STEEL PROPHET – The God Machine

It’s been five years since Steel Prophet released Omniscient and their latest release introduces significant changes. They enlisted R. D. Liapakis (Mystic Prophecy, Devil’s Train) on vocals, songwriting, and production. The band identifies as a US Progressive Power Metal band. Though Liapakis’ broad influence makes it sound closer to the Power/Thrash Metal sound of Mystic Prophecy. Their Progressive influences occasionally are evident on slower tracks “Buried and Broken”, “Damnation Calling” and during the bridges of “Crucify” and “Fight, Kill.” Listeners who fear a vocal-favouring mix will be relieved to find restraint. One exception occurs, however, on “Buried And Broken” where the vocals are noticeably dominant. 

The title track leads with adrenalizing Speed Metal ferocity. It shares similarities in lyrics and style with Nevermore’s “Poison God Machine” which isn’t bad as both songs are excellent. “Crucify” maintains the aggression but mixes in layered vocals punching up the melodic impact of the chorus. This technique is used to even greater effect during “Thrashed Relentlessly” which downshifts into Melodic Metal without sacrificing impact. “Dark Mask (Between Love And Hate)” is another quality Melodic Metal offering which bookends four high-quality early songs.

The remainder of the album fails to chart above average with the exception of “Lucifer – The Devil Inside” and “Life = Love = God Machine.” Both songs bring a refreshing blast of Traditional Metal with the former laying down rapid-fire riffs reminiscent of Accept and the latter the powerful yet restrained riffs of AC/DC.

The band’s record label is hyping The God Machine as a high-quality metal album that will become an instant classic among Steel Prophet’s catalogue and one of the top albums of 2019. There are indeed some high-quality songs here though probably not enough to rank it as one of the year’s best. It remains to be seen whether Steel Prophet fans will overcome any angst regarding the band’s changes and label this a classic.

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TRACK LIST (Highlights: 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 10)

1. The God Machine
2. Crucify
3. Thrashed Relentlessly
4. Dark Mask / Between Love And Hate
5. Damnation Calling
6. Soulhunter
7. Buried And Broken
8. Lucifer / The Devil Inside
9. Fight, Kill
10. Life = Love = God Machine

LINEUP

R.D. Liapakis – Lead & Background Vocals
Steve Kachinsky – Lead & Rhythm Guitar, Keyboards
Jon Paget – Lead Guitar
Vince Dennis – Bass
John ‘JT’ Tarascio – Drums