Machinery are a metal band from Sweden, whose brand new release Degeneration combines elements of thrash, industrial, death, and progressive sounds that for the most part works pretty well. Using the two guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, and vocal formula, the nine songs on Degeneration have plenty of crunch factor, some fine shred guitar moments, touches of atmosphere, and some memorable melodies. The lead vocals of Michel Isberg are easiest to enjoy when he's throwing in clean sections as well as a harsher tone, as he does so well on the title track, which also contains some great backing vocals from drummer Johan Westman. It's when Isberg tries to approach a half attempt at a death metal growl or a power metal high pitched scream that he fails ("River Red" is one example) and comes across as forced. However, on blazing thrashers like "Taste of God" and "Blacker Than Pain" his style works best, and during these songs the band really cooks alongside of him with plenty of intricate guitar riffs and thunderous grooves. Another treat is the Meshuggah meets Fear Factory epic "Falling Through the Grid", which contains plenty of complex riffery, atmospheric keyboards, and Isberg's best maniacal vocals on the whole album.
Degeneration shows a band with plenty of talent and promise. As good as Isberg is in spots on the CD, I'm still wondering if he's better suited to stick with his guitar playing and have the band hire a full fledged singer who can handle all of the elements of their style better. Whatever they decide, this is a solid release that shows that there is plenty of talent in Machinery, and hopefully we'll hear more from them in the future.
Track Listing
1 Salvation For Sale
2 Degeneration
3 River Red
4 Blacker Than Pain
5 Unholy Demon
6 Taste Of God
7 Rectifier
8 Falling Through The Grid
9 Satanic Hippie Cannibal
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