MCM

Progressive Metal • United States

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MCM biography
Started some time around 2004, MCM (their name being an acronym for the band members' last initials: Masi, Coven, Macaluso) is a veritable power trio, bridging the gap between progressive metal and instrumental fusion. The band is comprised of Alex Masi on guitar (MASI, DARK LORD, CONDITION RED), Randy Coven on bass (ARK, HOLY MOTHER, RIOT), and John Macaluso on drums (STARBREAKER, ARK, JAMES LABRIE, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, RIOT, POWERMAD). Their instrumental music blends shredding progressive metal with fusion, dabbling in other styles (latin, funk, etc) and constantly exploring new territory, but never losing their sense of groove.

This is exemplified on their 2004 debut album, released on Lion Music, entitled "Ritual Factory". All of the bands' members have played with each other in various bands in the past, and it shows! While never sounding disjointed or out of touch with each others' grooves, the band members sidestep the soulless pitfalls that plague many bands of this particular genre, their passion evident in the music! After a successful jaunt to Mexico City to promote the album, more tour dates are in the works. Given the band members' pedigrees (having played in numerous bands that are already in the archives, such as ARK and JAMES LABRIE), it's no surprise that everyone who hears this album has been duly impressed! Fans of heavier technical fusion bands such as PLANET X and LIQUID TENSION EXPERIMENT would do well to check MCM out!

Why this artist must be listed in www.progarchives.com :
They're in the same vein as bands like PLANET X or LIQUID TENSION EXPERIMENT, instrumental technical progressive metal with touches of fusion, throwing in lots of genres such as latin and funk and truly exploring new, progressive territory.

MCM Videos (YouTube and more)

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MCM discography

Ordered by release date | Showing ratings (top albums) | Help Progarchives.com to complete the discography and add albums

MCM top albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

4.20 | 15 ratings

Ritual Factory
2004

MCM Live Albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

3.73 | 7 ratings

1900 - Hard Times
2007

MCM Videos (DVD, Blu-ray, VHS etc)

MCM Boxset & Compilations (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

MCM Official Singles, EPs, Fan Club & Promo (CD, EP/LP, MC, Digital Media Download)

MCM Reviews

Showing last 10 reviews only

Studio Album, 2004
4.20 | 15 ratings
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Ritual Factory
MCM Progressive Metal

Review by JazzFusionGuy

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.

Live, 2007
3.73 | 7 ratings
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1900 - Hard Times
MCM Progressive Metal

Review by JazzFusionGuy

Alex Masi is one of those deeply versatile guitarists that can do many genres well. If you are a heavy fusion fan and into bands like Planet X or enjoyed the pyrotechnics of the late Shawn Lane with Jonas Hellborg -- then this releases is a must-have. No other guitarist I have heard can play even close to the amazing Shawn Lane -- but -- Masi can definitely pull off the Lane fret dance quite well. I am an avid supporter of all things jazz rock fusion for decades and this is one release that passes the fusion test 110%. Recommended live release. Be sure you pick up the 2004 MCM Ritual Factory as well.

Live, 2007
3.73 | 7 ratings
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1900 - Hard Times
MCM Progressive Metal

Review by Ovidiu

This is one of the sickest live albums in the history of fusion music,jazz rock fusion ,or jazz metal fusion,or whatever it may be called!Anyway-this impressive album proves that improvisional music can be done at a superior level by some amazing musicians,when alchemy and telepathic musical feelings exists between them!We have here the sensational Italian axeman ALEX MASI and the rhythm section of ARK-criminal drummer John Macaluso and monster bass player Randy Coven!For me,this album has a true feeling of pure magical wizzardry and reminds me a lot about the great synergy between Shawn Lane ,Jonas Hellborg and Jeff Sipe!It's amazing from the technical point of view-jaw dropping I must say-a pure lesson in virtuosity and musicianship!Not even a single second of boredom-just perpetual discovery of unknown musical territories,in terms of virtuosity and amazing technical chops ,technical frenzy!Fans of Masi,will adore this album-the guy is totally unleashed here-but the other 2 monsters are phenomenal too!I repeat-a major album for jazz metal fusion-and the LIVE feeling is astonishing!5 STARS for a musical bomb!

Live, 2007
3.73 | 7 ratings
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1900 - Hard Times
MCM Progressive Metal

Review by Windhawk
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

This live offering from the power trio of Masi, Coven and Macaluso doesn't really add anything new to the style they have chosen to explore, but it's still an enjoyable release if you like the genre.

Fusion, or jazz metal perhaps, is the style in question here; all instrumental and with the guitar as the dominating instrument. Jazzy drumming and funky bass lines underscores the guitar riffing, soloing and shredding, with some nice mellow and atmospheric guitar licks in many tunes, high class atmospheric soloing, some nice guitar pickings on melodic licks as well as soloing and shredding. And yeah, some power riffs here and there as well, in addition to the shredding.

If you like shredding mixed into fusion based metal explorations this one should be high on your list, as the shredding basically is everywhere here. On some tunes as a nice spice to the tune, while on others it's a dominating trait. People who dislike shredding should stay away from this one though.

Studio Album, 2004
4.20 | 15 ratings
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Ritual Factory
MCM Progressive Metal

Review by Gatot
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

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

Studio Album, 2004
4.20 | 15 ratings
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Ritual Factory
MCM Progressive Metal

Review by Isostance

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.

Studio Album, 2004
4.20 | 15 ratings
BUY

Ritual Factory
MCM Progressive Metal

Review by ddruff

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.

Thanks to deepestpurple for the artist addition.