IMAGINE

Unable to find the right voice to match their incredible instrumental abilities, the members of Houston, Texas based Stride made the tough decision to release their first album "Music Machine" as an instrumental effort. This was in 2001 and the results generated positive reviews around the world as the band garnered acclaim from Burrn! Magazine in Japan, Aardschok in The Netherlands, as well as various metal sites on the Internet. With their local following continuing to expand, the band was always on the lookout for the right singer and finally in 2004 they connected with Gary Belin. Their new demo not only caught the attention of Sensory but also the promoters of ProgPower USA. In conjunction with their signing to Sensory, the band was also invited to perform at ProgPower VI in Atlanta. The reaction was immediate as the band blew the roof off of Earthlink Live and the buzz has not stopped since then. So what's the secret to Stride's success? The answer is obvious actually: Stride has the uncanny ability to blend insane chops from hell with infectious anthem-like melodies served up by a vocalist that instantly reminds you of greats like Steve Perry and Steve Walsh. "Imagine" draws its energy from the technicality of Dream Theater and a touch of the polished hard rock sounds of Journey. It's a combination that has already captured the attention of progressive metal fans around the world. (From Sensory Site)

Dream Theater meets Kansas meets YES. Insane chops, and amazing vocals. Woah.