Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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1.0 out of 5 stars
Why, December 14, 2008
I ordered this from Amazon along with all but their first album as I consider myself to be a huge fan of BOP from the moment I heard the song Stranger Days (To Come) from the Book Of Secrets album that featured vocal legend Lance King, unfortunately for me and I suspect for them also, Lance was either fired or left of his own accord over some kind of issue within the band. What he had done as vocalist though is give BOP their best 3 albums in my opinion, he turned their fortune around when he became vocalist on their 2nd and his debut, Book Of Secrets and they simply just improved with each release after, Ten More Tales Of Grand Illusion and Perfect Balance, the latter being my favourite. Shame that it was to be Lance Kings final album with BOP, next release being Heathen Machine with a new singer who's name I can't remember probably due to the fact that I believe he just cannot step up to the challenge of replacing a singer in the calibre of Lance King. Also I think the quality of the songs also suffers on this cd, just sounds all wrong, not a natural successor to Perfect Balance at all. It's as if they started from scratch, maybe trying to reinvent themselves or perhaps just to make a statement about having a new singer. Now I'm not saying that the new boy can't sing, what I'm saying is, in my opinion, he just can't follow Lance King and continue along the path that they were on with him.
For me BOP have had their greatest moment and as far as I'm aware they have not released any more new material since Heathen Machine other than Heathenology which is a best of compilation.
I simply cannot recommend Heathen Machine to anybody, whether you're new to BOP or a fan already but not got this yet. My advice is DO NOT get this, if you want BOP at their best, if you don't already have them, go and buy Book Of Secrets, Ten More Tales and Perfect Balance.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Balance of Power Actually Find Some.Power That is., February 21, 2004
I've heard this bands previous releases.Ten More Tales and A Perfect Balance.Not bad stuff.Always at least 1 or 2 kick a$$ tracks.
But one thing always bothered me.They kinda lingered between AOR and Power Metal.And the singer was'nt right 4The band.
Looks like I was'nt the only one who thought that because this album sees the debut of John K on vocals.And like the previous reviewer stated,he sounds remarkably like Geoff Tate.
And gone are the attempts at Pop/Metal.This is a Heavy Metal record.A well written and performed one.The actual promo sticker on the CD pacaging says"The follow up to Empire". Strange thing to say I thought,this is'nt Queensryche?
But after listening to it,you'll see that while the guy does sound like Geoff,the music is still Balance of Power.With a heavier edge.And combined they've created a sound of their own.
I think all fans of Queensryche,Dream Theater and even Savatage will find this to be an excellent album.
Best tracks are Heathen Machine,No Place Like Home,The Eyes of the World and Necessary Evil,a killer closing to the disc.
I've put this in my Top 10 of 2003,so you should put it in your stereo.Enjoy.
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4.0 out of 5 stars
Better than I anticipated!, February 19, 2004
Being a big fan of BOP, I was saddened to hear that Lance King left the band! I read some really good reviews of this album, so I gave it a shot anyway. Heathen Machine turnes out to be a really good prog/power metal album. BOP has maintained their signature sound, but have become a little heavier! The new vocalist, John K., does a great job replacing Lance! If you like Geoff Tate vocals, then you'll have no problem warming up to John K.'s style! The album is very consistent, so there are no filler songs. If you are a fan of prog/power, then Heathen Machine is well worth the new price! Stay heavy...
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by Balance of Power 
