Time Machine Reviviscence (Liber Secundus)
Lucretia Records 2004
By Jason Jordan
Perusing the liner notes of Reviviscence (Liber Secundus) provides a daunting glimpse into Time Machines latest opus. All the musicians, guest musicians, band history, album concept explanation okay, maybe theyre not Haggard, but looking through the booklet definitely raises expectations for the subsequent interaction with the group.
Obscurity Within provides a theatrical intro for the band, and sets the stage for Rotten Souls. The latter is a robust exemplification of proper-if-not-indulgent guitar soloing. Rotten Souls has a good rhythm to it, but the average vocals left much to be desired. The musicianship, though, is most assuredly Time Machines strength. Reviviscence conjures images of Symphony X, while Sivos vocals became more operatic in turn becoming more apt to impress. Sator is an instrumental, piano piece, which functions as an interlude. Angel Lucifer seems overly stagnant and forgettable to briefly sum it up. Burning Crosses, like Sator, is an interlude. Grains of Sand presents the formulaic material effectively, but meanders a little too much with the inclusion of lengthy, guitar solos. Alhambra is a tranquil interlude, which leads into the sitar-laced Tears of Jerusalem. The latter sounds like an homage to Samael, but quickly morphs into a rather melodramatic exercise. The Calling is a five-minute instrumental and is cool as hell. The guitar solos, exquisite programming, and engaging riffs really lift this track to greatness. Seeds of Revolution doesnt feature anything remarkable except blistering mandolin solos. Revelation, the last song, fails to rally much emotion or positive feedback.
Chances are that if youre already a Time Machine fan then you have this. If not, Reviviscence (Liber Secundus) wont spontaneously make you scavenge for the aforementioned or any release by Time Machine for that matter. Its a relatively safe investment for fanatics, though.
7.5/10
Official Time Machine website
Official Lucretia Records website
Lucretia Records 2004
By Jason Jordan
Perusing the liner notes of Reviviscence (Liber Secundus) provides a daunting glimpse into Time Machines latest opus. All the musicians, guest musicians, band history, album concept explanation okay, maybe theyre not Haggard, but looking through the booklet definitely raises expectations for the subsequent interaction with the group.
Obscurity Within provides a theatrical intro for the band, and sets the stage for Rotten Souls. The latter is a robust exemplification of proper-if-not-indulgent guitar soloing. Rotten Souls has a good rhythm to it, but the average vocals left much to be desired. The musicianship, though, is most assuredly Time Machines strength. Reviviscence conjures images of Symphony X, while Sivos vocals became more operatic in turn becoming more apt to impress. Sator is an instrumental, piano piece, which functions as an interlude. Angel Lucifer seems overly stagnant and forgettable to briefly sum it up. Burning Crosses, like Sator, is an interlude. Grains of Sand presents the formulaic material effectively, but meanders a little too much with the inclusion of lengthy, guitar solos. Alhambra is a tranquil interlude, which leads into the sitar-laced Tears of Jerusalem. The latter sounds like an homage to Samael, but quickly morphs into a rather melodramatic exercise. The Calling is a five-minute instrumental and is cool as hell. The guitar solos, exquisite programming, and engaging riffs really lift this track to greatness. Seeds of Revolution doesnt feature anything remarkable except blistering mandolin solos. Revelation, the last song, fails to rally much emotion or positive feedback.
Chances are that if youre already a Time Machine fan then you have this. If not, Reviviscence (Liber Secundus) wont spontaneously make you scavenge for the aforementioned or any release by Time Machine for that matter. Its a relatively safe investment for fanatics, though.
7.5/10
Official Time Machine website
Official Lucretia Records website
