The God Machine is one of better Blind Guardian’s issue during last 20 years, if not the best issue. From my humble point of view the band has continued where they stopped some 7 years ago with Beyond the Red Mirror, but it seems that now Hansi, Andre a& co. have decided to make more direct songs in comparing of what they did before. So, some songs from their previous album could easily be placed on their latest full-length as well, without any problems, so we could observe The God Machine as a natural musical development.

The God Machine has 9 well shaped songs, some of them are them are faster while some of slower but the quality is more then obvious. One thing that is more than obvious comparing to their previous releases is production which is more bombastic this time, much better I would say. The album starts with Deliver us From Evil which is already faster song but with very catchy chorus and interesting lyrical topic as well. The next song also follow the opening one while The Secrets of the American Gods is much different a slower song which slow development and quite bombastic refrain. Then we go to Violent Shadows another one with very fast speed metal riffing and amazing catchy like chorus. The 5th song is more written in style of The Secrets of the American Gods. A life Beyond the Spheres is another interesting well crafted jewel on the record.

The rest of the album somehow reflects the songs and the style from the first five tracks. I mean, Blood of the Elves is written in Deliver us From Evil or Violent Shadows style. So, its a very melodic approach to speed metal with furious riffing and melodic chorus and bridges. The same goes for the Architects of Doom. But, I have to say that I really like a ballad like song Let There Be no More, a simple song that perfectly catches the atmosphere of the album. Destiny is the perfect one for the closing of the story.

Anyhow, the waiting is over after almost 7 years and I do thing that funs of the band are more then pleased, The God Machine is a good and well balanced record, with very focused and direct song writing, It will be not legendary album but one thing is for sure it really great so see that the bands like Blind Guardian are still able to make a good records after 35 years. One thing is for sure this is one of the major releases in 2022, there no question about it.

Marko Miranovic 10

Nuclear Blast Records CD