CoC : Killing Machine - Killing Machine : Review

Killing Machine - _Killing Machine_
(Candlelight, 2000)
by: Adrian Bromley (6.5 out of 10)

I'll admit, after the first listen of the opening title track, I thought this record was going to just stink to high heaven. The over the top progressive metal style vocals, the wanker guitar solos -- Killing Machine was showcasing all of these signs big time. Then came track #2, "Judgement Day", and my fears had subsided somewhat, as the band had toned down things a bit, and got real gritty with their playing as the disc went on. With members of W.A.S.P. (drummer Stet Howland and bassist Mike Duda), guitar player Peter Scheithaur and ex-Loudness singer Michael Vescera making up the pack, it is quite easy to write this off as a "super group" of sorts. Well it isn't. Far from it, my friends. Even though the band shakes things up a bit, I can't seem to get past the wanker-like guitar solos and the Slaughter-like (early '90s rock band) vocals of Vescera. This also sounds a bit cliche as it unfolds. A rocking debut for sure, but it is more "miss" than "hit".

(article published 25/10/2000)