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Review: Mechanical Man - White Out
Mechanical Man
myspace.com/mechanical-man
White Out

Label: Independent
Year released: 2013
Duration: 19:18
Tracks: 4
Genre: Progressive Metal

Rating:
3.5/5


Review online: February 10, 2014
Reviewed by: Christopher Foley
Readers' Rating
How do you rate this release?

Rated 3.8/5 (76%) (10 Votes)
Review

This is some pretty impressive, boisterous progressive metal. Very much in the vein of modern Scandinavian bands, though offering more than a nod to the prog rock from the yesteryear and of course Dream Theater's once unique take to the medium. What I like about Mechanical Man is that they just let it all hang out. They have a certain off-the-cuff vibe that for many bands would come off as sloppy, or stand as a sign of under-practice, but here comes off as deft, and deliberate.

Their use of keys and pianos is another aspect I can appreciate, with the pianos being very well played, and integral to the experience. They keys deliver more of a rhythmic approach, very much doing the dance with the rhythm guitars, and again becoming an integral element of Mechanical Man's sound. Another element I really dig are the rhythm guitars, very reminiscent of early Threshold. You know, those crunchy mid-paced riffs that you just can't help nod along to – cool stuff! If there's an element to Mechanical Man which is off putting, then it would have to be the vocals. Whilst I enjoy them, there's an unhinged approach to delivery, and the vocal lines in general, which I can imagine would be off-putting for some. The singer's voice and tone is for the most part agreeable though, and any issues essentially stem from abnormal vocal lines and styles.

For the most part, this is cool. Whilst a nineteen-minute EP isn't all that much to judge by, I'd certainly be keen to hear from Mechanical Man in the future. It's just a shame it's so fucking hard to find any information about these guys. As such I can't imagine many will hear this one, but if you like prog, and get the chance, then do so.

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