Review: Machine Rox – Next Level

Metal Machine and Global Noise Attack member Richard K started Machine Rox as a personal side project, which grew into the band as it stands today. Completing the line-up is guitarist Valerian Oproriu, keyboard and backing vocals Aga, and newest member of Machine Rox, Drummer Nuj Farrow who joined in 2012.

‘Next Level’ is Machine Rox second studio offering the band are looking to evaluate and push the boundaries of Industrial Metal. Taking their own musical style which is a blend of hard hitting metal guitars and electro synthesizers.

‘Lost My Mind’ will be the introduction to Machine Rox for most people, synthesizer and guitar work draw you into the track before you get hit by the full force of the bands musical weight, Richard K’s vocals command you to listen.

‘Love Explosion’ goes into full electro mode with more FM synth’s than you can shake a glow stick at. The band tip their hats to Rob Zombie, before breaking into a brilliant but brief guitar solo accompanied by more synthesizer work bring the track to completion.

‘Illusion’ progresses the album, changing tack with the drums and bass setting the tone of the whole track. This is followed by the up tempo ‘Cycle Complete‘ perfect for listening to whilst driving just watch your speed, as you might find yourself with a pair of flashing blue lights added to your rave.

Aga’s vocal leads the Machine Rox into ‘Last Kamikaze’ that is slow and ponderous giving you a break from the intensity of the last 6 tracks, with a flavour of Pendulum from their ‘In Silco‘ / ‘Hold in your Colour‘ days.

‘My Own Religion’ has a distinctly Depeche Mode feeling to it and sending the senses into overload before the final two tracks ‘Mind Game‘ and ‘You Belong to Me‘ bring the album to it climax.

‘Next Level’ certainly lives up to its name musically, I hope that this will firmly put Machine Rox on the radar and promote the genre as a whole. I think that the album would have benefitted from a known producer adding their touch to the album. This could have helped to add some higher production values to the Machine Rox sound with the added bonus of raising the profile of Machine Rox. I also understand the D.I.Y nature that surrounds this particular sub-genre and how hard it can be to produce an album. I think that this will please the fans and win them new support.

Check Machine Rox out if you are a fan of Rammstein, Combichrist or Rob Zombie’s Solo work.

8/10

‘Next Level’ is released on the 22nd September 2014 and will be available via digital download.

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