Machinae Supremacy are part of the new breed of bands, who rather than ignore the downloading phenomenon have embraced it. They have spread their music to the world via their website, with some 100,000 song downloads per month.

They even went one step further, by releasing this album via their web shop earlier this year, the band recouped the albums production costs within hours of the album going on sale!

Eventually common sense prevailed and Spinefarm Records contacted the band and signed them to a more traditional record deal.

The Spinefarm version of Redeemer, has been re-mixed, now I don't own the original release, so I can't tell you how this version differs from the original, what I can tell you is, all the fuss, the hype, are all more than justified, with the sounds of 'Redeemer'.

The bio sheet does describe, Machinae Supremacy, as a unique ,mixture of metal, soundtrack and video game music.

But for me they are almost a modern blend of Linkin Park and the legendary art rockers, X-Japan, mix that with a hint of a more punkish style of vocal and Machinae Supremacy have come up with a pretty distinctive sound.

I haven't mentioned the dreaded 'Nu-metal' phrase just yet and to be honest, there is no need, the only new thing on off here is eleven great songs, that are as addictive as they are stylist and superb. Not a dud to be found, all songs offer enough hooks to warrant repeated listening and you will be pressing play again and again.

Even though 'Redeemer' is almost instantly addictive, there is enough going on in the songs, that with many listens the whole soundscape of Machinae Supremacy, enfolds right before your ears.

Stand out tracks? Well, if I had to pick one, it would be the more restrained bliss of, 'Ghost (Beneath The Surface)',but everything on offer here is of an evenly good standard, musicianship is top notch and production is, very sharp, crystal clear.

If you haven't heard Machinae Supremacy already, what are you waiting for?

*****

Review by Graham Boyle

Band website