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Goldmine Magazine - 4 Star Review |
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Monday, 10 August 2009 21:41 |
Machines Of Grace
Independent Release
Grade: ★★★★
The esteemed metal band Savatage may never
record again, but at least key past and present
personnel — Jon Oliva, Chris Caffery and Zak
Stevens — all continue to make music. Stevens, lead
vocalist for Savatage from 1992 to 2000, actually
fronts two major projects these days: Circle II Circle
(which has released four albums) and the new
Machines Of Grace (which includes Metal Church
and Trans-Siberian Orchestra drummer Jeff Plate,
along with journeymen Matt Leff on guitar and Chris
Rapoza on bass.) Boasting broader appeal than most
other bands on those players’ resumes, the self-titled
debut from Machines Of Grace was produced by Paul
David Hager, whose credits include Sammy Hagar,
the Goo Goo Dolls and even Pink.
In fact, the album’s diversity may startle some
headbangers. In addition to solid anthems that
straddle rock and metal, less heavy songs such as
“The Moment” and “This Time” give Machines of
Grace unexpected depth. The acoustic “Innocence,”
despite its status as a ballad, packs almost as
much power as the thundering “Psychotic” and
mid-paced monsters “Fly Away” and “Between
the Lines” — thanks to Stevens’ muscular
and unwavering delivery. On the other hand,
“Breakdown” rocks like it’s 1988 all over again.
— Michael Popke
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