Warrel Dane - Praises to the War Machine : From the Archives #12

2008 -  Century Media

By Phillip Smith; Written for FoundryMusic.com , July 6, 2009

Praises to the War Machine is the solo effort of Warrel Dane, lead singer of  Seattle band, Nevermore.  Collaborating with Soilwork’s guitarist Peter Wichers, and drummer Dirk Verbeuren, Dane has constructed a new heavy metal opus.  Praises to the War Machine doesn’t just tap its needle into the heavy metal vein of decades past, but plunges that sucker right in there.  I definitely pick up shreds of Black Sabbath, Ozzy, and Dio to name a few.  And that’s not a bad thing. 

First out of the gate, the guitar-heavy and melodic “When We Pray”  drives home the point, which Dane sings ‘nothing ever changes when we pray’.   Other heavy tracks include, “Obey” and “Equilibrium“.  “Obey“, reminds me a bit of Disturbed, and pounces upon the listener with vigorous guitar riffs.    

And lets not forget the ballads.  One in particular stands out, “Your Chosen Misery”.   This one seems a little out of place, when compared to the other tracks, as the vocals are contrastingly deep  for the lion's share of this song. 

The most interesting track however, is a cover of Paul Simon’s “Patterns” from the 1965 album, The Paul Simon Songbook.  Danes version, although tons heavier than the original, is still recognizable.  Check out the original and then listen to Dane’s version if you get a chance.   And definitely check this CD out.