Machines Of Grace – Machines Of Grace (2009)

Originally started ad Wicked Witch, Machines Of Grace features Zack Stevens (ex- Savatage and ex-Trans-Siberian Orchestra) alongside Jeff Plate (current Savatage and Trans-Siberian Ochestra member) alongside Matt Leff and Chris Rapoza, both from Trigger Effect. Listening to this line-up you know you have a super group with Machines Of Grace.

Their self titled debut album was released barely one year after the band got together in 2008. Featuring 14 songs and over 55 minutes, the band makes a very solid statement by creating very catchy and well delivered Hard Rock/Heavy Metal sounding songs that most people can identify with.

The very first thing that sticks out from this release is Zack Stevens powerful vocals that harmonize all songs in this album. Ranging from ballads to heavier songs, his vocals are a perfect fit for anything presented in this album.

Musically, as you can expect from the experience of these musicians, the songs are very well written and extremely melodic. All of them sound very radio friendly, unlike anything else that Zack Stevens has done before. The riffs are very solid and melodic, the hooks are well crafted and accessible, and everything is played in a very upbeat mid-tempo pace.

Like we mentioned before, all songs are very catchy and melodic, and most of them make for good ballads. However, they are missing the extra ‘punch’ to be legendary, I think more solos, or some more complex parts would propel all these very good songs to extremely good songs.

But not be tricked, if you want a solid album then get this one since on average this one is pretty decent. All tracks are melodic enough to satisfy your Hard Rock needs, and will surely go down perfectly with a girl and some beer. We can expect more and better things from this band, and hopefully they try to take their music to a whole new level, by abandoning ‘safe’ music making and go and create a better second release in the future.

Release: July 7th, 2009

Country: USA