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Fronted
by Burning Point frontman Pete Ahonen, Ghost Machinery have put together
an album that is about as diverse as a power-metal band can get without
straying too far from the basic metal format. With each track you
find the band bring forth new and interesting developments to this
genre. The various tempo changes and styles of guitar playing on
each track are refreshing to hear.
It's good to hear the band play with such power and velocity but at the
same time not losing the thread of the album. This sadly is where
too many bands in this genre go wrong, they go for speed and power and
forget that there actually needs to be a song and a thread behind the
onslaught of sound. With every listen to this album you will be
enthralled by each song because of the sheer diversity and the overall
formula that the band have set out.
There are some quite outstanding tracks on this album. ‘Temples
of Gold’ is one of those tracks with its very melodic rock undertones,
while still maintaining that heavy bass and drum sound.
‘The Evil Within Us’ see the band go almost progressive with the
introduction of symphonic keyboards and a ripping guitar solos
throughout. The vocals of Ahonen aren’t stretched at all as he
seems to change vocal styles with ease.
An interesting addition to the album is the Gary Moore song ‘Out in
the Fields’ which is delivered superbly. The vocals of Ahonen
giving a slightly more haunting feel to the vocals than the original
version, but still remaining true to the original. The guitars are
given a bit more clout and vigour too which makes this a great cover
version.
The best is saved to last with ‘Shadows’ closing the album with its
bombastic guitars and once again Pete Ahonen’s vocals shining through,
a worthy final onslaught that tops a great release. A pleasant
surprise of an album that is well worth checking out.
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