Back when Warmachine independently released its debut CD, The Beginning of the End, a few years ago, the Canadian headbangers offered a classic example of why not to judge a band by its name, cover and song titles. This heavy trio makes aggressive, melodic metal in the vein of Eighties arena rockers -- not some ultra-violent, crack-fueled San Francisco Bay-area thrash outfit, as Warmachine's name and album packaging might suggest. Think Dokken meets Judas Priest. Or Megadeth meets Helloween. In fact, ex-Megadeth bassist David Ellefson shows up on three tracks ("Betrayed," "Empty" and "Taunted Souls") on this re-release of the debut, now issued on Lance King's Nightmare Records. But who makes a metal album with help from two members of Harem Scarem, an aging melodic hard rock band that always seemed hesitant to get too heavy, lest the group isolate itself from a cult following? Warmachine, that's who. Harry Hess ("Eternally") and Darren Smith ("Eye For an Eye") sing their guts out and help this band sound like Harem Scarem on 'roids – complete with rousing choruses and melodies that'll sear your brain. "Taunted Souls" and "Apocalypse" sound even heavier, without sacrificing melody and finesse.
Here's hoping The Beginning of the End is really just the beginning ...
Bang, bang.
Track Listing:
1) Betrayed
2) Empty
3) Beginning of the End
4) Safe Haven
5) Fate
6) Eternally
7) Forgotten Demise
8) Taunted Souls
9) Eye For An Eye
10) Dust to Dust
11) Apocalypse
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