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THE END MACHINE - Phase 2 - 8/108/10
Summary
Frontiers Music
Release date: April 9, 2021
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10.0: Cannot be improved! Perfect, instant classic! Essential in any record collection.
9.5 – 9.9: Fantastic, spectacular and outstanding!
9.0 – 9.4: Amazing release! It just lacks that little extra spice to make it perfect.
8.5 – 8.9: Exceptional release! Will likely rank among top ten albums of the year.
8.0 – 8.4: Great release! It has many different qualities.
7.5 – 7.9: Above average! It is an enjoyable release.
7.0 – 7.4: It is not brilliant, but has many strong points.
6.0 – 6.9: It has its moments, but is not that strong.
5.0 – 5.9: Slightly above average, does not stand out. Good outweighs bad by just a little.
4.0 – 4.9: Just below average, bad outweighs good by just a little.
3.0 – 3.9: Mediocre. There might be a song or a performance that is enjoyable, but that is it.
2.0 – 2.9: Very weak! There might be a light at the end of the tunnel, too many flaws.
1.0 – 1.9: This release gives the word “terrible” new meaning.
0.1 – 0.9: Awful! Avoid at all cost. There is nothing good to say about this release.
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User Review
( votes)The Backstory
Phase 2 is the second album by The End Machine. The group is comprised of Dokken alumni Jeff Pilson and George Lynch. Robert Mason of Warrant joins them. Former drummer “Wild” Mick Brown, also of Dokken, recently retired and is replaced in the band by his brother “Mild” Steve Brown (their words, not mine). This album follows their 2019 self-titled debut.
The Album
The opening track “Blood and Money” is a decent enough rock song, but it just doesn’t grab you like a great opener should. On the flip side, George Lynch gets more than ample time to lay down some sweet licks during the solo section. The driving beat and uniting chorus of “We Walk Alone” is powerful in its delivery. “Dark Divide” reflects the state of politics today with dark tones and the impassioned vocals of Robert Mason. ”Crack the Sky” is hands down the ‘money’ song on the album. It’s bluesy, raw, and full of melody and catchy hooks. It tackles how technology has taken over our lives.
“Prison or Paradise” comes in a close second to its predecessor. This one is tough to get out of your head. There’s a bit of some classic Dokken sprinkled in the there too. “Plastic Heroes” has a ‘70s vibe to it, especially with the harmonic a cappella lead in. “Scars” is a clean guitars driven ballad. The track builds with emotion. Jeff Pilson’s deep bass grooves lead the final track on the album “Devil’s Playground.”
The Verdict
Phase 2 is a definitely a step up from The End Machine’s debut album. It’s clear that the band has become more comfortable and aligned with their songwriting together. Some songs are just not on the same level as the great songs on the album. The lyrics are definitely pulled from the world around us right now, vocal melodies are spot on, and the guitar work is top notch. The End Machine just needs that little extra ‘something’ that comes with defining a band over time.
TUNE INTO METALEXPRESSRADIO.COM at 0600 & 1800 (CET) / 12 am & 12 pm (EST) TO HEAR THE BEST TRACKS FROM THIS UPCOMING RELEASE!!!
Tracklist
- The Rising
- Blood and Money
- We Walk Alone
- Dark Divide
- Crack The Sky
- Prison of Paradise
- Plastic Heroes
- Scars
- Shine Your Light
- Devil’s Playground
- Born of Fire
- Destiny
The End Machine is
George Lynch – Guitar
Jeff Pilson – Bass, Keyboards
Steve Brown – Drums
Robert Mason – Vocals
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