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Guilt Machine - On This Perfect Day CD (album) cover

ON THIS PERFECT DAY

Guilt Machine

 

Progressive Metal

3.91 | 201 ratings

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Mellotron Storm
Prog Reviewer
3 stars This is Arjen Lucassen's latest project called GUILT MACHINE. He's enlisted Lori Linstruth on lead guitar, Chris Maitland on drums and Jasper Steverlinck on vocals.This is supposed to be a permanent band and not a "one off" side project. I have to admit to not being an AYREON fan at all. That project for me is like listening to a Prog musical, and I really dislike musicals. No matter how good the vocals and instrumental work is, and who the guests are, to my ears it's like listening to a musical. Did I mention I really dislike musicals ? Anyway the only side project that Arjen has been involved in that i've liked is STREAM OF PASSION's debut. It sounded nothing like AYREON to me unlike STAR ONE or GUILT MACHINE both of which bring AYREON to mind too often for my tastes. The vocalist here can really sing. He really reminds me of MUSE's singer especially when he "lets go". Did I mention i'm not a fan of MUSE's singer ? I think you know where this is going. Which is a shame because I love how atmospheric this album is.

It's pretty cool how each song opens with samples of people speaking. These were submitted by fans all over the world in various languages speaking their thoughts on guilt, regret, life, death and human nature.

"Twisted Coil" opens with words in Dutch (female) then German (male) as drums and synths create atmosphere. Vocals are reserved 1 1/2 minutes in then we get those backing vocals that bring AYREON to mind right away. They return later as well. Some cello in this one too. A Polish female vocal sample arrives 3 1/2 minutes in. Jasper sings with passion a minute later. The song kicks in after 5 1/2 minutes with riffs. Processed vocals follow. It settles with violin before 9 1/2 minutes. A calm with follows before it kicks back in. "Leland Street" opens with atmosphere as female Chinese words then male French spoken words come in. It turns spacey reminding me of PORCUPINE TREE. Reserved vocals 1 1/2 minutes in. It kicks in and contrasts continue. "Green And Cream" opens with Swedish then Japanese spoken words both male. Cool sound right here with drums and keyboards. Vocals after 1 1/2 minutes. It sounds like AYREON vocally before 4 1/2 minutes then it kicks in heavier. A change after 5 minutes with processed vocals and Arjen's vocals. Not a fan of this section. I do like the guitar before 8 minutes and the atmosphere that follows. Spanish spoken words before 9 minutes. More AYREON-like vocals follow.

"Season Of Denial" opens with Finnish then Bulgarian spoken words. Sounds like mellotron and a relaxing melody. Vocals and backing vocals join in. Violins here and acoustic guitar. Some mandolin too. It turns heavy before 5 minutes. Some great vocals from Jasper 8 minutes in heaviness follows. "Over" opens with Norwegian then Russian spoken words as a beat and keys follow. Vocals around a minute. They do get passionate. Organ comes and goes. Guitar solo before 3 1/2 minutes. The vocals shine later. "Perfection ?" opens with spoken Portugese then Hungarian words. As usual we get this beat with atmosphere. The vocal style here really reminds me of Tim Bowness from NO-MAN. It kicks in before 4 1/2 minutes. Settles again before 6 minutes with those Bowness styled vocals. A nice guitar solo follows. Spoken Italian words end it.

Forgive me if the languages of the messages are wrong. I really think this is going to get some high marks. It's modern sounding with atmosphere and a vocalist most will love.

Mellotron Storm | 3/5 |

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