Customer Reviews

Machines of Grace

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Warning...This CD has something for everyone.

If you like the softer,melodic rock you have "The Moment","This Time", and "Breakdown". If you want to let you hair down, you have "Psychotic", "Soul to Fire" and "Bleed".

The vocals,drumming,bass and guitars are all top notch. If you can't find one song on this CD that doesn't leave you humming the chorus...you need to go back to listening to Wham!!!!

Not for fly-by-night "rock" fans!!!

Just when you thought there would be a little wait for a new release from Zakk

here this comes and what a kickin release I just bought it from them on amazon mp3 version and every song rocks get it turn it up

This 2009 self-released, self-titled Machines of Grace album is an interesting one, as the band is new and old at the same time. Machines of Grace features former Savatage drummer Jeff Plate and vocalist Zak Stevens (also formerly of Savatage and now with Circle II Circle). Plate and Stevens - as well as guitarist Matt Leff - were in a band called Wicked Witch prior to joining Savatage, and Machines is more or less a revival of that band, as the album features songs that were originally written in the Wicked Witch days.

Machines of Grace's sound is hard to pin down. It's not the heavy power metal of Circle II Circle or the theatrical progressive metal of Savatage, nor is it the kind of hair metal you might expect from an early `90s band. The album straddles the line between accessible - almost mainstream - rock and melodic metal, kind of like Circle II Circle tempered with King's X and maybe Harem Scarem. This middle of the road approach means the album doesn't grab you right off the bat, but the songs definitely grow on you after a few spins. Stevens, of course, sounds terrific, and his vocals tend to dominate the album, but the musicianship is impressive as well.

Machines of Grace is not quite as good as the average Circle II Circle album, and it doesn't really come close to Stevens' work with Savatage (then again, nothing does). It is, however, a totally solid melodic hard rock/metal album that fans of Zak Stevens' powerful vocals are likely to enjoy. It should also appeal to fans of bands like Starbreaker, Jorn and Pretty Maids.

I've always been a big fan of Circle II Circle, and the way Z. Stevens is able to express such great emotion in his voice. The way he's capable of weaving his vocals is very special, and on "Machines Of Grace" he is without question at his very, very best. Machines Of Grace, unlike Circle II Circle, isn't really a metal band, they're much more of a mixture of hard / soft rock, and let me tell you, this debut is nothing short of an epic masterpiece. It's without question one of the finest, and most enjoyable releases I've heard in a long time...

I'm traditionally an old-school metalist, but I enjoy listening to good classic rock as well. Machines Of Grace is the best, and most creative band Z. Stevens has ever been a part of in my opinion. They possess the perfect balance I look for in a rock band. Most of the songs here are solid rockers, but there are also a few of the slower, more emotionally felt songs here as well, really good one's too! When it's all over, what you end up with, is the best of both worlds. When it comes to rock, Machines Of Grace are truly one of a kind, and this debut release is absolutely incredible. A must buy for anyone who enjoys quality rock...

~MJ~

I can't quite figure out what it sounds like but I get lots of Dio, Van Halen and the modern sound that most 80's hair bands are putting out today. Definitely the power rock/metal feel to it. Zak lends his unique vocals to this album to great effect. Not the typical bombastic product we might expect from Zak, but still worth the purchase. A good departure from his CIIC stuff which is like Diet Savatage. The guitar player Matt Leff adds some real grit to the sound, but shows his versatility through out the album. Matt's myspace has some good tunes on it. I'd do just about anything to get my hands on an album for Matt and Chris Rapoza's,the bassist, original Boston group Trigger Effect. They have a great dynamic together and it meshes perfectly with Zak and Jeff's experience. It has groove, melody, ballads, hard rock, metal, with a dash of prog thrown in to boot. I hope this isn't the only album they decide to put out.

Coming from a huge Savatage and TSO fan this disc is not what I expected at all. But I was happily surprised to find an amazing hard rock disc. Zach Stevens sounds amazing, and as an earlier reviewer said, this disc is very similar to King's X. If you are into hard rock at all you will find some great songs on here and if your a Savatage fan, be prepared to be surprised. This one is strongly recommended rock out

Wow! This is one awesome CD! I love it. I'm glad I stumbled across it. Pick it up, you will not be disappointed.

Iwas expection zakk to sound like savagtage and on some songs this band does.But much to my surprize most of it sounds like kings x or dogpound.On the moment he sounds just like doug and after that one the rest of it sounds like dog pound exspecially when the harmonies come in.Great songwritting great guitar riffs this cd hasit all,buy it you wont be dissapointed

The Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) has seemingly displaced Savatage; the baby has grown to overshadow the parent. Many TSO fans don't even know the legacy of Savatage, the late guitar-god Criss Oliva. Still Savatage lives on through its other offspring: Jon Oliva's Pain; Zak Steven's Circle II Circle; Al Pitrelli's O'2L; Chris Caffery's solo works. All have been well received, and received high marks for quality.

Machines of Grace ( [...] ) is project of 'tage's Zak Steven (vox) & Jeff Plate (drums) and two other Bostonian's Matt Leff (guitars) and Chris Rapoza (bass). I understand the songs were mostly written by Leff before the formation of MoG. Musically solid with lyrics standard fair for the genre. They are quite good, but IMHO, its doesn't quite meet the quality of Zak's other band Circle II Circle.Great debut, good studio work, but it lacks by too much performance over 'emotion'. Perhaps this is a result of performing material written before the band formed. If MoG continues, they'll need to gel in the give and take of writing & recording.