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Engine
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| By
Vinnie
Apicella
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On their self-titled
first offering a couple years ago, Engine proved a side project
involving prominent musicians from previously established bands could
create their own identity and push the envelope that much further than
their past would allow. "Superholic" picks up where it left off and
wastes no time building speed by way of four on the floor riffing and
disturbing thought patterns. Far flung from their "classic" Metal
motifs, individually, Engine is four talented musicians that have
achieved excellence in their own right and unlike the many "side"
projects that materialize on a whim, die out with a whimper and are
never heard from again, the foundation's here for future success and
creative excellence. "Superholic" is atmospherically deviant from its
own predecessor, which is to say as much of a leap as the original was
in '99 from listener expectation, this one's a step further out into
Modern Rock elementalism and individualistic performing talent-Alder's
vocals remain a highpoint in low places, a defiant departure from the
soar and swoon technique that first set Fates Warning a new standard,
again, he doesn't fail to impress. "Losing Ground" opens with a
resurgent groove and rhythmic gut punch that'll meet head on and blast
through Corporate Rock makeovers, while "The Perfect Star" highlights
the melodic mid-tempo strength all participants have previously drawn
from; "Superholic" is a whisper to a scream standout housed in
staccato-like suddenness that slowly draws you in then goes for the
throat the minute your back's turned-and amongst their finest in backup
vocs. Here's one for the highlight reels-an unsuspecting cover of The
Cure's "Fascination Street" from their classic "Disintegration," and
further indicative of the diversion and diversity Engine seeks to
accentuate as they bully an otherwise innocent child of a song with
Pantera-like blows! They opted to include behind the scenes photos
in place of lyrics which is a detriment, as often, Alder's vocs are
buried behind a wall of sonic fury. There are fleeting moments of
compassion, however, in and around and occasionally altogether for the
two-plus "I am" ballad, yet we need not be reminded of the more chaotic
persona unleashed once the pistons start firing. "Superholic" is a
vibrant and vicious visionary of a record that artfully manages ability
with modernity, something very few have successfully accomplished.
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