Craig B. (Zonker) from RENTON, WA Reviewed on 6/11/2007...
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CD Reviews
Science won't defeat my final words!
KingV | United States | 05/26/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"For those uninformed, Damn the Machine was the painfully short-lived act formed by Chris Poland sometime after his departure from Megadeth. One of the obvious reasons that many were probably turned away from the band's quirky music was because it is certainly not metal, despite what Poland's work in Megadeth might have led many to assume at the time. Released in 1992, Damn the Machine's debut record would also be their last. Despite its unique fusion of hard rock and jazz with a few progressive and metal trappings, the band received little support from the label and was dropped not long after the record's release, breaking up shortly thereafter. The disc remains an overlooked classic, however, as exemplified by the stunning musicianship, inimitable tones, and curious structures. Be warned that the vocals can take some getting used to. Admittedly when I first heard the band I had a hard time with the vocals myself, but with time I grew to love the vocals and the exceptional harmonies just as much as the music... so if the first listen doesn't quite click, give it some time to grow. I believe this album might have been reissued in recent years, though sadly it received about as much promotion as a well kept secret. Luckily for those that care, the CD should be rather easy to find for an inexpensive price, because people are idiots and don't appreciate great music when they hear it. Happy hunting..."
Damn the machine didn't go to the top.
William Dolph Johnson | Hauppauge, ny United States | 07/24/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"listen to this album and decide for yourself. Should they have disappeared like they did or could they have taken music to a different level and direction. Chris Poland, formally of Megadeth, changed his style from metal to a progressive type music that will grab your attention and hold it throughout the whole album."
Beyond expectations
J. Raimondo | Naperville, IL United States | 09/09/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album is best defined as a previous reviewer stated an "overlooked classic". Great songs, vocals and stellar musicianship, particularly the interplay between the two guitars and the vocal harmonies. Chris Poland's playing is ridiculously awesome, as always. I was lucky enough to see these guys live during what I'm sure was a very short tour given the amount of support they received from the label. If you're looking for Megadeth look elsewhere. If you're looking for great songs and original arrangements (think Rush meets late 80's/early 90's metal with a 3 digit IQ) then pick this album up if you can find it."
Underrated masterpiece
Sigitas Velyvis | Lithuania, Europe | 01/28/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Hey, this album is one of the most underrated records among all heavy/prog metal records! Ok, Chris Poland (ex-Megadeth) and his band Damn The Machine, went on tour back in 1993 after this release and played live together with such stars like Dream Theater, but they have never got the success they have deserved. The quality of this debut is so steady and solid, so even today it sounds fresh and unused. Their playing and songwriting style was so unique that I can't find any similar bands to compare with. Imagine Megadeth with a bit bluesy/fusion guitars and melodic clean vocals. Probably only Fatal Opera, the band of another ex-Megadeth musician Gar Samuelson, had similar vision of the music. Anyway, this album contains some beautiful pearls of intelligent metal/rock music, like "Fall Of Order", "Honor", "On With The Dream" or "Silence". There was also a strange video for the cool opener "The Mission" that I saw about 10 years ago at MTV's "Headbanger's Ball". It's a shame that this is the only one release by this very talented band. A must, especially for Megadeth fans!"