ALBUM REVIEW: A Dying Machine – Tremonti

There is no rest for the wicked as the Grammy award winning Mark Tremonti gears up to release the 4th studio album from his TREMONTI project and follow up to 2016’s Dust entitled A Dying Machine due for release on June 8th via Napalm Records. After being announced as the support for IRON MAIDEN on a string of European dates the band are looking to grab the spotlight with this effort and show everyone why they are a band not to be missed!

Bringer Of War charges into battle with monstrous opening riffs and thunderous drums setting the tempo at a blistering pace. The melodious tones of Tremonti‘s vocals integrate seamlessly alongside the frenzied riff attack before bursting into a powerful bellowing chorus. Mouth watering solo work puts an emphatic exclamation point on the opening track before From The Sky comes launching out of the gates. The infectious hard hitting riffs are an interesting blend of shredding mixed with an upbeat punk style vibe. Interlinked with soaring vocal passages the combination creates an anthemic blend of high energy which is destined for the stage.

Title track A Dying Machine keeps the vigorous bouts of riffing at a frenetic peak as the vocals are bursting with raw emotion. Waves of calm and chaos flow throughout as the razor sharp guitar work is clinically polished. Trust takes a steadier almost nu metal approach lead with prominent bass lines guiding the infectious grooves. In line with its predecessors it also comes equipped with an insatiably accessible chorus.

Throw Them To The Lions builds up the tension with an almost mechanical distorted riff before diving into a whirlwind of frantic intricacy and huge vocal hooks reminiscent of SACRED MOTHER TONGUE. The crunchy guitar tone creates an extra level of aggression to the track nicely teeing up the pulsating drum work and irresistible guitar work of Make It Hurt. Tremonti has most certainly found his sweet spot for creating memorable vocal patterns that entangle you in his conceptual vision for the album.

The clean inviting tones of Traipse flow into adrenaline fuelled hard rock beats which are so invigorating that they are headbang inducing. Further sublime solo work is displayed showcasing just how much talent Tremonti has in the tank as he effortlessly swaggers through a barrage of riffs creating one of the most flamboyant tracks A Dying Machine has to offer. After such a blast of pure energy The First The Last brings a more stripped back, emotional effort into the mix that portrays the feeling of heartbreak and loss. Being able to flawlessly rifle out fierce heavy tracks as well as having the ability to combine that with powerfully poignant ballads is a facet which a lot of bands have difficulty but in this instance it is executed eloquently.

A Lot Like Sin powers right back into punchy riffs and roaring vocal passages as the tempo begins to bubble up once more before the eruption of The Day When Legions Burned brings a battering ram of drums straight to your ears. This track possesses a thrash metal quality with fast paced fret work guaranteed to a churn up a maelstrom of circle pits if unleashed in a live setting.

As Silence Becomes is almost a polar opposite of its previous counterpart. Commencing with a slow yet elaborate acoustic passage as Tremonti wears his heart on his sleeve showing a distinct vulnerability in his lyrical content, creating an enthralling experience. Take You With Me raises the spirits with an almost pop punk melody bundled into speed injected shredding. It is no surprise that this track was released prior to the album launch as it is ridiculously catchy and possesses a radio friendly vibe which will hopefully grab the attention of a wider base of listeners.

Desolation feels like it has taken inspiration from ALTER BRIDGE comrade Myles Kennedy with a sombre yet intriguing acoustic tone. Short sharp snaps of heaviness cut through accompanied by some flamboyant but tasteful lead work as the album draws to a close. In line with the concept of A Dying Machine the final track Found displays ominous mechanical sounds chiming in the background whilst the tense beats provide the feeling of witnessing the credits roll after a blockbuster motion picture providing a moment of reflection as the album draws to a close.

It is always a fear when a particular project explodes in popularity that the others may fade into obscurity but with TREMONTI this couldn’t be further from the truth. A Dying Machine exhibits some of Tremonti‘s finest work all neatly shoehorned into a conceptual showcase of fascinating guitar work and captivating vocal passages. The novel which accompanies the release should provide further insight into what has proven to be a wealth of material to digest and savour.

Rating: 9/10

A Dying Machine is set for release on June 8th via Napalm Records.

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