Mechanized Warfare
Century Media
Mechanized Warfare is the latest release from the Colorado five-piece Jag Panzer and is perhaps their best to date. This band has remained true to their sound and style since they originally formed in the early '80s. Reuniting with all original members (with the exception of guitarist Chris Broderick taking the place of Joey Taffolla) this band is still rockin' harder than ever, churning out classical metal anthems in the vein of Dio, Maiden, and Virgin Steele. Produced by mainstay Jim Morris, this album features a potent mix of metallic power with majestic themes and gothic melodies. Vocalist Harry "The Tyrant" Cocklin sounds stronger than ever and guitarists Chris Broderick and Mark Briody churn out some brilliant fret-work throughout this 10-song disc. Check out "Take to the Sky," "Unworthy" (great intro), "The Silent," "The Scarlet Letter' (the intro sounds sounding like "The Ripper" goes to "22 Acacia Avenue"), and "All Things Renewed."
DIESEL MACHINE
Torture Test
SPV/Steamhammer
Diesel Machine features guitarist Patrick Lachman (Halford) and drummer Shane Gaalaas (MSG/ Uli Roth.) The music may be far from what you'd expect from these two as Diesel Machine's style is heavy grind-core, in the vein of Pro-Pain and Crowbar, but much more technically advanced and industrial than most of today's grind-core bands (just check out the truly amazing drum work from Gaalaas.) The vocals and lyrics are in stereotypical grind-core fashion which should obviously please fans of this style of music, but I just can't stomach the vocals, no matter how interesting and powerful the music may be. Highlights include; "Driven By Pain," "Black Box." and "Self Destruct."
THE J.J. PARADISE PLAYERS CLUB
Wine Cooler Blowout
TeePee
The "Players Club" released a 4-song EP/disc just prior to this 11-song CD. Funny thing is, I actually found the EP to be much more impressive. Two songs from that EP are actually featured here on their full-length ("Beware the Ides of Moose" and "House Of Torment"), but with inferior production, which is a shame since I thought the songs displayed a unique brand of southern-fried grunge-metal. With a better production and sound quality this record could sound damn cool, but unfortunately this album comes across sounding like an amateur garage performance.
Shockwaves CD Reviews Issue 5 Page 9