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STRIDE

Progressive Metal • United States


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Stride biography
STRIDE is a progressive metal/rock band that hails from Houston, Texas. Joel Gregoire is their founder, guitarist and songwriter. Joel is a graduate of the Guitar Institute of Technology and has studied under people such as Paul Gilbert, Frank Gambale, Scott Henderson, and Don Mock, among others. Matt Kanzler is STRIDE's drumer and is a graduate of the Percussion Institute of Technology., Rick Flores is the band's key shredder, and has played for Freddy Fender, and the band "SUCCESS." Gary Belin is STRIDE's front man, and is arguably the best set of lungs in the business. Their current bass player is Mike Martin. Previous bass players have been Marcus Johnson, and Shane Dubose.

Until recently, STRIDE has been an instrumental band, with a style that is hard to nail down. They tend to incorporate a wide range of influences into their music, and often will seamlessly flow from one to another all in the course of a single track. The focus of their music has been the guitars, heavily accompanied by Rick's keyboards, but they do not overwhelm the music. Most their songs are truly a "whole band" effort. With the addition of Gary Belin on vocals, their style has changed noticeably, but the band behind this incredible singer still manages to make quite an impression.

Most of the people who listen to STRIDE for the 1st time liken them to Dream Theater, and there is a similarity in their sound, but any percieved "influence" is merely coincidental, as STRIDE has been around longer than Dream Theater.

"Borrowed Time" is a hard rocking, upbeat number that starts out with a chugging, heavy metal intro that gives way to an ever changing roller coaster ride of tempos and styles.

"Travesty" is a low key piece, with beautiful, but not frilly, guitar solos that are full of feeling, and beautifully accented by keyboards.


Why this artist must be listed in www.progarchives.com :
Because they're a really good progressive band and I believe your list is incomplete without them.


Discography:
"Music Machine", (Studio Album) Fossil Records (2001)
An all instrumental album with 10 tracks and a wide variety of style influences. There literally is not a bad track on this CD. Part rock, part metal, part progressive, part, well, you get the idea.

"Bah Humbug", (Studio Album) (2003)
A Christmas album made primarily for fun. This album has one track with vocals, which is the best rendition of "What Child is this" that...
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STRIDE discography


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

3.69 | 12 ratings
Music Machine
2001
3.91 | 2 ratings
Bah Humbug (Aka STRIDE & Friends)
2003
3.91 | 30 ratings
Imagine
2005

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

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

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

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

STRIDE Reviews


Showing last 10 reviews only
 Music Machine by STRIDE album cover Studio Album, 2001
3.69 | 12 ratings

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Music Machine
Stride Progressive Metal

Review by maryes

4 stars 4,5 stars !!! I listened all three albums from North-American band STRIDE, and I consider this first work " Miusic Machine" slightly superior than the posterior albums ( however, I like much from the others). The reason is simple ... I think which this one are shows a more "digestible" prog-metal form with more beautiful melodies ( listen track 3 "Travesty" a great ballad with a fantastic and "bucolic" guitar) and more richness in influences . this influences sometimes runs out of the main stream of progressive metal ( as for instance Dream Theather's style), a good example is the track 4 "Boogie Man" a clear Jeff Beck influence. Another example is the track 7 "Moonroof" whit a acoustic guitar accompaniment and this "party" sonorous "landscape". In summary, is very difficult to me detach any track. Besides , the musicians are fantastic. My rate is 4 stars !!!
 Music Machine by STRIDE album cover Studio Album, 2001
3.69 | 12 ratings

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Music Machine
Stride Progressive Metal

Review by b_olariu
Prog Reviewer

4 stars 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

 Imagine by STRIDE album cover Studio Album, 2005
3.91 | 30 ratings

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Imagine
Stride Progressive Metal

