Warrel Dane's solo CD, "Praises to the War Machine"

[General Zod]

Although my appreciation for the music of Warrel Dane would most accurately classify me as a "fan boy", I had this disc sitting on my iPod for several weeks before I finally listened to it. And even then, I only did so because I was prodded to. Generally speaking, I find solo discs fall into one of two categories:

1. They suck.
2. If they don't suck, they sound too much like the musician's primary band. Such discs make me wonder why the "artist" felt the need to create a solo disc. Consequently, these discs strike me as selfish and egotistical. If you're in a band, than the success of that band should be where your full creative energy is focused.

Warrel's new disc is an exception. And I say this not because of my aforementioned "fan boy" status, but because of the quality of the disc.

What we have here is a true artist, who simply had more music to share, which didn't fit the context of his primary outlet. The music, melodies and vocal approach are all quite different from what he does in Nevermore. Stand out tracks include "August", "Brother", "The Day the Rats Went to War" and "Lucretia My Reflection" (a Sister's of Mercy cover). That said, the whole disc is very good. For what it's worth, I would definitely classify the disc as more of a "grower", than an instant listen.

The lyrics, as one should expect, are brilliant. The themes are either deeply personal or express Warrel's dark view on the world and mindless people who inhabit it. He again demonstrates why he is Metal's finest lyricist.

Peter Wichers' (former Soilwork guitar player) contributions should not be overlooked. He not only provides the perfect musical backdrop for Warrel, but also offers such a stark contrast to Jeff Loomis, that this disc never sounds like a Nevermore CD.

I'll be shocked if this disc doesn't finish in my Top 5 for the year.

Zod

 

[Rider of Theli]

fellow 'fanboy' status notwithstanding, I am looking very forward to getting a hold of this myself. Warrel is definitely one of my favorite metal singer/lyricists of all time. And this disc should be a breath of fresh air.

Thanks for the review Zod.

 

[VenomGA]

I found the cd sounds like Nevermore lite, not that it's a bad thing.

 

[MetalAges]

The tune I heard didn't do much for me, but maybe I should revisit just in case...

 

[rms]

Given it like 2-3 spins total, just reflects on me a weaker musical disc with more lyrical meaning..

 

[Palabra de Dios]

Sucks that this CD doesn't come out until May. I'll have to wait until then to hear it.

 

[The Invisible Guest]

I think it's a stud of a disc. I hyped it in a thread a while back, and it's maintained it's lofty position on my best of 2008 list. It's my #1 so far this year still.

Britt

 

[General Zod]

I think it's a stud of a disc. I hyped it in a thread a while back, and it's maintained it's lofty position on my best of 2008 list. It's my #1 so far this year still.

Yep. You were the one who made me finally give this a spin.

Zod

 

[kashford]

Awesome... sounds great.
I only recently got into Nevermore as my roommate gave me their three best CDs (in his opinion) to ease my way into listening to them.

The second I came to realize why reviewers compared the band Communic to Nevermore was the same moment I came to thoroughly enjoy Nevermore.

I cannot wait for this disk.

P.S. Rock Chalk Jayhawk!

 

[Metalmilitia2000]

I was so apprehensive about how this disc was going to turn out, knowing from several people that it was nothing really like Nevermore and such, but after about 5-6 listens I am very presently surprised about how it sounds. I really enjoyed it and think it is a disc that will continue to grow on me over time. I would definitely put it in my top 3 of the year at this point, the others made up of The Cavalera Conspiracy disc and the new Testament disc.

 

[DreamNeonBlack]

Great CD, nuff said.

 

[halcyonwayband@aol.com]

It's killer. Pete did a great job on it. So did Warrel. I think the best song, though, is "Lucretia My Reflection". I love Peter Murphy and stuff like that, so to hear it metallized is great.

 

[General Zod]

It's killer. Pete did a great job on it. So did Warrel. I think the best song, though, is "Lucretia My Reflection". I love Peter Murphy and stuff like that, so to hear it metallized is great.

I wish Warrel utilized his low range more often. It's very cool, and really offers a change of pace. I believe it's first time he's dusted it off since a few tracks on DNB.

Zod

 

[Dark One]

Solid release, no question. Need to spin it a few more times, but I think it separates itself from the Nevermore sound pretty effectively. Ironically, the one track where I do pick up a real Nevermore vibe, is the one that Loomis guest stars on.

Jason

 

[General Zod]

Ironically, the one track where I do pick up a real Nevermore vibe, is the one that Loomis guest stars on.

Do you mean with the solo or the music? I do believe he only solos on that song.

Zod

 

[Dark One]

The solo, definitely. But upon hearing it, it just somehow gives the song as a whole a Nevermorian feel.

Jason

 

[Burnout]

I guess this'll be the second excellent solo album from one of my favorite musicians out this year. I'm looking forward to it!

 

[The Invisible Guest]

The song Patterns just crushes...luv the whole cd......Even ordered the vinyl,,,,,,THis is just plain old great songwriting and the cover song is amazing...

It's a cover tune as well .. Paul Simon this time. I was not familiar with it or Lucretia, My Reflection prior to hearing either, but they are both terrific cover tunes.

If there is one knock at all for me it's that two of the best tracks are covers, but they are so different from the originals that I guess Warrel should get some credit for kind of making them tunes his own.

Britt

 

[General Zod]

If there is one knock at all for me it's that two of the best tracks are covers...

The two covers are indeed very strong. However, if I was ranking the CD's songs, "Lucretia" would be very close to the top, but "Patterns" would be in the middle of the pack. I'd put "The Day the Rats Went to War", "When We Pray", "August" and "Brother" (the vocals that lead into the chorus, and at the end of the track, just slay) all ahead of "Patterns".

...but they are so different from the originals that I guess Warrel should get some credit for kind of making them tunes his own.

I agree. However, I'd take it a step further. When an artist completely rebuilds a song, it shouldn't be called a "cover". To work within the framework set forth by the original artist and come up with something completely different, yet equally as good or better, may be more difficult than starting from scratch. We should differentiate between a simple reproduction of the original (a cover) and a complete reworking. I vote that songs that fall into this latter category be henceforth known as a "reimagining".

Zod

 

[The Invisible Guest]

I was telling Pat the other day that I would rank Praises To The War Machine ahead of a couple Nevermore albums .. namely the debut, and Enemies Of Reality. I think I have it right on par with Politics Of Ecstasy .. with maybe a chance of surpassing it in time. I think Dreaming Neon Black, and Dead Heart In A Dead World are clearly safe, and the Warrel solo has a ways to go to top This Godless Endeavor. I didn't take into account the EP.

Some would say you can't compare this solo disc with the Nevermore material, but all I can think of when I listen to it is that it could be a brand new release from Nevermore, and I'd be quite happy. Sure, it would be a bit different than the usual Nevermore output, but they have changed things enough from disc to disc that I think I could have been happy if Nevermore was plastered n the cover instead of Dane.

Britt