2011 turned out to be quite a big year for Australian rock guitarist Joe Matera. Both his solo instrumental single 'Face Off' and his guest solo spot on UK metal legends Atomkraft's 'Cold Sweat' release, brought Matera's highly energetic, melodic and tasteful guitar playing to a wider international audience. Taking note of Matera's guitar prowess was European based label W.A.R Productions whom quickly signed Matera to a deal which saw Matera's new all electric solo instrumental EP Slave To The Fingers receive a European CD release.

Slave To The Fingers features four brand new studio tracks, all showcasing Matera's six string talents at its best. The EP begins in bombastic fashion with a brief balls to the wall rocking interlude aptly titled 'Intro', before Matera's tasteful melodic playing takes center stage on the title track 'Slave To The Fingers'. Underscored by some eclectic styling, the track also features a special guest appearance by guitarist Mick McConnell from legendary rock band Smokie who contributes a breathtaking guitar solo on the track.

Next up 'Cruise Control', leads the charge as the EP's first single and is a soaring melodious affair, peppered by harmony guitars and a spirit recalling the halcyon days of 1970's classic guitar rock. 'Out Of The Blue' shifts things into overdrive, with Matera's harder rocking elements coming to the fore, for an all out sonic ear assault before 'Face Off', Matera's first all electric instrumental single from early 2011, and here being issued for the first time on CD, closes the EP majestically. The tight, rocking rhythm section backing Matera on Slave To The Fingers is comprised of Englishman Tony 'Demolition' Dolan (Venom, Atomkraft) on bass and American James Strickler (Angellic Rage) on drums.

Slave To The Fingers - officially released November 28th, 2011 through W.A.R Productions (Europe) and Mercury Fire Music (Australia)

A selection of Slave To The Fingers CD reviews from around the world

"[Slave To The Fingers] delivers some quality guitar work – nothing over the top fancy (in a good way), just good honest riffing and soloing with an emphasis on melody and making each song as memorable as possible. Definitely something for instrumental guitar fans to check out." - Melodicrock.com (AUS)

"Engaging…Tight arrangements and clean and cool guitar lines that move along nicely..." - Ear Candy magazine (US)

"...strong, edgy guitar instrumentals with highly developed melodies" - New Gandy Dancer (UK)

“...Joe Matera ist ein australischer Gitarrist, der weniger durch absolute Geschwindigkeit und Tonleitern-Akrobatik glänzt, sondern im wahrsten Sinn des Wortes die Saiten singen lässt und mit viel Feeling eine relaxte (Santana-artige) Atmosphäre aufbaut, die den Hörer sofort die Sonne ins Herz zaubert” – Dark Scene Metal (Austria)

“[Sonically]…Joe paints a colorful painting on a canvas. This is characterized by small and thin figures in an open composition, the emphasis being on the power of light and a wonderful tonality of colors that dance on the whole of the canvas…” – Metal Shock (Finland)

“...Questo giovane chitarrista ha colpito nel segno con questa release piena di emozione e di tecnica dosata nella maniera giusta; ha dato un giusto assaggio del suo potenziale ai fan del rock melodico” - Heavy-Metal (Italy)