Damn the Machine--Damn the Machine (1993)
Rating--7.6
Formed by ex-Megadeth guitarist Chris Poland and his brother Mark on drums. A lot like late
Fates Warning and slower Dream Theater, minus the keyboards.
The clean, crisp vocals have okay range, but make up for any shortcomings with great harmonies. It took me awhile to
get used to this, but it soon became quite enjoyable. The riffs are very much Dream Theater, but you can still hear hints
of Megadeth (especially in the solos), and even Flotsam & Jetsam from time to time.
The track "Silence" even parallels to late Queensryche work. Each track has some sort of
catch, whether it be a nice chorus or sudden time change. Most songs have a good intro, setting the mood for a moving
slow piece or quick hitting riff. It is a true shame these guys only had one album. The progression of future albums would
have been interesting to watch. The disc has found its way to a lot of cheap bins, so keep your eyes open.
Highlights
include "Honor", "Countryside", "I Will", and "Silence".
HOT CHOPS: "I Will" rings of Flotsam & Jetsam when it kicks in around 1:20 in. The drums and riffs straighten right out....oh yeah!
TRACK LIST: The Mission/Fall Of Order/Corporate Reign/Honor/Lonesome God/
On With The Dream/Patriot/I Will/Silence/Russians/Countryside/
Humans
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