RITUAL FACTORY

This is the best prog/jazz/fusion record i've heard in years. Mostly instrumental. Incredible musicians. I just keep on listening to it again and again and again. I'm not gonna try to label it or anything, but it's kind of the original Mahavishnu Orchestra meets Dream Theater, heavy as hell but still with a progressive touch. Don't wait. Buy this record immediately. Hope there will be a second album. Can't wait for it. Cheers.

I must say to all! This is really great, this is the best new this year.. If You want Liquid Tension with an even sharper edge, Youve got it! This is razor- sharp, and will blow your mind if youre not prepared. These musicians upper edge is composistion, skill, creativity and pure joy set in a complex system for You to enjoy through flesh and bone. These fellas love to play, and youll love to hear them. This is prog the way its ment to be.

I know Alex Masi from his band Condition Red which I think should have been included here at this site. I love his guitar work. In this three-piece band he proves it that he can do an excellent project. From its opening track "Ritual Factory" (4:37) it's really clear for my ears that each member of this project is really skillful in their contribution. I can hear clearly how the music is taken into relatively fast speed with speed guitar solo and great bass lines. This opening track is really a masterpiece. It flows in the same energy through "The Whole Life" (3:23) where Randy Coven's bass guitar work is really stunning. It reminds me to the work of Jaco Pastorius. The guitar solo is still stunning and it has become a major component for this track. "Sadhu's Jewel" (6:51) is still another excellent track with great combination of guitar and bass guitar work. Even though the tempo is slower but this is still an excellent track.

What surprises me is the band's cover of Weather Report in "Black Market". In this case, the band interprets the music into its style without having to change the foundation of the music. Fans of Weather Report must listen to this song.

Overall, this is an excellent addition to any prog music collection. The composition is tight, performance is good and enjoyable.

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW

Ritual Factor is a great release in the heavy fusion rock vein. Masi is a monster on the frets and one of THE very few guitarists that can play fret runs and phrasings like the late musical genius Shawn Lane. This is one of those under-the-radar stellar releases, as well as MCM's live release in 2007. I only discovered it by being an avid promoter of jazz rock fusion and hooking up with Lion Music label. I imagine many guitar fans know of Masi's Neon Shark with Allan Holdsworth guesting but Lion Music sort of dropped the ball not putting Alex Masi on the cover as well as MCM doing their marketing. Maybe Masi wanted it that way but whoever decided that didn't know the power of search engines. "MCM" does not equal "Masi" all the time. Highly recommended.