KILLING MACHINE - Killing Machine
January 10, 2001, 23 years ago
(Candlelight)
Strange bedfellows to their labelmates, most of whom (such as Opeth and Emperor) walk a darker path of metal, Killing Machine plays straight ahead metal, nothing fancy here, just grinding riffery. Killing Machine is largely the showcase of the vastly under-rated vocalist Michael Vescera from MVP,Yngwie Malmsteen, Obsession and Loudness. This effort harkens back to the Obsession and Loudness styles the most with the neo-classical elements of his former guitarmates being a thing of the past on this release. The band is made up of other nomadic players including guitarist Peter Scheithauer (Belladona, Stream), drummer Stet Howland (W.A.S.P.,Impelitterri), and Mike Duda (W.A.S.P.) on bass. Much like Vescera's previous works there is no gray area: you either love or hate his distinctive voice, and KM features plenty of it. The guitar work is crunchy but the solos do sound rushed with speed playing for speed sake only. Track number five, 'Wrecking Ball' with its haunting build-up followed by a sincere tip of the hat to Judas Priest is the highlight of this very fine effort. Hope this isn't just a one-off project.
