10 Essential 1990s Progressive Rock Music Albums

Iconic guitarist Steve Vai cranked things up a notch with his second LP, blending his signature strings work with moody, spiritual undertones.

Inspired by a litany of mysterious dreams he'd had, Vai has since described the album as a blend of Jimi Hendrix and Biblical themes. Vai's wild guitars are supported by spoken word verses courtesy of a variety of guests. Of the many innovative tracks on offer, 'For the Love of God' arguably made the biggest impression at the time, impressing audiences and critics alike with its wild solo and effective use of sweep picking and legato techniques. Vai put the song together in the midst of a gruelling ten-day fast, finally hitting the recording studio on day four.

The rest of the album keeps the quality level high, showcasing Vai's seemingly endless energy and expansive technical skill. For prog fans, while the obvious lack of proper vocals isn't ideal for the grand scale storytelling the genre's often known for, Vai's instrumentals are a heady, hectic adventure to go on.

Compared to many other top guitarists of the time, Vai is not as much of a show-off in regards to his wide range of skills. Instead, he focuses on pace and composition, highlighting his own progress as a composer at the time. Over 30 years later, 'Passion and Warfare' remains the guitar virtuoso's strongest effort.