Ape Machine: Darker Seas

Ape Machine is an American heavy rock band that has been around since 2009. They released their debut This House Has Been Condemned in 2010, followed by War To Head (2011), Mangled By The Machine (2013), Condition Of The Unwilling EP (2015) and finally their new album Darker Seas via Ripple Music.

The players are:
Caleb Heinze (vocals)
Ian Watts (guitars)
Brian True (bass)
Steven Hanford (drums)

The band plays heavy rock with psych and prog influences showing a strong nod towards the ‘70s. The guitar comes in both clean and distorted forms and is the basis of their sound. Not to be outdone is a strong rhythm section driving this music through some pretty proggy progressions at times, although never becoming overtly showy or self-indulgent. The vocals are also a highlight displaying just the right amount of emotional depth and power. Oh yeah, they’re really catchy too and pretty accessible. So you can see there are no weak points here, at least none that I can detect.

The first track “Damned, Their Bones� is a great opening tune. Heavy and bluesy guitar riffs and vocals to match. The ‘70s vibe is certainly a factor and this one reminded me of classic era Thin Lizzy. The riffs and vocals are again catchy in the powerful “Into the Shredder�. The talented rhythm section leads some cool change ups and the fuzzy toned guitar solo typifies this band’s excellence. The driving bass line in “Piper’s Rats� and the proggy “Watch What You Say� with its dynamic rhythmic chops and psychedelic sensibility are more stand out tracks. The thick fuzz and fine vocals, both lead and backing in “The Fall� is another highlight. Really, every track is noteworthy. That’s eleven reasons to buy this album. Fans of heavy rock cannot go wrong with this one.

Track Listing:
1. Damned, Their Bones
2. Into the Shredder
3. Piper’s Rats
4. Watch What You Say
5. The Fall
6. Nocturne in D Flat (The Jester)
7. The Contract
8. All Hands Gathered To The Mast, We’re Going Down
9. Bend Your Knee
10. Push It Away
11. A Many Things

Added: February 11th 2019
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's Official Site
Hits: 1192
Language: english

[ Printer Friendly Page ]
[ Send to a Friend ]