****************************************
BANGER PICKS
HARD SUGGESTIONS
****************************************
Engine
"Superholic"
Metal Blade Records
|
With their
1999 debut, Ray Adler, Joey Vera, Bernie Versailles and Pete Parada,
collectively Engine, unleashed on the music community an album that
had the critics and fans rocking back on their heels in astonishment.
Engine's self titled debut was an album that was unlike anything at
the time while fitting squarely into what was about to happen in popular
heavy music. No one expected the Fates Warning vocalist to do something
so drastically different from what he had done for ten years with the
progressive metal outfit. Engine's debut was a thick, groove laden rock
record, which, while dropping enormous bass bombs and groove grenades,
saw Ray's trademark silky vocal delivery transformed into an emotive
beast of power, control and unequalled range. 2002 will see Engine building
on the success they garnered with their debut. Cohesion has played a
major role with "Superholic." Although originally considered a side
project, Ray, Joey, Pete and Bernie are all in place on "Superholic"
and the result certainly doesn't sound like a side project. Engine has
evolved into hard rock powerhouse and more importantly a band that,
on record and live, schools the current crop of corporate rock clowns.
Along with an outstanding version of The Cure's "Fascination Street,"
"Superholic" feels more diverse than its predecessor and exemplifies
world class production at the hands of Joey Vera (Armored Saint). Standout
tracks include "Losing Ground," which would make the perfect soundtrack
for one of the many police pursuits on L.A.'s 405 Freeway, with its
driving riff and lyrical interpretation of the decline of humanity and
the things that actually matter. "Perfect Star" is a poignant modern
ballad in the non-traditional sense of how a ballad is construed, with
authentic emotion and considerably more electricity. Throughout "Superholic"
is an outstanding sophomore album put forth by some of the best in the
business. Additionally, Engine will hit the tour circut in support of
"Superholic," a feat not accomplished by their debut, save for a few
European festival dates and an industry showcase in L.A. Years of touring
experience by all the members ensure that an Engine show will be an
event not to be missed and a treat for fans of great music performed
by gifted musicians. We'll let the music speak for itself. |
More from the Online Metal Journal |
|
|