"Man vs. Machine"
Siegen Records
By Vinnie Apicella The first thought that comes to me as the techno-charged Cyber-Metal comes thundering forth is that if Queensryche still sounded even remotely like this maybe they'd still be left with some degree of respectability by their original fanbase. But then again it's onwards and upwards right, so why dwell on what might have been. Look no further than straight ahead of you to catch a taste of what Mystic Force is all about. They've compiled the best elements of traditional Metal in much the same manner as an early Queensryche and brought it squarely into the future with an epic battle that pits man against machine and the merging of human element with technology. Resistance is futile as the swarming effects of a universally translucent musical pattern breathes progression in all the right places without steering clear of the almighty destructive elements at the core of its creation. Mystic Force, one of might and majesty, far beyond sheer human capability, there's another dimension yet to be discovered, tapped into here, ever so gracefully, but never completely realized. Crimson Glory first touched upon this synergistic breed of futuristic firepower, later explored by Voi Vod who flew more toward the open side of avant-garde and landed somewhat awkwardly before rediscovering their roots. Refer also to the progressive tactics of a Dream Theater or late model Fates Warning where progression maintains its position in but a small opening in this vast universe that houses a limitless array of resources still only hinted at but used to near perfection here. "Man vs. Machine" is a unique breed that twists and turns undaunted, yet always willing to accept change while consuming leftover particles of matter for later use-"Idiosyncrasy," "Identical Strangers," and the title track lay the groundwork quite succinctly as they yield not to the approaching of an impending cloud cover to humanity. rather accepting the terms, indigenously at times, but sharply firm in a passion for understanding and the quest to evolve. Much like the music of Mystic Force, this pattern is non-circuitous and still remains relatively scarce-an exciting journey still waiting to be taken by those with the vision to connect, develop and conceive that which lies on the other side. |
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