Review Summary: Cyber-Metal
Mechina is a relatively unknown young band, that took form in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. Mechina is a metal band that stands out from the rest of today's metal scene with their own sound. They have created a style of music that recall's many legends of the Industrial scene as well as the metal scene, yet still managing to create their own niche.
Dave Holch - Vocals / Keys
Joe Tiberi - Guitars / Sound Designer
David Gavin - Drums
Anthony Havemann - Bass
Mechina previously released their first full length album, "The Assembly Of Tyrants" just two years ago. The next step they have taken in their young career was to re produce a batch of songs off that album. Five songs to be exact. I can say that the extra work they put in greatly benefited the music. Production is crystal clear. Each instrument can be heard fully as the atmosphere from the electronic work provide the base of the sound. Every song flows right into the next track perfectly. Comparisons to Fear Factory can be made due to all the Industrial effects and crunchy guitar riffs that penetrate 'Mechina's" sound Although influences from other bands can be heard greatly through the music, Mechina still has the ability and the talent to write catchy and accessible songs.
This band's strength lies not only in their instruments but because they can make each song thrive with personality. The base of the music lies in the atmosphere from the keyboards. The singer, Dave, is responsible for providing the haunting backdrop of the music. The atmosphere seemingly provides a brief glimpse of what might happen in the future. Picture a city being torn apart by napalm and bullets, buildings are falling into the ground, bullets are flying and speeding towards their next target, as the victim looks into the sky with their blank eyes. The keyboard work excels at proving a picture for the listener. As a screamer, Dave's harsh vocals are full of punch. Loud and deep and filled with aggression. His clean vocals remind me of Burton's voice from previous "Fear Factory" albums. They by no means are bad, in fact the singing works with the music well. Guitar work intermingles with the keyboard work at times. Guitar work is acceptable if not downright similar to Dino's fretwork. Joe's playing revolve around slow to mid tempo rhythms. The guitars grind and crunch with heavy grooves that catch the listener off balance with insane catchiness. Lack of solos are a problem, but one you can work your away around. On tracks like, "Clash Of Cultures" the guitars play slow riffs as the screams from Dave blend with the electronic work into one of the slower paced numbers of the album. The lack of speed is made up with memorable breakdowns that sound a lot better with the inclusion of the electronic work. Drumming is stellar, ranging from rapid paced double bass patterns, to slower tempo drum fills and cymbal crashes. The drum work is slightly lower in the mix but not enough to worry. On to the bass. Bass? Although technically Mechina have a bassist, rarely do I ever hear any interesting bass lines. No matter though, with all this going on, the need of bass is limited.
Mechina have produced solid music that die hard fans of Fear Factory can come and enjoy. The guitar work, drumming, keyboard work, and the vocals seem to be at ease, complementing each others weaknesses into one whole sound. This is an album that can be purely enjoyed by those with a bond towards aggressive music. If not exactly being completely original or insanely technical, Mechina create fun music that can be played numerous times. Those reading this and confused by the lack of songs should be warned that this is not an album, just a chunk of their first albums songs. A strong showing from a young band that has the power to dominate the masses with a varied sound. The CD is incredibly hard to find, possibly because they have no label to provide their music to a wider audience. However, those who are willing to give this a try can download all five songs off of their myspace. Get to it, cyber warriors.
