HIDDEN SECRETS

This is a 2 cd compilation of previously recorded tracks that have either been remastered or previously unreleased, as well as demos, live and unplugged versions of songs.The one constant of this band has been the bass player Lorenzo Deho, while the lead guitarist Joe Taccone has been on all but the first release. I tell you this because this band has had 9 different line-ups from 1992-1999.

Things get started with "Riots In The Colonies 753 AC" that has an early FATES WARNING sound to it, especially the guitar. "Stargazer" has some amazing guitar in the intro that comes and goes throughout. And the vocals here remind me of Geoff Tate. This is an original version of the opening track from "Act II:Galileo". "I Hold The Key" is a dark, moody song with some atmospheric guitar and keys in the intro. The vocals are great as well as the scorching guitar melody. "Eternity Ends" is a catchy, melodic tune with a Spanish sounding guitar at times. "Silent Revolution" has a QUEENSRYCHE-vibe with passionate vocals and some intense guitars and drums. There is also a good sax melody. "Behind The Cross" features more sax and some cool percussion and heavy riffs. "I Believe Again" is a jazzy ballad with ANGRA's vocalist singing on it, he also co-wrote it. This one has some great lyrics and the sax just adds to the beauty. "1,000 Rainy Nights" has lots of great guitar and strong vocals. "Falling Star Mixing With I The Subversive Nazarene" is a fantastic uptempo song ! "Past And future" is the first song they ever composed and has a FATES WARNING sound to it. "Dungeons Of The Vatican" is a complex instrumental.

Disc 2 starts off with "Will You Remember" the original version of "1,000 Rainy Nights" and it opens with a great riff and a good solo later on. "Desert Of Souls" is an uptempo, melodic song with drums being very prominant. "Sphynx (the witness)" is a demo with amazing guitar that goes on and on. "New Religion" is dominated by guitar melodies and powerful vocals. "I Hold The Key" and "Passover Of Dreams" are both unplugged versions and the first one is excellent. "Never Ending Love" is a bootleg that sounds amazing with crunchy guitars, although the vocals are lost a little in the sound." Virgin Of The Temple" is a previously unreleased live track with that Jim Matheos sounding guitar again, man this song is so good, early FATES WARNING sounding. The next two songs are also previously unreleased live songs in a similar vein. "Earth's Dawn (history)" features synth washes and guitar riffs, good tune.

It's all good folks, and I highly recommend this not only to TIME MACHINE fans, but Metal fans in general. 4 solid stars.