When an artist such as Warrel Dane, already well established within the borders of his defining musical endeavor with the legendary NEVERMORE, opts for the hit or miss potential of recording a solo album, the fans stand anxiously waiting in the wing, leery and uncertain of what to expect. One certainly hopes that the decision is a benevolent one, intended to expand the artist's accomplishments with a taste of something on par with what the fans have come to know yet significant enough in sound, structure, and delivery to validate dubbing the music as solo material; otherwise, the immediate question is begged: "Why do we not have a new NEVERMORE album instead?" Most fans should be pleased to know that yes, "Praises To The War Machine" is undeniably on par with the type of creative output you've come to expect from Warrel Dane, and yes, it is a most appropriate choice to dub said output as solo material, for the album has its own identity and impact that has little or nothing to do with NEVERMORE. And as the songs herein will verify, that's no bad thing.

A large volume of credit for the album's strength is due to ex-SOILWORK axeman Peter Wichers, whose songwriting, delivery and production skills are the best output he's achieved since SOILWORK's landmark "Natural Born Chaos" album, and there is no question that his skills are the perfect ingredient needed to provide the proper backdrop for Warrel Dane's vocal majesty. Whereas NEVERMORE is a highly technical entity and as much a showcase for the virtuosic talents of its musicians as it is for Dane's unique vocals, "Praises To The War Machine" is more of a song oriented exhibition, still providing plenty of hook and melody but placing a greater focus on Dane's ability to carry a song; and as the album progresses, it becomes increasingly evident that Warrel Dane is fully capable of doing exactly that, shining the entire way.

From the lingering memorable choruses residing in songs like "Brother" and "Equilibrium" to high octane Metal burners like "When We Pray" and "Lucretia My Reflection" to the driving melodies of "August" and "Your Chosen Misery", the listener is taken through the spectrum of capability that lies within Warrel Dane's considerable vocal arsenal, fully highlighting exactly how versatile one of Metal's most distinct vocalists actually is. And accompanied by exceptionally strong songwriting, superb musicianship and a sterling production, there's no way to view "Praises To The War Machine" as anything but a defining success for both Dane and the musicians involved. And while some may still be chomping at the bit for the next NEVERMORE offering, fans should be both impressed and contented with the dominant outing that is "Praises To The War Machine". Lose yourself within the "Patterns" at play, for they will not "Let You Down".