Customer Reviews

Overworld

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

 

 

Length:: 3:46 Mins

Machinae Supremacy is a Swedish band that mixes Power Metal with up beat Electronica and Industrial elements to create a sound that is unrivaled. Metal fans should be warned if your into the heavier side of the genre as MS tends to teeter on the Rock/Metal wall. Known for still to this day distributing three albums worth of music over the internet for free, Machinae Supremacy is unprecedented in practically every aspect.

Overworld has a popish tint to it but the amazing ripping guitar parts and fast paced blast beats keep the Metal side of the music alive. Robert Stjärnström has a voice more aligned with goth rock than power metal, perhaps offputting to some even though he has a fine voice and again, this is one more reason not to label this band as just power metal. The techno/electronica is in fine form as it is used to add structure to the tracks rather then dilute the Metal edge of the music.

Songs such as the title track and opener "Overworld" have grandiose arrangements that give the song a more 'epic' feel. While others such as "Conveyer" tend to keep only subtle elctronica elements and allow a far edgier feel stand victorious. However one track on the album stands out above the rest, "Skin" the fifth track on the album is a combination of tranquility, fast catchy song structure and easily some of the finest guitar soloing on the album. If nothing else I advise getting your hands on at least that one track, it's in my opinion their best song to date.

All in all Overworld is not for everyone. Fans of traditional metal probably won't appreciate the hint of pop nor the Technoish keyboard pieces. However I do strongly encourage fans of Industrial, Electronica, Gothic and all the more obtuse and eclectic bands of the Metal scene to purchase this album. I would also suggest heading to their website and purchasing it as the price here is completely outrageous. Also I advise seeking out their other studio efforts Redeemer and the slightly more aged 'Deus Ex Machinae' which is not found on Amazon.com.

Furthermore fans of this style of music can download for FREE a massive collection of earlier tracks from Machinae Supremacy on their website. They are an incredible gifted and experimental group and fans with an open mind should be impressed with their attempts to stir familiar music in their own direction. Make sure to check out the Official Music Video for 'Edge and Pearl that I included with my review. Thanks for your time.

I couldn't agree more with the reviewer Sebastian Martin who put it very well. I came across the album thinking it would just be another so-so new rock album that you usually find but I really liked the sound upon hearing it and starting listening to it. After a few listens it has become one of my favorite albums to listen to right now and it comes with a new and refreshing style. They mix up the pace of their songs, mostly they are fast and energizing; sometimes they are slower and melodic and all are very inspiring. They also use these cool and unique electronic effects that remind me of something out of the game Mega Man that really work great with their sound as it drives the music along. Powerful and thought provoking lyrics are accompanied by outstanding guitar work and drums. Whoever produced the album or brought all the sounds together and composed the little tweaks and effects really did an outstanding job, the quality of this production seems second to none as I'm listening to it on my headphones. Overall, I would say that there's nothing I would think that should be done differently because it's all just so amazing.
It's so hard to find new undiscovered artists that make outstanding music but this is definitely one of them! They're from Sweden which is probably why they're not quite as popular in the US yet but look at other foreign bands like H.I.M. who are from Finland, who make unbelievable music but if it weren't for the exposure given to them in the US by the popular Bam Margera, not nearly as many would know them either.
I'm definitely glad that I came across this album and recommend it.

Machinae Supremacy have developed a great deal. Even though their older songs (downloadable for free at their website) are good, they can't compare to "Overworld". This record is chock-full with amazing songs.
You might not realize this on the first two or three reruns, but after listening to this record for a while, every single song stands out as a masterpiece. They are inspiring, motivating, but some are also sad and thoughtful. The lyrics are well written and meaningful, sung very emotional.

So if you like Machinae Supremacy, this is a must-buy and if you are looking for new and powerful rockmusic, check it out too.

Machinae Supremacy has found a stellar balance between 80's inspired speed/thrash metal, punk rock urgency and attitude, and synth-heavy industrial coldness. No blast beats, no death growl vocals, but the riffs are thick and heavy, the vocals are desperate and soulful, and the synthesizers vary from cheesy video game loops to eerie dystopian atmospherics. There are solos a-plenty and the album as a whole has a soaring, majestic sound, like rays of sunlight struggling to pierce through a blackened sky. This isn't meandering background music- Overworld arrests the listener's attention and pummels them with aggression and gloom.

Machinae Supremacy has always been an interest of mine musically, but it wasn't until this album came out that I really began to love their music. I think the band has matured with age into a very interesting and fun band. As the inventors of SID-metal I think it's only fitting that they're the best-in-class.