Review by b_olariu
Prog Reviewer

4 stars Stride is one of the prog metal bands that I liked since the beggining I've heared the first note of this album. This is the type of prog metal I like, is complex with solid musicianship, has plenty of rich instrumental passages and above all a great voice. This is their third album and the latest to date named Imagine from 2005. What a pleasent surprise was this album in 2005 for me and still is after so many years, kick ass al the way. The album has 9 pieces , 2 of them entirely instrumental Endeavor To Persevere and Ion drive, what great tracks, energic progressive metal with great arrangements, killer guitar chops and awesome druming, excellent. The rest are with voice and the voice of Gary Belin is brilliant and fits in this kind of music like glove on hand, melodic and in same time little harsh in his tone of voice, I realy like it. The music is complex with many twists and turns, even the pieces are not very lenghty all are under 7 min, but the passages and arrangements are very rich , each instrument done a great work, for instance on the opening track Imagine, the guitar is simply killer, Joel Gregoire manage to do some of the most intristing solos I've heared on a prog metal album for years, the keybords dueling very eficient with the guitar. So, one of the most enjoyble prog metal albums I've heared so far and a special place in my collection, still quite unknown to larger public in comparation with other names. Recommended, very solid album with intristing compostions. 4 stars easy.

 Imagine by STRIDE album cover Studio Album, 2005
3.91 | 30 ratings

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Imagine
Stride Progressive Metal

Review by Ovidiu

4 stars What a musical pearl is this album!Working hard for many years in the Texas area,the band lead by the impressive guitar player JOEL GREGOIRE and the sensational drummer MATT KANZLER,got finally a deal with the very serious and respected SENSORY RECORDS label ! The addition of the beautiful voice of GARY BELIN seemed at the time to represent enough argumets for a promissing band,with a huge potential!The previous albums released-the self produced MUSIC MACHINE and the Christmas album were very well apreciated by the prog aficionados!Of course,the DREAM THEATER stamp,was the guaranteed certificate of high quality music,not at all a musical clone of the prog icons,but of a band with personality and great compsitional skills!Technically speaking the guys were perfect and everything was very pwell done!Unfortunatelly,it didn't fit with the vocalist and due some internal problems the band splitted shortly after the release of this magical album!The cover is superbe and on this album we have at least 2 masterpieces called ION DRIVE-an instrumental composition and IMAGINE, a trully inspired and beautiful musical moment! We hope to hear again about this band,or other musical endeavours of the members of STRIDE -some very talented musicians!Anyway,thank u STRIDE for an album of this caliber and high class!4,5 STARS-and congratulations!
 Imagine by STRIDE album cover Studio Album, 2005
3.91 | 30 ratings

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Imagine
Stride Progressive Metal

Review by progrules
Prog Reviewer

4 stars I got interested in this band after I heard the streamsong on this site. That song was from their debut in 2001 and I had never heard of the band. But checking out their latest I think the streamsong was a pretty good example of what this band is capable of. And looking at the ratings of these two albums (2001 & 2005) I think I might have picked the right one here.

The opening (title) track immediately gets you in the right mood. This is pretty accessible prog metal (well many proggers say all prog metal is accessible so it's actually a pleonasm) but who cares as long as it sounds great. Second track, Alive is even a bit better with great instrumental contribution (solos).

Endeavor to Persevere is the first of the two instrumentals, another one with almost mindblowing passages of both guitar and keys. Let's not forget excellent drumming also. This band likes to play fast and so do I.

How Far is a little bit slower, a slightly ballad like song with good vocal contribution. Another very fine composition I believe. Stride proves with this track that they can also play the great atmospheric style. At times they remind me of a Def Leppard like sound, it tends toward the eighties rock but surely it's more complex and more inventive. Great track this.

Role model is the longest track of the album. It starts fairy-like first notes but the rough guitars disturb the fairly tale. Never mind, heavy drums taking the thing to metal standard before it all quiets down again and takes the ballad turn all over sudden. A song full of surprises you might say. Piano like keys accompany the vocals and the song transforms once again into an average prog metal track, well not average in the meaning of mediocre more like a usual one, but not cliche or cheap. Versatile track is the best description all in all. This one has it all and is one of the highlights to me without becoming really outstanding.

