Praises to the War Machine
Praises to the War Machine is the solo effort of Warrel Dane, lead singer of Seattle band, Nevermore. Collaborating with Soilwork’s guitarist Peter Wichers, and drummer Dirk Verbeuren, Dane has constructed a new heavy metal opus. Praises to the War Machine doesn’t just tap its needle into the heavy metal vein of decades past, but plunges that sucker right in there. I definitely pick up shreds of Black Sabbath, Ozzy, and Dio to name a few. And that’s not a bad thing.
First out of the gate, the guitar-heavy and melodic “When We Pray” drives home the point, which Dane sings ‘nothing ever changes when we pray’. Other heavy tracks include, “Obey” and “Equilibrium“. “Obey“, reminds me a bit of Disturbed, and pounces upon the listener with vigorous guitar riffs. “Equilibrium”, though heavy, is not near as good a song.
And lets not forget the ballads. One ballad in particular stands out. It is titled “Your Chosen Misery”. It just doesn’t seem to play well with the other tracks. Dane sounds like he imitating Lurch from the Adams family for a big portion of the song.
The most interesting track however, is a cover of Paul Simon’s “Patterns” from the 1965 album The Paul Simon Songbook. Danes version although tons heavier than the original, is still recognizable. Check out the original and then listen to Dane’s version if you get a chance. And definitely check this CD out.
