SHADES OF TIME

Italy's TIME MACHINE released this EP in 1997 and I really feel that if you don't have their double cd compilation "Hidden Secrets" then this one is a must. All these tracks are on that compilation but they aren't on any of their studio albums making this a worthy purchase if your a fan of the band. My favourite studio album from the band is "Eternity Ends" which would be released the following year with the same lineup except for the vocalist. I've never seen a band go through so many singers like TIME MACHINE does. If I could compare their sound on this EP to anyone it would be close in style to FATES WARNINGS "Parallel" album just because it's very melodic Prog-Metal.

"Silent revolution" is such a great tune with the drums upfront early then it settles in with vocals before a minute. A calm with sax before 2 1/2 minutes then the vocals replace the sax and it builds. I love the guitar intro on "1,000 Rainy Nights" then it turns fuller quickly.Vocals after a minute as it settles back. So good. Nice guitar solo before 3 minutes. "New Religion" features guitar that is a little heavier then it stops as percussion and bass stand out.Vocals before 1 1/2 minutes. Guitar and vocals are the focus here. Fat bass 3 minutes in as it settles back briefly once again.Tasteful guitar and chunky bass ends it.

"Never-Ending Love" has a heavy beat as the guitars grind it out.Vocals a minute in. I really like that heavy guitar line that comes and goes throughout. "Past And Future" opens with cymbals as drums, bass and guitar come and go. Sax 1 1/2 minutes in as we start to get a steady sound. Vocals 2 minutes in are reserved then it all picks up. It settles again with sax a minute later then the vocals return.

It's been a joy listening to this the past week since I was already familiar with these songs from their compilation recording. By the way one of the bonus tracks is a killer version of BLACK SABBATH's "Heaven And Hell".