Product Description Erik's 3rd solo album. Keyboard virtuoso and producer extraordinaire Erik Norlander proudly announces the release of his brand new rock opera, Music Machine, a double CD concept album about the dramatic rise and fall of a genetically engineered rock star. With a full compliment of world-class musicians including Buck Dharma (Blue Öyster Cult), Vinny Appice (Black Sabbath, Dio), Gregg Bissonette (ELO, Ringo Starr, David Lee Roth, Joe Satriani, etc.), Virgil Donati (Steve Vai, Planet X, Ring of Fire), Mark Boals (Yngwie, Ring of Fire), Tony Franklin (The Firm, Blue Murder), Kelly Keeling (TSO, MSG, Blue Murder, Heaven and Earth) and many others, Erik's Music Machine project is epic both in scope and sound.LINER NOTES FROM RICK WAKEMAN From the 2003 CD booklet AN ALTERNATE VIEW In the current music scene of the early 21st century, there is a genuine lack of true honesty from composers and performers alike as though we are all influenced by what goes on around us. I truly believe that at the end of the day, composers should stand and fall by their own decisions and their own beliefs in how their music should be performed and how it should sound. Thankfully Erik Norlander does not come into this category and has always been his own man. I have been very familiar with his work for many years now, and he has an individuality that is very refreshing and helps his work to stand out in the world of progressive rock music. I am a great fan of concept albums, and I have always believed that a true prog rock album has to have a concept in order to achieve it's own fulfillment. It was therefore a pleasure to be allowed to preview this quite remarkable 2 CD set and to note from the outset that there was a great story line to follow and musical themes to match. On the subject of themes, Erik has filled the CDs with strong thematic elements and has managed to achieve a balance that some people might consider to be impossible, by using a multitude of different musicians on the various tracks, but has managed to keep overall continuity mainly through the great keyboard playing acting as a catalyst which bonds the whole suite together. In true prog rock style, this is not music to be listened to once and then neatly placed in the CD rack somewhere. It will take numerous listenings in order to absorb all the intricacies and nuances that appear throughout. This is perhaps for me one of the joys of this music. I love to think that every time I play the album I know I will be able to catch something that somehow slipped by my ears on the previous listening. There is pretty much everything here as regards musical style from hard rock to gentle, almost new age nuances. It takes a brave man these days to stick by his musical beliefs. Erik has somehow always managed to achieve this and long may he continue to do so. It's nice to know that there are still talented musicians and composers willing to stand by their musical beliefs. As this 2 CD set is so musically absorbing, perhaps the only problem I can see for Erik is ... where on earth does he go from here!!!Rick Wakeman 24 April 2003 Review Be advised. Listen to this music, then listen again. At first listen there are some nice songs, lots of synthesizer - perhaps too much -, some nice pop-rock tunes, and some really pleasing moments. It all seems rather nice if not particularly special. But I'd hoped for a follow up to Erik Norlander's excellent Into The Sunset, a more traditional progressive metal album, and one of my favorites. Then you read the liner notes and listen again, and you know that there's more to the music than you'd thought - and even though there are many different musical styles and numerous contributing artists, there's a solid consistency to this nearly 2 hour epic. You're still aware of those synth tones, but you're getting used to them now. Erik prefers melody over flashy playing, and strong songwriting over artsy meandering [Amen brother!] and by now you're very aware that some of the tunes have barbs like fish hooks and will stick in your mind for days. So you listen a few more times and you realize that this rock opera is right up there with the very best of them. You're taken on a sonic and an emotional rollercoaster and you live with the main character, Johnny America. This album is bombastic and ambitious, in the vein of an Ayreon or early Queensryche. Erik Norlander is a synth expert, and has, in fact, developed sound designs for several major-brand synthesizers. But as good as the synth work is, it would have been nice to hear more of Erik's excellent piano, Hammond and Mellotron sounds. --Duncan Glenday, Sea of TranquilityThere is so much to discover, that it will take a long time to fully grow on you and reveal all its musical secrets. If you only listen to the various instrumental songs, each time you listen, you will hear more nuances in Norlander's play. Or the various vocalists, who all have their own style in bringing the songs [to life]. A nice touch at the end of 'Johnny America' is the inclusion of an old English WOI tune, called 'When Johnny Comes Marching Home.' The closing songs 'Sky Full Of Stars' is like the soft landing of a space ship, it gently brings you down to the surface, with almost new age influence and a breathtaking solo by Peer Verschuren. There is much more to tell about Music Machine, but that would not do credit to the album. No, you should go and listen to it yourself! Music Machine is a feast for your ears and will keep you listening to it for a very long time. The artwork is great, especially on the limited edition digi pack, with a massive booklet, where you can read (in short) the story, the lyrics, and view pictures of all the people involved in the album and great pictures of Erik's impressive equipment. But, most importantly, the music on the album is phenomenal, not to mention all the musicians and vocalists. However, you should get it and judge for yourself. As for me, I will go back to my headphones and listen to Music Machine .... again. --Marcel Haster, Progressiveworld