The Waiting is another mix of sensitivity and true prog metal of the best sort, this band has the ability to change the mood within the songs several times without problem. I think it works really nice. Main thing is they play their music excellent, the songs run really smooth, these guys know their job for sure. It's hard to compare them with one of the famous prog metal bands. Except for the vocal aspect they sound a bit like Evergrey, more or less same style, same high quality.

Ion Drive is the second instrumental and is like the first one where the speed is concerned. Needless to say that the instrumental tracks are also a big quality of Stride. They are not really long but they are pretty impressive nonetheless.

And if you think the best part is behind us at this point, wrong ! The album closes with two more longish excellent tracks, Face the Day and Time (the last minute of this track reminds me of the last minute of Giant by Saga from their Beginners Guide album. If this is coincidence it's funny because the resemblance is huge !). This means there are no fillers allowed with this band, a feature I really appreciate. I'm not a fan of half good/half poor albums, don't like having to skip songs during an album.

No need for that with Stride and I think that the conclusion for this album can only be a positive one. Only downside to me is the length of total playing time. Only 50 minutes, I like the 70 minute cases so that's a slight minus. It will not prevent me from giving it 4 solid stars.

 Imagine by STRIDE album cover Studio Album, 2005
3.91 | 30 ratings

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Imagine
Stride Progressive Metal

Review by Yorkie X

5 stars Great prog metal CDs are few and far between and what makes them great is always a debatable issue. Stride are a gifted band they seem to cover all areas when it comes to skill, their music is rich is melody and very well craft . Stride don't talk about slaying dragons in their lyrics the song writing approach is uplifting slightly philosophical and has a positive effect on the listener that's lasting and deeply moving. Don't expect Yes type positive lyrics (talk to the sunlight caller type lyrics) Stride are positive in a more down to earth way than that, try to imagine the song More Than A Feeling by the band Boston ... make Boston a true to form Prog Metal band with unbelievable chops that rival even Symphony x then Imagine what the result may be like get the picture ? The singer is top class when you hear his voice you will probably get goose bumps (Yes that good) think Steve Walsh in his prime Brad Delp in his prime or Steve Perry in his prime thats how good the vocals honestly are.

I think every prog fan owes it to themselves to check out Stride I have no invested interest in the band I`m just a prog fan like you that knows a great thing when I hear it. 9/10 rounded to five stars

I love this band and what they are about .... awesome !!!

 Imagine by STRIDE album cover Studio Album, 2005
3.91 | 30 ratings

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Imagine
Stride Progressive Metal

Review by Mellotron Storm
Prog Reviewer

4 stars Man I love this album. I was reminded of a heavier ENCHANT with the melodic songs and great vocals. An AOR flavour to this music for sure, and yes there's even an eighties Metal vibe going on. Yet this band just blows the doors off with their complex and heavy play. The lyrics are incredible as well. I really connect emotionally with the words here, it's often quite uplifting.The singer has a very strong voice, but it's the instrumental work that is so jaw dropping throughout.

"Imagine" is one of those songs that lyrically is so meaningful to me. The mellow intro with those background synths is absolutely crushed by heavy drums and then a full sound as the guitar comes in ripping it up. Vocals follow with power. Check out the guitar solo before 3 1/2 minutes, followed by a more aggressive solo before 4 minutes. This one simply rocks. "Alive" opens with someone trying to find something good on the radio. Speed of light guitar melodies follow with pounding drums. It settles down as vocals come in. After 3 1/2 minutes it's hard and heavy with some fantastic instrumental work. This song is about driving around and listening to music and feeling so alive. I can relate. "Endevour To Persevere" is uptempo instrumental with some Jasun Tipton-like guitar early. A nice heavy, fast paced rhythm with background synths leads the way. Blistering guitar 1 1/2 minutes in when the tempo changes. This is a killer instrumental work out. It blends into "How Far" where the heaviness continues. Reserved vocals come in as it settles. This contrast continues. I like the soaring vocals and the heaviness that comes and goes. Great tune.

