Coming into this write you should be warned, I have very eclectic tastes. I am openly hostile to most mainstream music and nine times out of ten when I hear something new it sounds like a copy of an older and better band to my ear. Which is why when I hear something that really captures my attention I feel the need to share it. Guilt Machine is different, and you will notice right away.

The band is the brainchild of the brilliant Arjen Anthony Lucassen, founder of Ayreon. After years of solo work he decided he wanted to mix things up a bit and work with other musicians. Personally, I think this is the best decision he's ever made. While the music of Ayreon is absolutely brilliant, it is painfully cheesy and a little too cerebral for your average listener. Definitely not the case here.

Jasper Steverlinck (Arid) provides outstanding vocals on the record, showcasing an excellent vocal range and amazing control. Something you'll notice fairly quickly is his ability to use tremolo on higher notes without sounding operatically absurd. A transgression committed by many singers associated with rock/metal-ish music. His style perfectly compliments the varying moods of each song and truly I don't think anyone could have voiced this music better.

I noticed Chris Maitland's drumming style right away as a huge fan of his former band, Porcupine Tree. He has a musical personality very much his own and while it has not altered much from his earlier works, it does fit in quite nicely. Lori Linstruth (ex-Stream of Passion) was a new one for me, but his leads work surprisingly well with Arjen's unique style.

This album is rife with unexpected key changes, non-structural composing and has an overall sound that separates it from the rabble. Yet at no point does it ever feel overly indulgent or flamboyant. While this is an excellent album to simply sit and listen to, it could just as easily serve as background music while doing other things. Never intrusive, highly innovative and undeniably unique, Guilt Machine's "On This Perfect Day" is an album I would recommend to any lover of progressive rock music.

http://www.myspace.com/guiltmachine

Listened to the trailer at the top.


Meloncholly, emotional, mature, thought provoking, stimulating.


The one solo I saw by the female guitar player was out of place, I like how the guitar in all the rest was incorporated.


I dig it, Ill be listening to more.


Kind of epic. Very original.


The same kind of refreshing newness that I enjoyed each time with Queensryche.. allthough doesnt sound anything like them.

Thanks for turning me on hon.