An Atmospheric one minute and nine seconds of ‘The Rising’ lead into real opener ‘Blood and Money’ a decent pacey opener from the axis of Lynch, Pilson and Mason and now with replacement drummer Steve Brown (brother Mick having laid down the sticks). As I say it’s a decent opener but one where you feel they have held back rather than really let the best off the chain.
So two years after the opening record comes the less than imaginatively titled Phase 2. And I’m pleased to say with the rather Bluesy Whitesnake-like ‘We Walk Alone’ following that somewhat beige opener it is rather an upward trajectory.
‘Dark Divide’ that follows is wonderfully moody and melodic and sees Mason really hit his stride as he ponders the politics of the day; whilst ‘Crack The Sky’ might jut be the best song these guys have put out so far – it’s a rather solid trio to throw the curtains open. ‘Prison or Paradise’ too with it’s Dokken-like ear-worm qualities ain’t no slouch either, and ‘Plastic Heroes’ throws a nice groove and 70’s twist into the mix.
The only ballad: the guitar guided ‘Scars’ builds beautifully and hits all the right notes and ‘Shine Your Light’ is another great rocker fueled by Lynch’s signature sound and driven by a wonderful rhythm section; whilst ‘Devil’s Playground’ gets a bit funky and Bluesy before it levels out and just makes you want more in this vein.
We close with a couple of more than capable tunes: first ‘Born of Fire’ which really smolders with a nice swagger and confidence before the mile high groove of ‘Destiny’ falls into near Buckcherry territory – it’s a great modern rocker to close.
If you want great melodies, great guitars, wonderful rhythm section and passion-fueled vocals; add better songs than the debut and you’re onto a winner!
8.5 / 10
The End Machine:
George Lynch – Guitar
Jeff Pilson – Bass, Keyboards
Steve Brown – Drums
Robert Mason – Vocals