UMUR
"The Final Cull" is the 2nd full-length studio album by multinational Power/thrash metal act One Machine. The album was released through Scarlet Records in September 2015. One Machine was formed in 2008 by guitarist Steve Smyth (Nevermore, Testament, Forbidden, Vicious Rumors, Dragonlord...etc.).
There have been a couple of lineup changes since the release of "The Distortion Of Lies And The Overdriven Truth (2014)" as lead vocalist Mikkel Sandager (Mercenary) has been replaced by Chris Hawkins (Endeavour), bassist Tomas “O’Beast” Koefoed (Mnemic) has been replaced by Stefano Selvatico (Savage Messiah), and drummer Raphael Saini (Chaoswave) has been replaced by Michele Sanna (Coma). The only remaining members from the lineup who recorded the debut album are Steve Smyth (guitars, keyboards, backing vocals) and Jamie Hunt (guitars, backing vocals). The latter was a member of Biomechanical from 2001 to 2007 and released three albums with them.
The reason for mentioning Jamie Hunt´s past in Biomechanical is not a random idea as there are clear references to that band´s output in the music on this album. The same can be said about most of the artists that Steve Smyth has been involved with over the years. Stylistically we´re dealing with an energetic and powerful US power/thrash metal style, with hard edged riffing, heavy- and faster-paced beats, blistering guitar solos, and a screaming raw type power metal vocalist in front (keyboards occasionally also play a part). Regarding the vocals I didn´t even notice that there had been a change on the lead vocalist spot, so Chris Hawkins overall as a very similar voice and delivery to Mikkel Sandager, although upon repeated listens it is revealed that he generally sounds a bit more raw. I´m also often reminded of John K. (Biomechanical).
The material on the 9 track, 44:28 minutes long album is generally well written, powerful, and for the most part quite catchy and memorable. There´s a good balance between the melodic and the more raw and powerful side of the band´s sound. The futuristic atmosphere of the release provides the music with an epic quality that works well. With the names involved it´s no surprise that the musicianship is on a high level on all posts, and as "The Final Cull" also features a professional and well sounding production it´s overall a high quality sophomore release by One Machine. To my ears it´s a step up from the debut album and a 3.5 - 4 star (75%) rating is deserved.