"Role Model" opens with a light melody that is copied by a heavier one. Nice. A stampede of drums and bass comes in after a minute. It becomes mellow with piano and reserved vocals before 2 minutes. Heaviness is back 4 1/2 minutes in with complex guitar melodies. "The Waiting" opens with a blast of instrumental music before reserved vocals come in. They get more passionate as does the music especially after 3 minutes. "Ion Drive" is another instrumental. Complex guitar to open with ground shaking drums and bass. Organ a minute in. The guitar rips it up throughout,and check out the drumming 3 minutes in. "Face The Day" opens with pounding drums followed by some beautiful guitar. Reserved vocals take over with keys. It gets heavier a minute in as contrast continues. Very uplifting at times. Crushing section before 3 1/2 minutes. Man the drums are heavy 5 1/2 minutes in. "Time" opens with fragile vocals and piano. Some cool vocal harmonies follow. Beautiful guitar solo before the fragile vocals with light drums are back. It kicks into gear 2 minutes in. Contrast continues. Love the guitar 4 minutes in. Those vocal harmonies end it.

I can see some people not liking this because of the AOR flavour, but this also reaches close to ZERO HOUR territory at times. For me it's a solid 4 star, feel good album.

 Imagine by STRIDE album cover Studio Album, 2005
3.91 | 30 ratings

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Imagine
Stride Progressive Metal

Review by Prog Leviathan
Prog Reviewer

2 stars How does one ruin a mildly interesting prog-metal group? By throwing in a superfluous, corn-ball vocalist who sounds like a relic from the late '80's-- belting out terrible lyrics with castrati charisma and a voice that sounds like a bizarre mix of James Labrie, Steve Perry and Brad Delp.

Seriously, any credibility Stride had as serious, artistic musicians goes out the window as soon as their new front man Gary Berlin begins crooning Alive, a feel-good anthem that demands to be retroactively added to the soundtrack to Grand Theft Auto: Vice City or any of the million-and-one montage scenes in those '80's teen movies.

Seriously though, adding a singer was an odd decision for this otherwise very talented group; their previous Music Machine may have lacked any new ideas but at least it was a fine display of potential-- this is just goofy. To the band's credit, they have found a much higher production with this release, making their few moments of instrumental excellence sound better than before; there is some genuinly intersting axe-work going on here. Of course, these few passages of serious playing are thrown out the window when it comes time to roll down the windows, put on the your raban sunglasses and sing-along to the laughably cheesy vocals.

At least it has camp value.

Songwriting: 2 Instrumental Performances: 3 Lyrics/Vocals: 2 Style/Emotion/Replay: 1

 Music Machine by STRIDE album cover Studio Album, 2001
3.69 | 12 ratings

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Music Machine
Stride Progressive Metal

Review by Prog Leviathan
Prog Reviewer

3 stars 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

 Imagine by STRIDE album cover Studio Album, 2005
3.91 | 30 ratings

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Imagine
Stride Progressive Metal

Review by itrompa

5 stars i came up to listen to this band in searching of new prog metal options on the net, since i live in a country where prog is not popular, at first glance i thought , well this is another dream theater-esque band, so puopular trend on these days but with every song that concept just change, and now after 2 o 3 complete listenings, i can assure you this is nothi9ng you hve encounter before , virtuossism and refreshing sound is the key to this album, and i assure you that even if you want it or not, this album will become a classic after the years.

check the waiting and ion drive , best songs in the album, Mindblowing!!

keep the work kids you are doing fantastic

final score. 4.5

Thanks to ScreminFlea for the artist addition.

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