Entered October 09, 2006::

Album: Accomplice - She's On Fire - Sonicvibe
Reviewed by:
Shawn Gould, Oct 9th, 20006
Pitriff.com
PITRIFF RATING - 9/10

Billed in the past as a progressive band, L.A. based hard rockers ACCOMPLICE have shed that confining label here on their sophomore release to spin a fun hard rock album that will easily remind many of the hard rocking late 80's and early 90's. Visions of bands like FIREHOUSE, BAD COMPANY (Howe era), HARDLINE and even Hagar styled VAN HALEN danced through my head while listening to She's On Fire. I know people look back on that corporate rock period with disdain nowadays, but I am not one of them.

The HARDLINE comparisons will mean the most for some listeners because of the voice of Johnny Gioeli. Johnny was of course the vocal presence behind HARDLINE and most recently has been taking Axel Rudi Pell's albums to new heights. The man just has a wonderful set of pipes. This album could easily be just a showcase for his talents, but thankfully it isn't. Scott Snyder and Rich Arbuckle make for a great rhythm section, something that is desperately needed on hard rock albums like this. Without them many of these tunes would most likely sound hollow and fall flat. Michael T. Ross adds in some appropriate keyboards, best example being on the excellent title track, where he takes a funky little rocker and turns it into a DEEP PURPLE styled gem. The best part of She's On Fire though is the guitar work of Sean Michael Clegg. His work here is seldom overstated, providing exactly what is called for at all times. Much like Neal Schon you don't realize how good he is until after a couple of spins. The riffs are excellent and always directly in the pocket, whether it is thick and rich like on "Shadows of My Mind" or light and playful on "Again & Again". Then he gets his chance to show off on the instrumental "Last Hurrah".

The album gets off to a strong start with two of the albums heaviest tracks in "Take Love" and the awesome "Party's Over". After that though it does an excellent job of skipping from pace to pace, making for a great flow. There is bluesy rocker "Cry Again" (a natural single if there ever was one), the acoustic lightness of ballad "Everywhere", the pure melodic confection of "City Walls" and neat little speed rocker aptly titled "Autobahn". Nothing on this album is what I would call filler, it is solid from top to bottom. My favorite tracks though would have to be the title track because of the keyboard work of Ross and the aforementioned "Again & Again".

PITRIFF RATING - 9/10 - Nobody may be looking for the return of this kind of hard rock, but when it is done this well how can it be a bad thing? In a world where we have to be subjected daily to unadulterated crap like NICKELBACK, ACCOMPLICE provide a ray of light. Here's to hoping that this album finds it's audience and that the line up stays intact.

Reviewed by: John "Bo Bo" Bollenberg, September 2000
Progworld.net

When the band Accomplice released their self-titled and self-produced album in 1998 it was mainly available in the States but became next to impossible to find in Europe. That's why Italian label Adrenaline contacted these Southern Californians in order to re-release the album in a new package and boasting a new studio track in the form of "Crusader Soul."

Compared to other prog metal outfits, Accomplice has a lot of AOR elements woven into their music, apart from the obvious hard edged metal material and the prog atmosphere. The band itself sites their musical output as being reserved for people who like Dream Theater, Rush, Queensryche, Styx, Kansas, King's X, Journey and Nightranger, but I'm convinced that anyone who's into well-produced rock will certainly enjoy the band's efforts. These guys have already opened for the likes of Rainbow, Michael Schenker, Rush, Van Halen and Judas Priest so they certainly don't need any further introduction!

"Reactor" is my kind of song starting on an acoustic level with an opera-like vocal input from Stephen Green. I like the acoustic guitar toying with the drum breaks and then giving way to the lush synths. Also note the superb intervention from bass player Scott Snyder here! The band certainly takes its time to craft songs in which the melody stands out from a mile away. Just listen to the great vocal lines which accompany the piano in "Fallin'," one of the classics to be found in this genre, the kind of song which would go to number one in the charts were it a band the likes of Extreme or Live! "State Of The Nation" contains guitar pyrotechnics courtesy of Sean Clegg with Richard Arbuckle banging those drums as if his life depends on it!

The success of an album not only lies in the material but also in the way that material is scattered over the album. Here the power of "State Of The Nation" is called to a halt by means of the superbly crafted ballad "Welcome," with once again Stephen Green showing off his vocal skills in combination with some wonderful piano, acoustic guitar and an ace melodic guitar solo to top it all. This is the kind of music FM stations all over the States were made of some years ago, before they all turned towards hip hop and other crap! From what Accomplice proves us here: there's still hope at the end of the tunnel ! If I was you I'd buy this album solely on the strength of this song alone!

