Great Kat

The high priestess of guitar pyrotechnics returns once again with latest DVD Beethoven's Guitar Shred. While there's no denying that the Great Kat is the fastest, most amazing guitarist this side of 300 beats per minute, one must admit that her hyperactive renditions of classical symphonies and concertos as backed by a metal band can only be taken in small doses. Otherwise, they become one endlessly overbearing stream of piercing notes that even grindcore freaks would be unable to stomach. Apparently she realizes this, as songs rarely reach two minutes and this disc — a compilation of seven videos, photos, a tribute to her favourite luminaries, music or otherwise, and a cartoon short of her playing "Flight Of The Bumblebee" — tops out around 15 minutes. It's unnecessary overkill done in true DIY fashion but every once in a while such extremity is fun.