Track listing: Hammer Down, Doctor Nitro, Neuro Cascade, Doctor Octane

A true gem from the rock vault! Los Angeles-based Nate Franchesco has been digging around in his personal archives and has curated a shred-tastic collection for us. Quantum Havoc is a 4-song EP of his demos recorded between 2011-2016. Franchesco explains, "These tracks were originally raw ideas — short compositions, riffs, and experiments I created during my shred-focused phase — brought together as a cohesive release that captures the energy of that period."

Nate isn't really shredding anymore but to anyone who's achieved that level of guitar prowess and proficiency, you can appreciate the countless hours of woodshedding that goes into it. Quantum Havoc is available for your listening pleasure both on Spotify and YouTube.

For the metalheads, "Hammer Down" is mean, dark, and heavy. Reminds me of of Testament's musical vibe and Alex Skolnick's chops, blended with the imagery of Helloween and guitarist Kai Hansen.

"Doctor Nitro" picks up the pace, more Racer X-ish. Just a non-stop assault on your ears. Takes me back to my first time listening through Street Lethal wondering "Does the speed ever stop?" The answer was, still is, and will always be and emphatic "No." 

Franchesco gives a nod to Eddie Van Halen's "Cathedral" solo in "Neuro Cascade," with its layering, and combination of echo and delay. The two are remarkably close in progression and dynamic. You could say Nate's ripping off EVH except that this was an-until-now unreleased demo that likely served more as an exercise and exploration than trying to make a buck off a legend. Similarities aside, it's still impressive.

The change up to Quantum Havoc happens with the final track: "Doctor Octane." It channels a few of the deeper tracks on Satriani's Surfing With The Alien with it's straight-ahead rhythm tracks, putting the focus on the guitar string gymnastics and foray into some very not-rock chord structures. 

"Quantum Havoc represents a snapshot of my evolution as a multi-genre artist," Franchesco shares. "It captures the sound of my earlier years, where I was pushing technical limits, experimenting with tone, and finding creative ways to blend styles — even in their demo form." I can tell you that Nate's demos are a helluva more impressive than many of the ones I've been a part of. So guitarists and fans of shredding, it's under 10 minutes in length. Take Quantum Havoc for a spin and see what you think. It's always easy to critique "So-and-so did it better." But for this EP, I don't think Nate gives a shit. He put together some choice licks and is happy now with simply sharing a few of them from his personal collection.

I'm also digging what I interpret as a slight self-homage in the cover art, Nate pulling in his own faux hawk on top of the guitarist's helmet. Hell yeah!