EngineSuperholic
By
Vinnie Apicella,
Contributor
Monday, June 17, 2002 @ 8:37 AM
(Metal Blade Records)
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.
****
SnowMan - 6/25/2002 10:47:23 AM I saw Engine 2 nights ago at The Troubadour in West Hollyweird. They were amazing! The opening act, Underground Moon, featuring Jeff Pilson (Dokken bass guitarist) on vocals, also sounded great!
The_Space_Lord - 6/20/2002 1:45:11 AM Other than that awesome cover of "Fascination Street", this new Engine loses a bit of steam. Sorry.
fizzgig - 6/18/2002 9:22:43 PM Dammit, Vinnie! "Modern-rock elementalism? Individualistic talent performances?" What the HELL are you talking about?
lastscion - 6/18/2002 6:22:18 PM This album just plain rocks. I like it better than the first. If you are from the area, do not miss a show! I'm from the Midwest so it's unlikely I will make it to CA, so see 'em twice for me.
metaldeity2 - 6/17/2002 11:50:47 PM I'll check them out here in Sac on Friday.
El_Jeef - 6/17/2002 6:49:25 PM Dont know much about Engine, but I really like the few songs I have heard here on KNAC and at other places. I'll be sure to check out one of their albums.
tommymetal - 6/17/2002 3:35:37 PM Ya, I noticed the nu-metal elements too.
agentofoblivion - 6/17/2002 3:25:28 PM i think i heard this band here on knac before and i seem to remember liking it,and i also seem to remember smoking alot of pot and consuming alot of beers at the time too!lol,so whats up with this bands sound anyone?
dscott4me - 6/17/2002 12:20:17 PM I agree with you about the comparison of "Superholic" to their "S/T", Metal F Hoops. Though I LIKE the new disc, their debut is/was far superior.
metal F Hoops - 6/17/2002 9:58:47 AM Im dissapointed in this album after their awesome debut. Im hearing too many "nu-metal" elements on hte album. Ray Alder Rules!
METALP - 6/17/2002 9:46:56 AM Looking forward to listening to this album. I will be seeing them live this coming wkend in Hollywood, CA on June 23rd! Rock on!
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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. 
