Keep a lookout for Machines of Grace
By Naughty Mickie This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Unless you follow the members of Machines of Grace's other projects, then there's a good chance you haven't heard of them... yet. But you should and you will when their album, "Machines of Grace" (Machines of Grace), comes out July 7. The hard rock band from Boston includes vocalist Zak Stevens (Circle II Circle, Savatage), guitarist Matt Leff (Trigger Effect), bassist Chris Rapoza (Trigger Effect) and drummer Jeff Plate (Trans Siberian Orchestra, Metal Church, Savatage). Their talent and experience makes for excellent resume fodder, but what is even more intriguing is that Machines of Grace is actually the new name for Wickedwitch, which has been one of the longest hiatuses ever heard of in the industry... at least for as long as I've been covering music.

It had been a long, warm afternoon when I answered the phone. Zak Stevens' voice surprised me, as he had a strong accent and an easy laugh, unlike his vocals which are crystal clear and seriously good. Within a few minutes we were "talking shop" like a couple of old friends.

Comprised of band members Zak Stevens (vocals, whose credits include Circle II Circle, Savatage), Matt Leff (guitars), Chris Rapoza (bass), and Jeff Plate (drums, whose credits include Trans Siberian Orchestra, Savatage, Metal Church), the album was mixed by renowned studio expert Paul David Hagar.

FURY had the chance to sit with Zak Stevens for an in depth interview:

Can you tell me a little on the band was formed?
Zak: ‘In 1989 I went to school at the Musician’s Institute in Hollywood, CA where I met Matt, our guitar player. We later went back to Boston and formed a band Wicked Witch (which was the core of Machines of Grace). We ended up cutting some demos that later helped me

Coming full circle with Machines of Grace
Interview with Zak Stevens

By Andy Laudano

Most hard rock/heavy metal fans will recognize vocalist Zak Stevens from his time with Savatage and, more recently, Circle II Circle. But before that, Zak was in a band called Wickedwitch with fellow Savatage member drummer Jeff Plate (Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Metal Church) and underrated Boston area guitarist Matt Leff. All three musicians have now come full circle and rejoined forces in a new band, Machines of Grace.

“It’s actually kind of an old band,” Stevens explains. “This was the band I was in before Savatage. Back in the early 90’s when we played Boston for three and a half years, we were called Wickedwitch. Now that whole thing, the original dream, has reformed into Machines of Grace.”