MUSIC MACHINE

Nicely executed instrumental noodle-metal of the most derivative variety, filled with Dream Theater-isms at every downbeat. While there may not be anything original contained within these songs, the band's energy and talent for writing lightning fast melodies and genuinely uplifting songs will more than likely please fans of the big boys in the genre. As far as purely instrumental albums go, Music Machine is a fine mix of tempos (but come on-- most of them are fast), and offers some tasty lead playing by Gregoire and Flores.

You probably won't remember any of the hooks or riffs after listening, but if you like the (better) instrumental gymnastics of Liquid Tension Experiment-- give Stride a listen.

Songwriting: 3 Instrumental Performances: 4 Lyrics/Vocals: NA Style/Emotion/Replay: 2

Stride from USA must be considered one of the most unnoticed prog metal bands ever. Their debute released in 2001 named Music machine is for sure one of the best debuts of all times in prog metal field. The album is all instrumental leading by top notch ex Helstar guitarist Joel Gregoire, who put his tradmarck deep and clear on this album. His fiery guitar tonein combination with inspired complicated chops of keybordist Rick Flores, makes from this Music machine a real worth listning. The music is as I said instrumental prog metal, melting complicated parts with dense arrangements with more mellow where the guitar and keybords shines from start to finish. I like a lot here that the band concentraiting on songwriting not only on endless noodlings. The influences can be heared from DT, Tony McAlpine, Liquid Tension Experiment. and this type of prog metal. There are some fascinating passages as on opening Barrow time, Carousel or the ending Eargasm an eargasmic pieces indeed. For me a winner from all sides, recommended for all prog metal fans and not only. Very well structuraed, tight in musicinship and inventive in same time. 4.5 stars for sure. Killer