The members of Machines of Grace, newly formed metal band from Boston, might not enjoy reading this, but their self-titled debut isn’t going to make anyone’s jaw drop. I have to choose my words delicately (which seems odd when describing a metal band) but that last thing anyone wants is four Boston rockers after them. Machines of Grace don’t play exceptionally fast, they don’t sound especially heavy and their solos aren’t stunningly epic. That’s not a knock against them or the album. The music just doesn’t provoke an instant, visceral reaction.
Machines of Grace grows on you, and that’s even better. Being the fastest, loudest, heaviest or any other superlative isn’t a guarantee of quality. Even Metallica eased up on the speed metal. Nobody likes a one-trick pony. Not for very long at least.
It might seem like having to grow on listeners is an unenviable position but it’s not a problem for Machines of Grace. Though their songs all fall under the umbrella of “metal,” they exist in all gradations of “metal.” Acoustic, hard and alternative/modern rock, they can do it all equally well. “Soul To Fire” sounds mostly like hard rock but mixes in an alternative feel. “Innocence” is a steady, driving acoustic track. “The Moment” is solid modern rock track. This is a CD you can keep in your stereo for a few days without growing tired of it.
The freshness that Machines of Grace maintains is due in large part to Matt Leff’s guitar playing. Just listening to him play, it’s easy to hear that his sensibilities and tastes are not confined by his band’s chosen genre. He does employ some hot metal licks when appropriate, but he doesn’t rely on shredding to impress.
The album’s lyrics thread the theme of confusion, and often self-delusion, which isn’t ground breaking for a metal band. Though the lyrics are straightforward, they rarely sound blunt. Overwrought lyrics are a pitfall it seems for many bands of the genre. Machines of Grace isn’t going to win any Pulitzers, but their lyrics are simple (not a bad thing) without being obvious. Zak Stevens’ singing, like the lyrics, isn’t the best you’ve heard but it also isn’t the worst. His voice was made for fronting a metal band, but many people have been given that gift and are currently using it. Fortunately for him, he has a better than average band playing behind him. It should be noted that Stevens’ best work comes on “Better Days.”
Yes, Machines of Grace is comprised of veteran musicians, but this is still their debut album. And it’s a damn fine one from beginning to end. Hopefully this Machines of Grace is an indication of good things to come.
Dennis Mersmann MuzikReviews.com staff writer
July 12, 2009