"Let The Show Begin" kind of reminds me of Van Halen's "Jump," which probably has something to do with the way the keyboards integrate in the background. Another highlight is to be found in "Nightingale" which has voice, piano and acoustic guitar deliver the kind of song which would fit nicely onto a Blackmore's Night album. The same can be said of the introduction for "Fight On" which once again holds a lot of medieval influences not in the least because of the use of clavinet. Then it's full steam ahead with wailing synths and roaring guitar all the way. The bonus track "Crusader Soul" undoubtedly will be a live favourite due to its inclusion of a southern rock feel combined with Wishbone Ash guitars. A splendid way to end a superb album and certainly a way to look out for the follow-up.

Sadly I'm not 100% sure about the sleeve design which in my opinion doesn't do the music any justice. The design is too bland when compared to the rich contents of the music. In my book this sleeve deserves a golden crown loaded with jewels. Musical royalty!

[Hmm…it is evocative of Detective Comics, though -ed.]

[See also Steph's review -ed.]

Review by Nicky Baldrian
ANGELFIRE.COM.
Rating: 9.5/10
ACCOMPLICE 'Accomplice' (ADRENALINE RECORDS RELEASE)

For the uniniated this is not a brand new album from Californian mob Accomplice, the band orginally released this album a couple of years ago independentley, but have recently linked themselves a deal with Italian based Adrenaline Records, who have decided that "Accomplice" is far too good a record to be left on the dust shelf. So what they have done is added some bonus tracks and repackaged the cover artwork, and I'm so glad that this album has a chance to be heard properley, fans of Queensryche, T.N.T, Van Halen, Dream Theater, Nightranger, Triumph and Savatage will love this album that shows off a band with a huge amount of talent.

Singer Stephen Green is a deadringer for Geoff Tate, these days Queensryche fail to satisfy their fans with their last meaningfull album being "The Promised Land", so where Queensryche loose points, Accomplice gain them with songs that do justice to the bands professional and skillful musicanship. It was only a matter of time before a label picked these guys up, check out "Fallin'" a huge ballad, this song reminds me of Mystery and Stephen sings with warming passion, give this track to either Queensryche, Journey or T.N.T. and they'd have a hit.

"Let The Show Begin" is a commercial rocker with lots of Steve Vai inspired guitar work and pompy Greg Giuffria inspired keyboards that turn this song into a mix of Journey and House Of Lords influenced melodies. "Fight On" kicks open with some delicate spanish guitar playing from Gean Clegg. This is a kinda song that you would find Savatage or Jeff Scott Soto performing, the vocals are very impressive and after two minutes of the songs build up, the whole thing changes into progressive hard rock a'la Savatage, Virgin Steele and maybe even old chestnuts Manowar.

Stephen's vocals throughout the album are superb and he could very well become a major force of influence on other bands in years to come. Accomplice are a damn fine band who have fought long and hard for this record deal, check them out, progressive rocks stars of the future. Awesome.

Entered March 9, 1999::

Written by: Keith "KC" Clifton, DJ
KLAS 89.7 , Hollywood, CA
"New Artist Showcase" Radio interveiw March 7,1999

From the moment I heard ACCOMPLICE, I knew I was in for a real treat! The
band has put together a stunning piece of music art work which takes the
listener on an incredible journey. Each song has a unique story to tell. The
sounds are crisp, clear and sometimes breathtaking.

All the songs on the CD are well written and Stephen Green, who sings lead
vocals, belts out each word with amazing grace. Sean Clegg, Mathew Galasso,
Scott Snyder and Richard Arbuckle do a fantastic job of supplying the sounds.

Certain tracks such as "Courageous", "For all the World" and "Let the Show
begin" touch the heart of Rock and Roll. These three tracks bring the
listener up to spped on what ACCOMPLICE can do. But it isn't until "State of
the Nation" and "Centurion" with exceptionally strong guitar presence did I
understand what ACCOMPLICE can put out! "Centurion" especially places
extraordinary emphasis on strong rock influences from great, legendary rock
bands such as STYX, KANSAS, JOURNEY and RUSH.

"Reactor" and "Fight On" are mezmerizing! While "Reactor" gives a good hard
rocksound, "Fight On" starts slowly, giving the impression tha tthe song will
be a love ballad, then suddenly jumps out with great rock riffs.

