Machina is the debut EP by this Aussie heavy metal band.  The cd is full of catchy riffs, clever tempo changes, melody, energetic drumming, powerful vocal performances and tight bass playing. Aside from a very short intro, most of the tracks are five minutes plus, but don’t drag at all.
‘Burnt’  is a really good track. There are echoes of Trivium, Evile and Metallica but with the band’s own stamp on the music too and the song features plenty of crunchy riffs, well played solos and manic drumming. Track 3, ‘My Darkness’ has a slower start, building into another hard hitting piece of metal. There are some really classy riffs here, alongside harmony guitar parts and a good range of vocal styles.
Next up is ‘Ascension’. This kicks off at a fast pace with yet another catchy riff. This track sounds a lot like Trivium and would easily fit onto any of their good albums. The drumming follows the guitar parts really well and there are some great bass lines and fills throughout the track. ‘End of Life’ has a really good intro that builds up the tension and atmosphere and has another chunky riff which is nicely offset by some well constructed guitar solos, harmonies and good use of harmonics. This is quite a political track about our messed up world.
‘Machina’ ends the proceedings with a grim warning about humankind’s future! Very busy drumming, a lovely slower, chuggy metal riff in the mid section and some furious solos. The vocals are as powerful as ever.
Overall, ‘Machina’ is a really enjoyable EP, well constructed and well recommended. I look forward to hearing a full CD by the band in 2015.
By Chris Greenwood
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