Engine--Engine (1999/Metal Blade) Rating--7.9

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You're Awake--RealAudio

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Sort of a more modern-metal, side project by Ray Alder of Fates Warning, with Joey Vera (Armored Saint) along for the ride---both playing bass and producing. Heavier and more straight forward than Fates, as there's really no prog at all. The distortion has that somewhat semi-muddled feel that the second Fight disc had, for a point of comparison. Not quite as heavy---but similar.
Alder's expansive and power-clear voice is, as always, a treat.
Opener "Monster" has some real good bar chord slides in the chorus, and "You're Awake" also stands out with its choppy cuts.
Smooth vocal work highlights each of "Tree of Life," "Teach Me," and "Alone"---with the latter having a nice, throat-soaring chorus. The energetic "I Don't Need" is another good cut.

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TRACK LIST: Monster/Alone/Falling Star/Taste/I Don't Need/Teach Me/Bear Your Cross/Tree of Life/You're Awake

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