced and engineered the record. Despite the tragic loss of Mouser's studio in the Altadena fires, the album was completed, and Mouser is now in the process of rebuilding. This setback, however, has not deterred Holmes, who continues to forge ahead with his musical vision.
Holmes' time with Ozzy Osbourne was a pivotal period in his career, and he expressed his regrets about their eventual parting ways. He stated, "Of course, I would have loved to have spent more time with him. He was such an influential person in my life and in my career. I thought about him a lot as I was writing and working on my new album, and I dedicated it to Ozzy's memory. I would have loved the opportunity to talk with him before he passed."
The album, 'Joe Holmes', features a diverse range of songs, including 'Speak Into The Sea', 'Cross Eyed Stare', 'The Deadfall', 'OCIN', 'Away', 'Lay You Low', 'The Crush Of Light', and 'Wake Into The Inside'. Each track showcases Holmes' signature style, blending his technical guitar prowess with a melodic and emotional approach.
Holmes' musical journey began with TERRIFF, an L.A. band he formed after taking guitar lessons from Randy Rhoads. He later gained recognition for his work with David Lee Roth and Ozzy Osbourne, co-writing songs like 'Facing Hell', 'Junkie', and 'That I Never Had' for Ozzy's 'Down To Earth' album. His collaboration with Robert Locke and Brent Hoffort led to the formation of FARMIKOS, which released a self-titled debut in 2015 to critical acclaim.
The FARMIKOS project, which also featured Brooks Wackerman on drums, showcased Holmes' versatility and creativity. This new solo album is a natural progression from his previous work, showcasing his growth as a musician and songwriter. Holmes' ability to blend his diverse influences into a cohesive and captivating sound is a testament to his artistic maturity and skill.
In conclusion, Joe Holmes' 'Joe Holmes' album is a must-listen for fans of progressive rock and heavy metal. It showcases Holmes' evolution as an artist, drawing from his past experiences while pushing the boundaries of his musical style. The album is a testament to his dedication, creativity, and the enduring impact of his influences.
