Search - Artension :: Machine

Progressive, superior... Splendid!

James J. Gerbino | Pensacola, FL USA | 02/09/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This newest release from the progressive metal powerhouse Artension is amazing. The sound is amazing... crisp and clear, certainly one of the best produced discs from Shrapnel Records. The style is amazing... highly musical yet still in the context of songs, not just instrumental romps. The heart of the band is clearly Ukranian keyboard wizard Vitalij Kuprij, also known for his stellar solo offering High Definition and his work on Steve Howe's Ascend. Classical influences are obvious but in the heavy vein of early Malmsteen. John West's vocals are clear and strong, very much like Jeff Scott Soto with Malmsteen's Rising Force. The guitar work is smooth, articulate and in perfect tandem with the keyboard solos and runs that abound.If you want to enter the world of progressive metal this is an excellent starting point. I would compare this to Symphony X in quality and originality... fresh, powerful with a sense of majesty."

Artension definatly have there own sound

purplexed | Bendigo, Victoria Australia | 11/18/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Clocking in at just 49 minutes I would regard this as a short prog metal cd. It lacks in art production and does not include any lyrics . The music is at the best I`ve heard this band do and the keyboards (Vitalig Kuprij) are so good that they put a smile on my face. John West once again sounds fantastic and the drummer (Shane Gaalaas) is a drummers drummer, he is...great.
The songs are well writen but the music surpases the song writing
its very melodic and highly progressive neo Bach with a similar overall feel to perhaps Symphony X , however with that said Artension definatly have there own sound. The only other Artension CD I own is (Forces of nature) while its very good I think progressivly speaking this is the stronger of the two, however the song writing and structure is better on Forces of nature."

Good Prog Metal CD by a great Band !!

Brent P. Hotz | Muskegon,mi | 08/08/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a good CD..I do agree with another reviewer that Machine is more progressive musically than "Forces".. John West's lyrics are lacking a little on here (IMO) but his singing and sense of melody are Excellent as always!!...The best songs are Machine,The Way,Madness Calling,Evolution In Reverse,The Loser Never Wins,and I See Through Your Eyes:)"