Review of Machinery - Degeneration

I know what Machinery are going for here. That's their biggest fault. They want to sound like Nevemore. And, even as somebody who doesn't really like Nevermore all that much, I think they've bitten off way more then they can chew. I mean, when you strive to ape one of the most infamous and distinct sounding bands in modern metal, the only real distinction you earn for yourself is, “that band who sounds like Nevermore but without Warrel Dane and not produced by Andy Sneap.” While their influences may have set them on the right path (this band does display some talent) it more often causes them to lose sight of what actually works for their songs as they try to capture a sound that is clearly not yet their own.

What I do like about Machinery is that both guitar players have the mindset to focus on guitar riffs first, and allow everything else fall into place. What this means is that while none of the songs are great, they all contain some excellent moments. Considering this is a debut album from a fairly new band, I suppose I can't rightly ask for more. The production is also extremely guitar-centric, with the middle frequencies scooped out, and drums and bass existing as mere accents. This means when the riffing really starts to smoke, Machinery provide truly exhilarating moments. Examples come during the stuttering intro of “Falling Through the Grid,” and throughout the exhaustively riffed “Rectifier.” However, as a band, Machinery seriously lack charisma and when their riffing chops don't follow through, their songs get lost in a boring, homogeneous wash. More telling is that the bulk of the memorable moments on Degeneration stick out simply because they are so out of place or perturbing. The final 14 minutes of this album, which consist of the latter half of “Falling Through the Grid” and “Satanic Hippie Cannibal” are memorable mostly for what goes wrong. Over-emphasis on insipid lyrics, suspect melodramatic vocals, and guitar solos that yearn to be epic but sound more like garage exhibitionism. This is how Machinery limp to the finish of Degeneration, by shamelessly glorifying everything they suck at.

Is there potential here? Sure. Anytime you have guitar players that care about writing riffs you have the potential for good thrash. But major work must be done between now and the next record. Learn to write good songs, not just good parts. Learn to play as a band. And most importantly try to season your music with your own personality, not somebody else's. It can be done, good luck to you.

Release Details

Machinery

Degeneration

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