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October 12, 2008 |
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01. Betrayed
02. Empty
03. Beginning Of The End
04. Safe Haven
05. Fate
06. Eternally
07. Forgotten Demise
08. Taunted Souls
09. Eye For An Eye
10. Dust To Dust
11. Apocalypse
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Perhaps the most outstanding aspect of Canada's WARMACHINE is their ability to write perfect, primal, awe-inspiring, gut-wrenching, fist-pumping, extremely intense and original riffs - many of them, in fact. The band's latest album, "The Beginning Of The End", seamlessly carries the listener from one fantastic melody to the next, smoothly traversing the distance between rhythm guitars, vocals, and soaring lead guitar solos without missing a beat and without even the slightest degree of turbulence. The result? A superb, highly-polished sound that speaks of the mature skill of musicians bearing twice as many years, yet it retains all the skull-bashing Metal you came here to find.
"The Beginning Of The End" kicks-off with an aggressive riff reminiscent of ANTHRAX, but soon proves that it will be a much more pleasant, melodic adventure than anything Thrash has ever touched. Though it's not their most important characteristic, certainly the most readily noticed one is that WARMACHINE is gifted with an ability to create music with incredible melodic catchiness (and unlike most catchy bands, WARMACHINE does not abuse the privilege). This, combined with Joe di Taranto's pleasant vocals, make "The Beginning Of The End" an instant easy listen - and it's guaranteed that by halfway through, even the most discriminating listener will have found a number of things to like about this band.
There is something for everyone here. WARMACHINE has a good, solid Heavy Metal base, but with near-regal Power Metal melodies and neoclassical vocals - often in the style of Michael Kiske (ex-HELLOWEEN), but with a mellow voice that is uniquely Joe di Taranto. From the very start, the listener can be sure that they are promised a good, solid, wholesome Heavy Metal experience. Although the album hits an uncharacteristic low during "Fate" and "Eternally", all is forgiven once the seventh track, "Forgotten Demise", kicks in with its tribal syncopation and unforgettable chorus. "The Beginning Of The End" keeps the promise it made at the start, delivering classic Power Metal lines interspersed with chest-thumping guitar punches...even though the transitions are occasionally a bit more abrupt than they should be.
Days after hearing this disc, you will find the choruses and guitar lines haunting your mind with anthem-like presence, demanding that the album be once again pumped into your veins. And no matter how often you give in to the addiction, never will you find yourself bored with their magic melodies. Every aspect of WARMACHINE's music is perfectly rationed and expertly laid out, as if the god of Metal descended from the sky and personally handed a roadmap to the band. There is no sloppiness on this album, no corners cut....nothing that sounds less than the masterful work of seasoned Metal veterans.
However, unlike most bands twice their age, WARMACHINE is half that age - and they're only getting warmed up. So metalheads, take note! This band deserves your attention. Don't be surprised if one day you notice that they've taken over the world by storm. And for god's sake, if you live in the Toronto area, go out to one of their shows and support them! It's guaranteed that by the time they close their set by covering IRON MAIDEN's "The Trooper", you'll be so awestruck you won't even remember that they didn't write that song.
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