Mystic Force Man Vs Machine CD (Slipcase, 2025, High Roller Records)

Man Vs Machine is the third full-length studio album from the American progressive heavy/power metal band Mystic Force, originally released in 2001.

Mystic Force were a standout progressive power metal band from Baltimore, Maryland, known for their technical musicianship, sharp songwriting and loyal underground following. Formed in 1984 by guitarists Rich Davis and Marc Rouchard alongside bassist Keith Menser, the band solidified their classic early lineup with drummer Chris Lembach and vocalist Bobby Hicks. After releasing their first two demo tapes in 1987 and 1988, Mystic Force moved quickly into vinyl territory with two key 1990 releases: the Take Command LP through C.M.F.T. Records in England and the “Shipwrecked With The Wicked”/“Eternal Quest” 12-inch single on their own Pro-duction imprint.

Supported by C.M.F.T. Records and the Demolition distribution network in Germany, Mystic Force gained serious traction in the European underground, eventually signing with Rising Sun Productions. Their first two full-length albums, The Eternal Quest (1993) and A Step Beyond (1995), cemented their reputation as one of the most inventive US power/progressive metal acts of the era. By 2001 the band issued their final album, Man Vs. Machine, on their own Siegen Records label, featuring new vocalist William Wren of Prodigy/Oracle in place of long-time frontman Bobby Hicks.

Guitarist Rich Davis considers Man Vs. Machine the group’s strongest work, noting its return to the rawer, more aggressive edge of The Eternal Quest while exploring themes of technology, evolution and the tension between humanity and progress. Following Mystic Force’s dissolution, Davis and Lembach formed Shift and recorded two albums before Davis pursued a solo project and later returned with a new band for the 2024 release Inside The Upside Down. Through constant evolution and uncompromising ambition, Mystic Force remain an influential name in American progressive power metal..

Recommended if you like: Fates Warning, Crimson Glory, Helstar, Vicious Rumors, Queensrÿche, Liege Lord

Artist: Mystic Force
Title:  Man Vs Machine
Label: High Roller Records
Catalogue Number: HRR980CD
UPC: 4251267720552
Release Year: 2001/2025
Duration: Album
Format: CD
Packaging Type: Jewel Case
Condition: New & Factory Sealed
Special attributes: Slipcase Reissue

Tracklist:
1. Idiosyncrasy
2. Identical Strangers
3. Man vs Machine
4. Circuitboard Ministry
5. Mechanical
6. Man Made Master
7. Terminal
8. Ladder or the Fall
9. Suffering Minds
10. Transitions
11. One and Only
12. Master the Moments
13. Thinking Out Loud