UMUR
"Building Errors in the Machine" is an EP release by US, Chicago, Illinois based thrash metal act Cyclone Temple. The EP was released through Progressive International in 1993. It bridges the gap between the band´s debut- and second full-length studio albums "I Hate Therefore I Am (1991)" and "My Friend Lonely (1994)". Cyclone Temple was left without a label when Sony BMG purchased Combat Records's parent company Relativity Records, and shortly after decided to shut down Combat Records. Therefore Cyclone Temple was forced to a label change.
Cyclone Temple was formed in 1989 after Greg Fulton (Guitar), Scott Schafer (Bass), and John Slattery (Drums) split with Debbie Gunn (Sentinel Beast) and thereby ending their former band Znöwhite. They enlisted Brian Troch who performed vocals on "I Hate Therefore I Am (1991)", but on "Building Errors in the Machine", Troch has been replaced by Marco Salinas.
The EP features 6 tracks and a full playing time of 29:52 minutes. The closing track is a CD bonus track though, which was common to include on the CD version of releases in those days and omit from the vinyl and Cassette tape versions, to further the sale of the CD media. The music style is thrash metal, influenced by artists like Metallica, Testament, and Anthrax (the influences are heard at various points throughout the album). There´s an occasional alternative edge to the music too though, which isn´t surprising considering the year of release. The bonus track "The Law of Relativity" even features rap vocals. As such Cyclone Temple´s core sound is intact here though.
What makes the EP a slight disappointment compared to the pretty strong debut album is the sound production. It´s obvious the band lost label support and had to record the EP on a much lower budget than the case was when recording the debut album (which features a very well sounding production). The guitars and the drums sound pretty thin here, and it´s like the music never truly reaches the listener. The music is relatively well written, but not exceptionally catchy, and the musicianship is decent too. Salinas is a worthy replacement for Troch, and performs his parts with both passion and conviction.
Upon conclusion "Building Errors in the Machine" is a step down from "I Hate Therefore I Am (1991)" and it´s hard not to feel disappointed that such a promising debut isn´t followed up by another strong release. A 3 star (60%) rating is warranted.