One-time Megadeth guitarist Chris Poland is the lead guitarist of Damn The Machine (DTM from now on). I saw this record and thought "hell, this looks like a Megadeth record"... But that's not a big surprise when looking at those song titles and cover artwork, which is created by Hugh Syme, the man who designed Megadeth's 'Countdown to Extinction' (1992) and 'Youthanasia' (1994). DTM offers some kind of progressive and light really far away thrash metal derivative which does sound very North American.

Even though all those connections between these two bands, DTM succeed to sound of themselves, and do it truly easily. DTM utilize more tempo changes and different tempos in general. The bass guitar, by David Randi, plays a huge role in the band's music; just listen to that bass riff on 'Honor' for example. Somehow it reminds me of David Ellefson... Okay, let's leave these Megadeth comparisons after this one: DTM are lighter in their musical output than Megadeth. This is metal, but also takes influences from rock and whatever lighter forms of music. The sound is very clear and unusual for a metal record, maybe too clear and light for many a metal head.

Vocalist Dave Clemmons (also the second guitarist) is one "thumbs up" thing of DTM. His singing is definitely quite individual and also fits extremely well with the music. He's not a typical metal vocalist, but more like a rocker, which makes it even better. He can adapt well to the musical feelings that these songs require, whether they are balladish, or heavier thrashing (yes, there's some of it). The lyrics portray the nation's downsides, but does it with style and intellectual approach. All the instruments are performed with utmost skill, not forgetting the energy. The guitar sound is, well, individual (can't think of any other word for it, sorry!) and portrays Chris Poland's emotional style perfectly.

'Damn the Machine' is, I guess, one of those forgotten and little-known gems from United States of America. This is also the only record the band put out. Light progressive metal treat for fans of country's musical exports, such as Megadeth, Metallica and even Testament, and more progressive bands such as Fates Warning and Psychotic Waltz. The lightness it carries can be a good thing or a bad thing, so you have to make your own mind! It says a lot that I listen to this after all these nine years... Okay, there's a few more uninspiring songs, but in a whole this is a cool and individual record (seems to be a keyword here...). Balladish 'Silence' is one of highlights, others are definite killer tracks 'Countryside' and 'Humans'.

Update on 8th September, 2021:
This album is fantastic; it is unique, enticing and a definite grower! I have often revisited it throughout the years, and it simply gets better and better, every bloody time I listen to it. Incredible. Aforementioned "uninspiring songs" have grown on me, totally. Sadly, this was meant to be the sole album by the band... Anyway, it deserves a "honorary mention", and as the original score 7+ was lame, let's pump it up to... - Lane

Rating: 9 (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
05/15/2002 00:01