ROCK AND ROLL MACHINE

4.5 stars. I had this on cassette in the late seventies and it is not only as hard as hell, but it has some distinct progressive moments.TRIUMPH were a Canadian rock trio who in the late seventies like RUSH could blow the lights out with their power. Rik Emmett is a virtuoso guitar player who has since released many guitar instrumental records. Including some that have a Jazz, Classical and even Flamenco style to them. On this album though he is simply on fire ! Light speed solos, to heavy riffs ,to delicate acoustic melodies, he does it all. The production on this record is stunning ! The drumming is so crisp and clear as are all the sounds that we hear. These guys actually opened their own recording studio in 1981 called Metalworks that is still in business today.

The album starts off with "Takes Time" and it has such a crunchy riff that sounds fantastic.The whole song is filled with guitar solos and riffs and the drums are so crisp ! "Bringing It On Home" opens with acoustic guitar and vocals that are followed with heavy riffs and great vocals.This contrast continues and the results are fabulous ! "Little Texas Shaker" is a straight ahead rocker that smokes.The vocals are rough and the drums and guitar solos are incredible. "New York City Streets Part 1" is a mellow song with some more beautiful guitar and female vocal harmonies.This has a jazzy feel 2 1/2 minutes in. "New York City Streets Part 2" is like getting smacked in the face with a board when it opens with a blazing guitar solo that goes on and on,and the vocals hit new heights.

The next song is called "The City" and it is divided into three parts.This song gave me the same satisfaction back in the late seventies that "Xanadu" did from "A Farewell To Kings" by RUSH. I didn't know back then they were progressive songs I just knew they had lots of twists and turns and were not like normal radio songs. I remember my cousin trying to fast-forward past this song to the next one and I wouldn't let him. "Part 1-War March" begins with drums as they build and the guitar comes in with a scorching solo.There is actually mellotron in this first part as well as the third section. "Part 2-El Duende Agonizante" features a Spanish sounding acoustic guitar melody throughout. "Part 3- Minstrel's Lament" opens with vocals, acoustic guitar then mellotron.The song starts to build in power as some beautiful guitar melodies come in that at times soar before they turn into an untamed monster. "Rocky Mountain Way" is a Joe Walsh cover and they do it even better.The final tune "Rock & Roll Machine" is like a speed metal song as Rik's solos are of the light speed variety. Amazing !

If your into Prog-Metal you have to check this record out ! From top to bottom it is pure bliss !