Review: Man Made Machine – Undeniable
Artist: Man Made Machine
Album: Undeniable
Rating: 5/5
Prior to Godsmack’s MassChaos 2012 tour, I had never heard of the hard rock sensations that are Man Made Machine. Their debut album, Become, sat in my player for almost a year after seeing their show, though. To say that these guys are impressive is a massive understatement. While Become, focused more on their hard rock side, the follow-up EP to that release Undeniable, adds elements of metal and shows a much heavier side of the band. What led to this decision is unclear to me but I’m definitely on board! This is a band that is chalk full of energy and won’t hold back on their crowds or listeners. I’ve noticed that some of the nicest people make the most devastatingly heavy music out there, which may be an odd concept to a fan outside of the metal genre but true metal-heads know not to judge a book by its cover. Image is not always everything. Man Made Machine will kick your ass from the stage, leave you completely drained emotionally, physically and spiritually but then they will come down, meet you and sit down for a beer and a conversation. This is one of the main reasons that I am so fond of the rock/metal genres.
Undeniable is relentless from beginning to end, featuring the first all-out screams I’ve heard from vocalist Joe Cotela. It contains everything you may have loved on Become, only cranked up to 11 and ready to tear you inside out! These 6 tracks, while heavy musically, all have different themes and, in particular, “Fight For You” is pretty heavy thematically. It’s about that feeling we get when we’re reaching a low point in our lives and the one question you have: “Who will be there for me when I hit rock bottom?”. It’s true that we always find out who our true friends are when things get the roughest. This track is about the struggle with that question.. it’s a “call to arms” track, if you will. You will fight for the ones you love but will they fight for you?
The next track I want to talk about is “Death of You” which has Cotela almost sounding like Jacoby Shaddix (Papa Roach). The track, at times, even sounds almost like a “Getting Away With Murder” part two. Despite these similarities, it’s one of the best tracks on the EP both musically and lyrically. This track, lyrically, deals with the struggles in an abusive relationship. You know your partner is being unfaithful, deceitful or lying to you about something… you plan out how you’ll end it but you’re too wrapped up. We’ve all been there… all it takes is one last push to end it but sometimes it never even gets to that point. For some reason or another, that person leaves YOU and you’re in both a melancholy and blissful state at the same time. You don’t want to believe it’s over, but at the same time you’re relieved that this heartless person is gone from your life.
If Man Made Machine wasn’t already on your radar, Undeniable will definitely put them there! If you ever get a chance to go see these live… you don’t want to miss it. I have a feeling that these songs will be even more devastating and amped-up live! If you are a fan of hard rock, in any sense of the word, you will want to check this EP out. It’s definitely a highlight of my year. Pick up Undeniable on any of your favorite digital retailers and discover the rebirth of hard rock! It’s Undeniable that Man Made Machine will capture your attention!