And just when I thought I knew what ACCOMPLICE could do, they surprised me by
playing some of the finest love ballads I've heard in a long time. This is
where Stephen Green shows his stuff! "Fallin' ", "Nightingale" and especially
"Welcome" show an incredible soft side of ACCOMPLICE.

Everything about ACCOMPLICE shows strong signs that this band will be great
take its place among the premier rockers. I'd like to take this oportunity to
thank ACCOMPLICE for letting me do the interview and I am now their #1 FAN!!!!!

Entered March 5, 1999::

Written by: Keith Langerman
The Hard Rock and Metal Area

Accomplice "s/t" Rating :8.5/10

"Accomplice" is the self titled debut from this hot, up and coming Southern
Calfornia progressive rock/metal band.

Already in the last year or two Accomplice has been the opening act for such
well known metal and hard rock bands such as Van Halen, Savatage, Judas
Priest, Rainbow, M.S.G. and King's X, among others.

Playing a style of keyboard dominated '70's progressive rock mixed with '90's
progressive metal, Accomplice have created a winner of an album right from the
start! Influences abound here, ranging from the best of British prog rock (such as
early Genesis, Marillion, Yes and Camel) to more modern prog metal bands such
as Queensryche and Dream Theater. Yet, even though these influences are present,
Accomplice manages to tie them all together to create a unique and distinctive sound.

Every member of this very talented band shines on this album! From the wonderful,
powerful vocals of Stephen Green, the quick, precise, clean and melodic guitar
work of Sean Clegg , the excellent keyboard work of Matthew Galasso (whose
playing provides much of the backdrop for the songs), to the tight interplay
of bassist Scott Snyder and drummer Richard Arbuckle. Also the fact that all of
the members sing backing vocals gives rise to some beautiful harmonies!

Now to the songs. The songwriting here is very strong throughout the ten
tracks that comprise the cd, although with most albums there are songs that
stand out more than others. The same is true here. Hot spots on this album include
"Reactor", a melodic rocker with emotional vocals from Stephen Green and great
guitar work by Sean Clegg sending this song over the top! Also of note are the
songs "State Of The Nation", a heavy rocker that contains great performances
by all, "Centurion", another heavy song with powerful vocals and great guitar
leads and rhythms, "Nightengale", a haunting ballad that has a medieval
feel (which features great acoustic keyboard work by Matthew Galasso) and
"Fight On", the album's closing track which starts off sounding like another ballad
before turning into a ferocious heavy rocker!

Also, if you are looking for "epic" progressive songs, you shall not find them here,
as the longest song on the album clocks in at a little over six minutes. You will find
however, songs that feature intelligent lyrics, tight musicianship and great vocals
that will bear many repeated listenings. Well produced, with sound that is equal to
a major label release, "Accomplice" is a most impressive album, one that forcasts
a very bright future for this great band!

(For CD ordering information or other info check out the Accomplice web site
at http://www.accomplice.com )

Band Personnel:
Stephen Green: Lead vocals
Sean Clegg: Acoustic and electric guitars, vocals
Mathew Galasso: Piano, keyboards
Scott Snyder: Electric bass, vocals
Richard Arbuckle: Drums
Produced by Accomplice
Label: Accomplice Records
TT: 45:07

Entered March 5, 1999::

Written by: Sabotti Luigi
Translated from review at: Rock In Access (Italy)

ACCOMPLICE: "Accomplice" - A future promise in progressive rock, authors of
an excellent album, Accomplice introduce themselves to the Italian public
after having received also a great review from the Italian Magazine METAL SHOCK.
Together with GB ART, Pocos & Nuvens and the duo Simone/Luciani, these are the
3 best music masterpieces of the year.

The Californian band sweeps in this full length (CD), played with magniloquence
to say the least, showing great class, elegance and refinement. I like Sean Clegg' s
excellent guitar riffing, sustained by the fantastic work of the keyboard-wizard Mathew Galasso.
Also great is the job by Richard Arbuckel who distinguishes himself as one of the best
drummers actually around. Skillfully assisted in direction by the frontman Stephen Green, a
singer with a lovely voice who displays vocal ranges allowed to just few singers,
at moments, reminding us of the Geoff Tate of gone times. Technique, tenacity,
determination, fantasy and class accompany and introduce us in 10 songs, on
horseback between the best progressive rock with entries more on prog metaland
a touch of charming epic/medieval sense. Worthy heirs of a musical genre which,
despite a restricted group of sympathizers, progressive rock is nowadays making
giant steps conquering with sacrifices a good share of the discographic market.
It is important therefore the existence of Bands such as Accomplice, capable to
combine the fascination of this music with the mild melodic lines which makes
progressive an elite music, not for everybody..... If you truly want to spend your
money well, all you have to do is buy this CD! Buy it, buy it !

