Machines of Grace

Try imagining what a union of two former members of Savatage would sound like, and you'd think long epics in the grand prog metallist tradition, right? Well, judging from the self-titled debut release from Machines of Grace, the answer is not exactly. Featuring former Savatage members Zak Stevens (vocals) and Jeff Plate (drums), Machines of Grace do possess an unmistakable '80s flair about them -- but with a much more succinct and mainstream rock-based songwriting style (and with a decidedly more modern production to boot), cases in point being such tracks as the King's X-esque "The Moment" (which is directly comparable to the aforementioned band's early classic "Goldilox"), the acoustic guitar-driven "Innocence," and the riff-heavy "Fly Away." Possessing elements of both vintage and modern metal, Machines of Grace just may find themselves picking up fans of both hard-rockin' styles with their self-titled debut. ~ Greg Prato