Warmachine - Warmachine (Promo 2001)

Year of Release: 2001
Label: Independent
Catalog Number: n/a
Format: CD
Total Time: 42:13:00

One of the main reasons I listen to metal is so I can listen to new bands. For without new bands, the metal scene would be stagnant and devoid of new sounds and experiences. Independent Canadian band Warmachine is proof-positive that the metal scene will continue to flourish for years to come because their brand of heavy metal is inspiring, dedicated, raw, and honest. But the question must be asked at this early stage, why are they still independent?

Warmachine's eight tracks arrived on two discs. The first disc contained three tracks - "Beginning Of The End," "Forgotten Demise," and "Alone" - and for what it's worth, Warmachine are definitely on to something here. Fundamentally, Warmachine is a melodic Metallica, but even that most basic description does the band a huge disservice because Warmachine is so much more. The second disc contained the final five tracks - "To Hell And Back," "What A Pretty Picture," "Eye For An Eye," "Through My Eyes," and "Dust To Dust."

Lyrically, Warmachine expunge all others with intriguing personal dilemmas that are reminiscent of old-school bands like Metallica and Megadeth. Lyricist and vocalist Joe Di Taranto epitomises some of the most intense and melodic lyrics since James Hetfield, and his voice, whilst a little rough around the edges, is more than made up for by the passion in his voice. Comparisons would be Zak Stevens (ex-Savatage), Tom Englund (Evergrey), Dave Mustaine (Megadeth), and Mat Barlow (Iced Earth). For the most, the lyrics are very angst ridden, and, whilst clichéd at times, are totally believable and work very well in the bands favour.

If I were a record label, I wouldn't hesitate to get in contact with Warmachine because they pack a punch that very few independent bands have available in their repertoire. Musically, they have a fairly straight approach to writing with relatively simple riffs but this simplicity belies the bands strengths as the melodies they create sound fresh and interesting and not re-hashed or washed-up. The production, for a demo, is outstanding and rivals that of what DragonHeart (now DragonForce) did with their Valley Of The Damned demo and I'm looking forward to hearing a bigger sound if they ever get around to being signed.

Like I said, they espouse early day Metallica with feelings of "Fade To Black" in the track "Forgotten Demise" with all its depressing, but ultimately triumphant, glory. I applaud the band for their openness when it comes to lyrics. At such a young age, it is a pleasure to hear a band write with such introspection, honesty, and genuineness. Songs like "Through My Eyes" and "Alone" displays the temperament the band have for writing music. One moment they are seemingly going through the motions of a ballad then the next second the song moves up-tempo to something heavier and gutsier and the transition is performed with such maturity that you can't help but smile. The final track is short and sweet, straight down the line heavy metal and whilst over far too quickly, it speaks Maiden, but instead of copying them, they translate them. These boys definitely have an ear for the classics.

So, I've talked them up and you wish to hear them now? Just head over to their website listed at the top of the page and check them out. I'm sure you'll be as impressed as I still am.

[This review originally appeared May 2003 at the ProgPower Online review site -ed.]

Tracklisting:
Beginning Of The End / Forgotten Demise / Alone / To Hell And Back / What A Pretty Picture / Eye For An Eye / Through My Eyes / Dust To Dust

Musicians:
Joe Di Taranto - vocals, lead and rhythm guitars
Andrew Zenti - drums
Andrea Zanini - bass
Mike Miolla - rhythm/lead guitars


Discography:
Demolition (demo) (1998)
Warmachine (demo) (1999)
Warmachine (demo) (2001)

Genre: Melodic Metal

Origin CA

Added: March 29th 2005
Reviewer: Gary Carson
Score:
Artist website: www.warmachineonline.com
Hits: 2573
Language: english