Engine Superholic
Metalblade 2002
By Russell Garwood
Engine were formed by Ray Alder as a side project (his main concern being Fates Warning), to play music very different from that of the prog metal outfit. The vocals too are very different from his previous work, being raw and powerful. Funky rhythm-driven guitars, courtesy of Bernie Versailles, lie beneath. Pete Oaradas drumming is strong, if simple, providing a strong beat which bassist Joey Vera follows well, making for an effective rhythm section. Collectively, these elements form a thick, dirty, groove-laden hard rock record with distinct nu-metal leanings. The band refrains, however, from the typical quiet verse, heavy chorus standard often found in the genre, instead keeping the dynamics relatively constant. Superholic displays greater diversity than their debut, self-titled album.
The album opens with Losing Ground a catchy track setting the standard for the rest of the album, and one of the most nu-metal influenced songs. Suffocated displays accomplished drumming juxtaposing the guitar, while track three I Know slows the pace down for a more driving song. The Perfect Star introduces more complex, prominent bass, bringing nu-metalisms to the forefront, and title track Superholic introduces some electronic elements to the sound. Next comes a cover of The Cures Fascination Street; while no-one can match Robert Smiths vocals, or live up to the original, the band shows an interesting new take on an undisputed classic. 1 a.m. uses acoustic guitar for the first time in an extremely short, almost ballad-like song, after which the downcast intro of Home flows nicely. This is soon shattered by distorted guitars and the next track Realize can feel contrived. Penultimate song Save Me is a slower, contemplative effort after which the album closes by returning to the metal template with Mine.
The production courtesy of Joey (bass) is impressive, and Superholic demonstrates a band with the ability to write consistently catchy tracks. Engines more eclectic sound also gives them an edge over the dirge of nu-metal bands inundating the stores at present. They also have weaknesses the lyrics are unoriginal (as some elements of the music can be at times) and the relative diversity doesnt prevent much of the music sticking rigidly to a set style. Such faults make little impact on the album as a whole. While not groundbreaking, Engine are accomplished songwriters that many fans both of metal and non-metal music would appreciate.
Metalblade 2002
By Russell Garwood
Engine were formed by Ray Alder as a side project (his main concern being Fates Warning), to play music very different from that of the prog metal outfit. The vocals too are very different from his previous work, being raw and powerful. Funky rhythm-driven guitars, courtesy of Bernie Versailles, lie beneath. Pete Oaradas drumming is strong, if simple, providing a strong beat which bassist Joey Vera follows well, making for an effective rhythm section. Collectively, these elements form a thick, dirty, groove-laden hard rock record with distinct nu-metal leanings. The band refrains, however, from the typical quiet verse, heavy chorus standard often found in the genre, instead keeping the dynamics relatively constant. Superholic displays greater diversity than their debut, self-titled album.
The album opens with Losing Ground a catchy track setting the standard for the rest of the album, and one of the most nu-metal influenced songs. Suffocated displays accomplished drumming juxtaposing the guitar, while track three I Know slows the pace down for a more driving song. The Perfect Star introduces more complex, prominent bass, bringing nu-metalisms to the forefront, and title track Superholic introduces some electronic elements to the sound. Next comes a cover of The Cures Fascination Street; while no-one can match Robert Smiths vocals, or live up to the original, the band shows an interesting new take on an undisputed classic. 1 a.m. uses acoustic guitar for the first time in an extremely short, almost ballad-like song, after which the downcast intro of Home flows nicely. This is soon shattered by distorted guitars and the next track Realize can feel contrived. Penultimate song Save Me is a slower, contemplative effort after which the album closes by returning to the metal template with Mine.
The production courtesy of Joey (bass) is impressive, and Superholic demonstrates a band with the ability to write consistently catchy tracks. Engines more eclectic sound also gives them an edge over the dirge of nu-metal bands inundating the stores at present. They also have weaknesses the lyrics are unoriginal (as some elements of the music can be at times) and the relative diversity doesnt prevent much of the music sticking rigidly to a set style. Such faults make little impact on the album as a whole. While not groundbreaking, Engine are accomplished songwriters that many fans both of metal and non-metal music would appreciate.