Entered January 29, 1999::

Written by: Taz
The RoadHouse Entertainment Web Site

ACCOMPLICE at Gecko's...

Let me tell you this now, no one was disappointed. Except maybe those who
didn't show up. The band opened their show with an awesome cover of Kansas'
"Carry On" of all things. (I later found out this was their version of a sound
check) After getting everyone's attention with that they tore into their original tunes,
keeping the existing and new fans alike tuned in. Just some of their songs that
rocked the room were "State of the Nation", "Centurion", "Castaway" and the
dramatic "Reactor" and"Light Years". Besides their originals, they also threw
in incredible renditions of "Pull me under" (Dream Theater), "Right Now" (Van Halen)
and "Don't tell me you love me" (Night Ranger). Ending the show with their original
"Fight on" left the crowd wanting more and me wanting a CD. The CD as it turns out
is very pro, translating the live energy onto disk with outstanding production. A good
listen and a good buy. I recommend it for anyone's collection.

Both live and recorded, every aspect of ACCOMPLICE screams BIG TIME!, from the
vast vocal talents of front man Stephen Green, shredding solos and interplay
of Guitarist Sean Clegg and keyboardist Matt Gallaso, to the groove of bassist
Scott Snyder and drive of drummer Rich Arbuckle. Talking to the band after the
gig, one can see why these guys are good. They, like their music, keep it
real. Keep your eye out for this band. You'll definitely want to be a witness
to ACCOMPLICE.

September 15, 1997::

Written by: Omar Zampetti
Published in September 1997 issue of Metal Shock Magazine, Italy

Review of the album ACCOMPLICE
As translated from the Metal Shock Magazine feature "Shock Noize"
Written by Omar Zampeda

I would never have thought to review a self-produced album in the "TOP ALBUM" category, but as soon as the first work of the southern California band Accomplice started to run in my CD player, I was charmed by the sublime harmonies that it holds. The five piece American band offers that prog-metal that is so trendy right now, but, unlike other bands that follow a technical skill that ends in itself managing to produce only complicated and bizarre instrumental masturbation, Accomplice gives us ten magnificent pearls where an excellent harmonic and melodic taste combines with a breathtaking but never exasperated instrumental technique. In this way, following in the footsteps of the greats like Vanden Plas, Queensryche, Dream Theatre, World Trade and Genesis, Accomplice gives us 45 minutes of extra-fine perfection, matured during the years of hard work as the opening band for renowned groups such as Rush, Rainbow, Savatage, Armored Saint and Night Ranger. Therefore, it's not surprising that this debut record of the same title as their name has all the papers in order to make the name of Accomplice popular in the international circuit.

The music that they offer is fresh and enthralling, the production is excellent and the composing taste is the exaltation of objective beauty. And if this is not enough, all five members of the band enjoy an instrumental skill that would make anyone pale in comparison. But the real strong point of the band is the personal versatility with which they maneuver either in vibrant ballads or in the aggressive and powerful rock songs, building up alchemic sound[s] easily assimilated in their complexity, playing memorable performances. This is the real talent of the group from Corona which remains steady throughout the album. The terrific creativity of this five piece is able to produce a unique and original sound, in which a very advanced technique and poetical lyrics combine in a monumental masterpiece.

The task of opening the album is up to the sumptuous "Courageous" in which Sean Clegg's complicated guitar work is softened by Matthew Galasso's pompous keyboards, that create an irresistible alchemic sound in which Stephen Green's immense voice (that reminds me a lot of the good old times) performs in a terrific way. "Reactor" is introduced by an ethereal keyboard carpet to explode later in a symphonic and pompous mid-tempo. "Fallen", the first of the sublime ballads on "ACCOMPLICE", is dominated by the dreaming notes created by the piano, by the string arrangements and by an unquestionably sublime vocal line, while the rythmical "For all the World" shows traces of the (positive) influences of Genisis. The enthralling riff created in unison by keyboards and guitar introduce "State of the Nation", very technical and absolutely not to miss, while "Welcome" is another dreamy ballad to which follows the guitaristical "Let the Show Begin". The task of closing this terrific work is up to the magnificent triptych consisting of the out of this world "Centurion", of the persuasive "Nightingale" and of the final "Fight On" where following a baroque intro explodes in an irresistible sound ride. What more is there to say if not that Accomplice wins the title of Best Revelation of 1997 in the prog-metal category. (oz)

Translated by Teresa Kay, assistant to the Italian Consulate General, Los Angeles

Entered September 3, 1998::

Written by: Gordon Madison from Orange County, California

I have been searching the www forever trying to find this site.
I saw Accomplice for the first time at the Marquee years ago
and they blew my ass away. I thought I was the only one at the
time playing prog rock. They smoke. Steven is a nice guy and
sings like nobody else. I'll see them with two of my favorite bands
on the Oct. 26th. Make that three favorite bands!!!

