The Guitar Player's Resource
Rock Machine is the title of New England area shredder Chris Allen's four song instrumental demo CD-R, and it's also the name of the opening track, a seven-minute, whammy-inflicted, head-splitting, vibrato bar-abusing, bone-cutting slab of snarling hard rock explosiveness. Doing all the instrumentation himself, Allen is able to set up an environment geared towards extended solo juggernauts, designed to exploit his uncanny dexterity, and his willingness to let it all hang out over bombastic grooves. Tracks such as "Fear The Unknown" and "All Systems Go" are riff-heavy stompers with plenty of room for pyrotechnics and hot-wired solos. Allen closes out his demo with "Ultramatik", a track that continues and amplifies the take-no-prisoners approach to the demo. Ultimately, can we expect a full length release (maybe in tandem with one of New England's powerhouse drummers) from this noteworthy guitarist?
Playing guitar since age 13, Chris is always trying to expand his musical ability by studying the styles of artists such as George Lynch, Randy Rhoads, Yngwie Malmsteen, Zakk Wylde and blues and funk players from the '60s to the present Van Halen's "Woman And Children First" was the initial catalyst for him to choose the guitar as his instrument of choice. Initially self-taught, Chris later studied under recording artist and Berklee School of Music teacher Joe Stump. He has gigged with a few local bands, sat through a number of auditions and had his music appear on a smorgasbord of compilation and demo CDs since 2000. His initial demo CD, "Trouble On The Horizon" was recorded and released in 2002, and featured a compilation of old and new original tracks.
Allen plans to self promote his works to gain notoriety among his peers and subsequent fans. With future goals of touring, pro recording, endorsements and major record deals, there's no telling what this determined, aspiring newcomer will bring in the way of pure rock aggression.
Chris Allen
United States
Web site: www.thechrisallenpowertrip.com