CD Reviews: Page 20
Artist: Machine
Album: What are you looking at?
Label: Dry Hump
The Review: When I saw the picture of the unfortunate person with their head in a bag and a rope tied around their neck I knew this CD had to be brutal. I listened to it only find out that it was twice as brutal as I expected! No matter if you are a punk or metal fan there is going to be something of interest to you on this disc. The drums and vocals have a definate punk influence yet the guitars and bass have more of a grindy metal core influence. The songs are a mix of different topics that any pissed off(or sometimes even sick) individual can relate to. What songs do I mean by this? How bout "Ball and Chain" that has a chorus that goes "I wish my chick was dead". Who could forget the song "Fister" as well which over repeats the phrase "FIST F**K HER" loudly and proudly. However I have to admit the highlight of this crazy disc comes with the Joan Osborne cover of "One of Us" which makes Dr. Evil's version seem highly unentertaining! With all that said, you should be hopping in your car right now to pick up this disc or at least trying to buy it online. If you are faint of heart I would probably get some balls before you get it though! When it comes to brutal no holds barred music, Machine is one of few taking the brave step forward.
Recommended Radio Friendly Tracks: 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 10
Overall Grade: B+ to A- MTPF 9/7/00
Artist: Mekanizm
Album: Prototype 2.0
Label: Mage Tech
The Review: This will probably go down as the cool disc I almost missed! Going through all the CDs we got in the mail, I overlooked this one thinking it was some kind of of techno/electronica band that you would hear in some dippy club somewhere. However, I picked up, played it, and found out it was a decent industrial release which is mix of spooky early Marylin Manson (esq) stuff that will raise the hair on the back of your neck. Yet the keyboard work is an eerie mix of gothy Cradle of Filth (esq) melodies and sounds. The screaching vocals are enhanced in spots which gives the music a true mechanical feel. However, not every track on the CD are the same as the ones recommended. Tracks 7 and 8 seem to almost brush arms with rap in a way. Either way, the mix of twisted haunting sounds is constant and this disc is assured to keep fish net wearing folk happy for a long time!
Recommended Radio Frienldy Tracks: 1, 2, 5, 6
Ovearll Grade: B- to B+ MTPF 9/7/00
Artist: Ann Boleyn
Album: Queen of Hell
Label: New Renaissance
The Review: Well whats there to say about the career of Ms. Boleyn. This front woman of the band Hellion began her career in music way back in the day (1980s to be exact) when she became one of very few female heavy metal singers. Like every other band, they payed their dues to the UK club scene getting their name out there making strides along the way. They became popular in the US when none other than (raise your devil sign now) Ronnie James Dio, became the act's producer and his wife Wendy and her partner managed the act. Through out many struggles in the states, the band finally made it big with their album Screams in the Night. The song Bad Attitude became a favorite on MTV and was the first female fronted metal band to appear on the station. So the rest as they say is pretty much history. (Not a band paraphrasing from the press release eh?) This disc comes off of Boleyn's label New Renaissance records as an anthology of her work with Hellion. For those of you who haven't heard Hellion before expect some great 80s heavy metal that is very much along the lines of Dio, Iron Maiden, and WASP. Check it out to bring back some memories and expect a new release from Ann Boleyn soon enough! The last track, number 12, is a new cut from her new disc so check it out for some all out metal fun!
Recommended Radio Friendly Tracks: Any (all clean)
Overall Grade: B+ to A- MTPF 9/7/00
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