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Texas based band Stride decided to release their debut album "Music Machine" as an instrumental effort in 2001, not because that was the plan from the beginning but because they simply could not find a proper vocalist for their project. Nonetheless their mixture of technical prog metal and melodic rock á la Journey found its way to praise in various metal publications such as Japan's famous Burrn! Magazine and the Dutch Aardschok. In time for their second album they have managed to connect with a singer worthy of fronting such an ambitious band. His name is Gary Belin and he seems to have fit in well with the Stride concept. With a well developed voice in the surroundings of Steve Perry he brings extra life and depth to the songs. Not being familiar with the band's opening effort I can only assume that Stride have now reached a higher level on their way towards that desirable yet unattainable goal of musical perfection. I am sure their sophomore release will appeal to previous fans but also attract a few more now that there is a voice to the music as well. Calm, warm, passionate and melodic with a sense for finesse. Beautiful cover art by the Swedish talent Mattias Norén grace the front. Stride are at their best in the more laidback, atmospheric sections but when they attempt to create heavier and faster metal oriented music they unfortunately often tend to fall into rather generic and indifferent patterns.
| Tracklist |
| 1. Imagine |
| 2. Alive |
| 3. Endeavor (instrumental) |
| 4. How Far |
| 5. Role Model |
| 6. The Waiting |
| 7. Ion Drive (instrumental) |
| 8. Face The Day |
| 9. Time |
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| Buy other Stride albums |
