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Most metal fans will know Warrel Dane as the singer of Nevermore and some remember Sanctuary, now he presents a solo album. For Praises To The War Machine he teamed up with ex-Soilwork guitarist Peter Wichers - who also produced the CD.
With heavy riffs When We Pray kicks off. Pumping bass and sharp riffs force them on. Vocally Dane partly sings deeper, but it's his unique style which make you recognize from the first line that it's Warrel. Beside melodic lines he adds angry words as well as some distorted parts which seem to come from far away. An cool tune which makes you interesting in the rest of the album. On Messenger he also shows the two sides of his vocal style - melodic, catchy parts and mean, angry words. The catchy ones aren't too different from Nevermore, but this meanness is. The tracks are more song-oriented, even if played skillfully. On Messenger none other then long-time mate Jeff Loomis added a guitar solo. But Nevermore fans will know it immediately. The drum beat Dirk Verbeuren delivers on Obey isn't the typical straight forward one and gives the song a different feel. Partly the guitar riffs take over, partly some guitar melody is laid upon the drum beat. The vocals are quite typical for the man from Seattle, but a bit deeper then usual. I've never been a fan of Sisters Of Mercy, but Warrel's version of Lucretia My Reflection really rocks! On of my favorites is August which partly reminds me of Nevermore, but also differs from his main band. A slow tune is Your Chosen Misery which shows a different side of Mr. Dane, even if towards the end it gets more powerful and heavy. At The Day The Rats Went To War you can hear a solo of James Murphy - on Let You Down Chris Broderick added one - and this song should hook up Nevermore fans immediately! Another highlight of Praises To The War Machine. With Nevermore he covered The Sound Of Silence, now Warrel chose Patterns of Paul Simon to cover. And as with the Simon & Garfunkel song he transformed the tune into his own style. I really like his way to do this covers! With the last track Equilibrium they really speed up at the end of the album, but it also holds some slow parts and a cool guitar solo.
With Praises To The War Machine Warrel Dane shows a side he can't always with Nevermore. The tracks are more song-oriented and so easy to get into. And even if he partly sings deeper, his unique style is recognizable. And that's good!!!
Well done!
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