Entered July 23, 1997::

Written by: Terry W. Smith, Mojo's Metal Monsters & Music Masters

Accomplice is a progressive rock/metal band out of California. I've read that
they sound like other great bands of prog rock, Dream Theater, Kansas, Styx,
and even Genesis. But, I'm pleased to say that this band has their own sound.
And very fresh too, not a cloned sound borrowed from another band.
Yet they fit in just fine in that catagory we call progressive rock/metal.
This band has, however, opened for great acts such as, Rush, MSG, Rainbow,
Savatage, and others. Accomplice has a strong vocalist in Stephen Green, who
seems to have quite a broad range. The song Welcome I like alot.( A good
vocalist is a must for success) Next, Mathew Galasso handles keyboards and
piano, superb! I would love to see a little more keyboards here and there.
Again, the ballad Welcome, showed the piano very well and the song State of
the Nation, has some of the best keys on the CD. Guitars are very good, as
Sean Clegg is better than average, and shows his skill on several cuts such
as, Centurion, and Fight On. The rest of the band is rounded out by percussionist
Richard Arbuckle and bassist Scott Snyder, both very solid. And it's great to
note that two members sing back up vocals. As so many bands use voice overs
in the studio. And then can't reproduce the sound in concert. This is a solid band
that will only get better. And I will look forward to their next release as well as
their future sucess.

Terry W. Smith
Mojo's Metal Monsters & Music Masters Web Site
mojo77@prodigy.net

Entered June 11, 1997::

Written by: Kevin Donnelly, DJ, KCSU Radio, Fort Collins, Colorado

...What else can I say than I am _very impressed_ with this debut!! In fact, I
love it. This is exactly the type of music I look for and that I like to play on
the air. ACCOMPLICE is so instantly appealing and has a unique sound that
makes them stand out. Stephen absolutely blows me away!! I have not heard
such an excellent, versatile, and effortless vocalist in a new rock band for
quite sometime. He ranks up there with the singers from great bands such as
Brazil's ANGRA and Baltimore's ILUVATAR. The overall composition, song
construction and musicianship make ACCOMPLICE stand out for me. I have
and will be playing some on the air on my Thursday night show. Best tracks
so far are "Reactor" and "Centurion".

I will be keeping an eye on the progress of this band, and please consider me a
contact for the Northern Colorado region.

Thanks again and best wishes to ACCOMPLICE.

Kevin D. KCSU 90.5 FM Fort Collins, Colorado

Entered June 5, 1997::

Written by: Amy McClees, Geoff Wilbur's Renegade Newsletter, May 1997

Accomplice's self-titled debut is heavy with keyboards, similar to Styx,
Genesis and Rush. In the first track, "Courageous," the band also
includes electric guitar with a spacey flair with drums and bass as
an anchor. This song seems to have an urgency to fly out of our
atmosphere and commune with the cosmos. Tight musicianship
and production of the disc offer a taste of professionalism they
seem to possess. A Queensryche sound infuses itself in the cut
"Reactor" — not just the vocal tremulations but the heavy power
sound of the music. The lyrics overall have poetic or storyline feel.
This CD should be a hit for those who are keyboard band fans, as
those stated above, and oh, add Asia to that list.

Entered June 2, 1997::

Written by: Bart Grutchfield, Southern California Progressive Rock Web Site

Band - Accomplice : Melodic Progressive Metal
(ala Dream Theatre, Enchant, ect.....)

Accomplice has their first CD out, packed full of
original tunes in a melodic progressive metal style.
They have a most excellent vocalist with a great
range, great guitarist, and fine kbd/rythem section.

Last time I saw them they did their originals plus
covers by Dream Theatre, Saga, Kansas, and others.

A great, fun band to see, with terrific music and
a great party attitude !

Entered May 5, 1997::

Written by: Shane Liebling, Berkeley Student

This is some seriously awesome stuff guys!!!
You have some seriously intricate and groovin'
stuff on the new album. I am just hoping
I can see you guys live! You guys coming to
the bay area anytime soon or are you playing
in the Los Angeles area during the summer?...