MIKE MACHINE – Alive (Album Review)

Call the police! I’ve been assaulted! Should I mention that I enjoyed every minute of it! No, I’m not covered in bruises and broken bones, but the assault came from Mike Machine. A new, (but not completely) group hailing from North of Sweden in Pitea. The guys have moved into a more ’80s, Sleaze/Hard Rock sound. Formerly known as the power metal band, Cryonic, and a few albums under their belt with that moniker, Mike Machine has risen from the ashes and have created a masterful, hard rocking album. The album, aptly named MIKE MACHINE – Alive features Mike on vocals, Mikael on lead guitar, Crazze on bass, and Johnnny O’dee banging the drums. Signed to AOR Heaven Records in 2018, these guys are in great company with bands like Burning Rain, Creye, and Herman Frank, we can expect great music from them in the future.

From the opening track of, “Fight to Survive” you are treated to a simple, in your face, tune that puts out the mission statement, that they will fight to survive and are here to stay! If that doesn’t tell you the mindset of these guys I’m not sure your listening. I give you the next song, first single, and the title track, “Alive“.  This track along with great gang vocals on the chorus, and a driving drum beat, that will have you air drumming before you even realize you’re doing it. A fiery guitar solo, and well-written hooks, and you can see why it’s the single. Next up is a guitar-led tune called “Paradise” This is a feel-good party tune that will take you back to the era of long hair, and more makeup then your mother & sister combined.

Now, in true 80’s fashion, it’s time for the ballad. The title might make you think of the Bon Jovi track, but it’s not even close! “It’s My Life” is a powerfully well-produced tune, with great harmonies, and hooks this is one I doubt you’ll be pressing the skip button on. To follow that is, “In Your Dream“. A mid-tempo song that, in my ears sounds like something I already know, but can’t seem to place. Regardless of the familiarity, it’s still a good listen.

Finally on track six is, “Fireball“. This could be, (in my opinion) the next single.  A great tune, with sizzling hooks, harmonies, and fist pounding instrumentation. This one gets an A+ from me. In the seventh position on the album is “On and On“. At first listen I thought it was yet another slower tune, but thankfully I was wrong! This is another track that the chorus has a familiar feel to it. But even with that, it’s kind of like a warm blanket on a cold day, it’s comforting to have that feeling that you’re not straying far from what you know and love.

“Living On The Road” has got to be a very biographical tune. The title says what this one is about. However, the track is absolutely a great listen, and will have you moving again with every riff, and solo. In the second to last place is “Evil Mind“. Stunning instrumentals in this one. Not to take away from the catchy chorus, and vocals, but I simply loved the playing in this one. How appropriate is that the last track is titled “No More“. This is the way to finish an album. Hard hitting drums, machine gun guitars, with vocals that are right in your face! This could be another contender for a single off this album.

Mike Machine is a group that may have those 80’s influences proudly on their shoulders, but they are carving a niche out of all their own. It is possible that not every track is for everyone, but it’s definitely worth your time to listen. Well written, well played, and well produced. It will make you move, I promise you that!

Remember to always support the Music! #supportthemusic #rockisntdead

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Trevor “Psychoone” McDougall

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