German power metal quintet Generation Steel have a fresh lineup on its third release, Steelmachine. Band leader and rhythm guitarist Jack The Riffer is joined by Thilo Herman (Grave Digger, Running Wild, Risk) on lead guitar, Fabian Watermann on bass, Mike Stark (Stormburner) on vocals and Mark Laukel on drums. Thus, the band is comprised of grizzled metal veterans, but question is if these guys can deliver a solid album? The results are mixed but promising.
The title track opens the album, with kick drums plodding at mid-tempo and some by the numbers guitar riffs. Thilo throws out some shredding leads to liven things up. Stark’s vocals range from gruff to clean, but one can hear his range is slightly limited and he sounds best at a low to middle register. The chorus sounds foreboding, but the music does not quite match the mood. “Wings of Fire” moves with a slower groove and is an improvement over the previous song. The riffs have a fiery, Judas Priest tinge that drives the track forward, while Stark’s vocals sound much better. The guitar lead soars like a falcon and heightens the majestic mood of the track. “Witches Cross” speeds things up with searing riffs and a guitar leads that ends too soon.
“The Priest” commences with a mysterious guitar line that is joined by the bass and ferocious kick drums. The main riff is dark and uneasy, as Stark sings of a priest engaging in some diabolical ritual. The guitar lead is sinister, like something borne from a potion. “I Am The Storm” is straightforward metal anthem with its catchy chorus “The bringer of pain!” The next track, “Fields Of Pain” is another fast track with a jackhammer riff to match the pugnacious drumming. Thilo shines with a blistering lead that hits like a strafe of machine gun fire. “New Frontiers” features several tempo changes from fast to mid-tempo, but maintaining a manic feelings. “Island of Tragedy” is over eight minutes, and unfortunately does not conclude Steelmachine in epic fashion. The riffs convey a sense of dread and uncertainty, but the mid-tempo pace inhibits the track to explore the darker themes of the lyrics.
Steelmachine plays it safe too much, causing the album to dip in several spots. The band has a well of talent, particularly with the guitar duo, but the guitarists serve up mere doses of its potential. Thilo rips leads here and there, but it leaves the listener wanting more. Meanwhile, Jack will play some interesting riffs, before relying on standard power metal riffs. Now, this new lineup will need to build cohesion, but the talent is there. The album features nine tracks with a runtime of 41 minutes, which is perfect as the band does not meander too long. However, the album lulls in a few spaces which stifles the experience for the listener. Still, when the band finds its groove, it sounds excellent. The production is fine, with a sound reminiscent of power and speed metal albums from the 80s and 90s with a modern touch.
Generation Steel have the tools to etch its name in the power metal pantheon. Steelmachine shows a band with promise and talent, if only will it showcase its skill and not play typical power metal. Power metal fans should check out Steelmachine, but understand that the band is sadly holding back. Hopefully, the machine will fire on all cylinders on the next release.
Check out the band’s website here: https://www.generation-steel.de/
