Yes, I know! You’re kinda hesitant when it comes down to an album release by a so-called supergroup. I get it and probably I share the same feeling. After all, any self-respected fan of the melodic rock genre wants to invest on bands that are aiming towards a long career…at least, in theory. However, the case of The End Machine is vastly different in the sense that they are releasing their third album having already two excellent works to their credit. Moreover, the whole curation behind the production is done by Jeff Pilson so it goes without saying that the whole thing carries more special weight. Last but certainly not least, Frontiers has done a spectacular work in promoting The End Machine since the band’s inception almost 6 years ago. Let’s take a good look into the album now…
I won’t hide from you that I was skeptical at first due to the fact that the band chose vocalist Girish Pradham as Robert Mason’s replacement. You see, Pradham has a metallic timbre to his voice that is clearly less…compatible than Mason. However, listening to “The Quantum Phase” I realized that Pilson & Lynch have composed some hard rock dynamites that are invested and brought forth by a solid production while The End Machine’s trademark element of marrying the past with the present is clear and perhaps more emphatic than ever. Most importantly, Pradham has really outdone himself and shines throughout the album’s duration. As for Lynch…I think he’s totally in his element as every solo on the album is enjoyable and memorable.
I dare say that “The Quantum Phase” is The End Machine’s best work…and that’s saying a lot considering the two albums that preceded it. May they continue to record such remarkable works in the future.
Highlight: I wonder what would happen if these compositions ended up in Don Dokken’s hands and were brought out in the light of a Dokken record…
