Impellitteri - War Machine
(Frontiers Music SRL - 2024)
(Genre: Heavy Metal)
NWOBHM fused with 80’s American thrash metal. These heavy metal components are melded together with a modern sound and production at its core.
Impellitteri leads his ‘War Machine’ which boasts a lot of heavy artillery in its ranks, so you better watch out! Chris Impellitteri, Rob Rock, James Pulli and Paul Bostaph have produced an album full power and gusto.
Rob Rock’s vocals are on point for this style of ferocious paced heavy metal. He has nods towards Biff Byford, Rob Halford and Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens in his delivery at times. Album opener ‘War Machine’ ‘Beware The Hunter and ‘Light it Up’ all feel like Saxon songs at points. James Pulli’s bass work is tight and an integral piece of the overall power the band delivers. Pulli gets a moment to shine in ‘Gone Insane’ and ‘Power Grab’.
Paul Bostaph shows his pedigree on the drum kit with relentless power and drive. The former Slayer man really shows his quality on tracks like ‘What Lies Beneath’ ‘Hell on Earth’ ‘Power Grab’ and ‘Just Another Day’. As for Mr Impellitteri himself, he plays at full throttle throughout and certainly grabs the listeners attention. ‘Out of my Mind’ ‘Wrathchild’ ‘Gone Insane’ and the thrash metal style album closer ‘Just Another Day’ showcase his abilities the best.
‘War Machine’ is a solid 45 minute heavy metal skirmish that doesn’t quite manage to fully conquer this listener. I can’t fault the intent or effort produced from the 11 tracks on offer. It just never provides any truly great moments despite all its bravado.
6.5/10
By Carl Mace