MECHINA - Bellum Interruptum

Review by Chris Magdalenski

Symphonies That Span Lightyears: A Review Of Bellum Interruptum by MECHINA

A hiss of hydraulics. The buzzing rumble of machinery methodically grinding into place. The leaden thud of steel doors closing, followed by robotic clicks and snaps of industrial locks engaging. The sounds waste no time shifting me into a different headspace — a different world far from this one, both in distance and in time. In the background a voice, direct and dispassionate delivers instructions about prepping for cryo-sleep.

It’s clear I’m about to go on a trip…

Theres’s no denying that Illinois-based symphonic metalers Mechina know how to build worlds with their music. The sci-fi movie opening to the album’s first track, “The World We Saved 2025” sets the stage for what’s to unfold over the next eleven tracks —nothing short of an epic journey across the stars. 

In true space-opera fashion the first two tracks start us off in fearlessly epic fashion, clocking in at 14:55, and 18:06 respectively. Each is a story in themselves, utilizing the same genre enhancing sound effects to create a sense of place and time. But once the music kicks in it becomes clear the band is more than slick storytelling production. Heavy riffs and catchy hooks blend with a bombastic symphonic flair that make for a truly great listening experience. 

Musically, each track is skillfully crafted with the production to match, with vocalist Melissa Rosenberg helping to hold everything together with her powerfully urgent vocals. 

Over the past week I’ve come back to this album again and again, continually impressed by and drawn into the world Mechina has created with Bellum Interruptum. With twelve previous albums under their belt this should be no surprise, and I will be no doubt diving into their back catalog in the days to come. 

I would encourage you all to do the same!

For more MECHINA, visit https://mechinamusic.bandcamp.com/

Jesse Mach - The Dice of Doom

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Jesse Mach’s The Dice of Doom tells the story of a group of American teenagers in the 1980s playing a fateful game of Dungeons and Dragons—a game that will forever alter their world. This is an album that creates an evocative atmosphere, mingling nostalgia, a sense of adventure and fantastical worlds. Jesse Mach reveals this world to us through engaging guitar performances, atmospheric synth sounds and melodies that capture all of the drama and danger of the tale which unfolds across these tracks.

It’s the sense of atmosphere and mood that first stands out to me on The Dice of Doom. Through the use of melody, harmony and sound, Jesse Mach weaves a story full of hope, camaraderie and unbelievable danger. All of the different musical elements evoke an exploration across a threatening and beautiful world, telling the story of this band of teenagers facing a quest they could never have imagined.

Of course, no Jesse Mach album would be complete without gripping, skillful guitar performances. He has mastered his instrument and uses it to express a full range of emotion and feeling. Between his soloistic skill and choice of guitar tones, Jesse Mach lays out the world he's imagined through thrilling and complex solos and melodies.

Speaking of melodies, The Dice of Doom showcases more excellent melodic writing from Jesse Mach. He writes melodies that evoke the moods and sensations of the story he tells, capturing danger along with triumph and tragedy. Each track serves as a chapter in the story and the melodies within that chapter reflect the tale being told.

I also enjoy the choices Jesse Mach has made with the synths on The Dice of Doom. He combines all of the different sonic capabilities of synths to further deepen the feeling of immersion he creates in this album. I enjoy the way he uses synths like a film director uses shots and angles—to help convey the world revealed in the album.

The artwork choice reflects the mood and emotion of the album, but it would be nice to see a collaboration with one of the many talented artists in the scene to deepen the imagery’s human touch.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

"The Last Game Night" comes into being as a tenderly hovering synth slowly undulates into open space. Pulsating bass moves with muscled vigour as the huge drums rebound and the synth oscillates with glowing light. A sense of dreamy melancholy flows from the synth as it climbs upward. The drums are hard-hitting and shaping, while a tide of lucent notes washes past.

The main melody slips by, captured by the scintillating synth, exuding wistful nostalgia. The touching emotion that rises in me is deepened by the sparkling guitar, carrying a soothing melodic pattern. The drums rebound, the softly waving synth floats and Jesse Mach’s guitar moves with an emotive spirit—crying out in a melody that mingles hope and a sense of change as it circles through the music.

Below it, the drums throb and the bass surges. Jesse Mach’s solo is richly intertwining and full of feeling as the bending, glimmering synth rises and the guitar strums through the music with easy warmth—before soaring to the sky as the track ends.

Wildly racing, digitized-sounding notes speed past to commence "Trial by Steel." The rushing note pattern creates tension while a steadily swelling glow fills the background. Now, the drums and bass launch. An effulgent synth rebounds rapidly as the drums touch the music and Jesse Mach’s guitar carries the rousing and uplifting melody.

The bass is angular and powerful while the drums rebound and the guitar flies out with hope and dynamism. I enjoy the exhilarating liveliness in Jesse Mach’s guitar performance as smoothly flickering notes dance in the background. The low end has a guiding weight as the guitar is doubled with a trumpeting synth that blasts out with sunlit verve.

The guitar sings out with motivating energy while the drums continue to press on. Smoothly eddying synth shines as the guitar carries a solo that reaches for the sky, exuding a sense of triumph and forward motion while the track drives on. The arcing, madly intertwining motion of Jesse Mach’s fingers draws out even more abandoned strength as the round-sounding synth notes spin. We return to the main melody as it jumps outward with an indomitable spirit before the track ends.

“Barbarian’s Awakening” launches as a roughly swelling synth undulates while a pounding kick drum moves underneath. Jesse Mach’s guitar cuts in with ferocious energy as twirling arpeggios sparkle and the drums rebound. Now the victorious melody rises with nobility and honor, carried on the richly toned guitar. A bending synth echoes the melody, unfolding a sense of adventurous strength and the will to fight.

The way the track represents the story the artist wants to tell fits perfectly. Distant sounds hover and twist as the rumbling bass begins to pulse quickly again. The bass swells and Jesse Mach’s guitar flies once more, howling with intense strength, lending an unstoppable warrior spirit.

An entangling, swirling, bending synth moves along with gnarly electric bass while the guitar wheels and climbs through tightly interlocking notes above the pounding drums. The guitar evokes a madly fought battle—warriors struggling with each other for supremacy. The main melody returns with the feeling of a fight won.

Colossal drums pound as a dark bass cuts with angular motion to kick off “The Path Unwritten”. Swirling, razor-edged synth sweeps past as warmly echoing notes wind around it above the steady drum beat. A ticking hi-hat adds rhythmic motion while the bass oscillates and the raised notes exude a mysterious light, shaped by the driving percussion.

A sneaky synth creates a feeling of careful movement through dangerous territory. A fluting sound flows with serene delicacy while the heavy drums and bass throb. Washing notes flow in a scintillating tide as a worshipful synth carries a meditative melody. lapping notes in the distance underpin the enigmatic guitar as it moves with enchanted grace.

Jesse Mach’s guitar calls out, carrying me away as we travel down this strange and twisting path together. Mingled muscle and a hint of tentative caution fill the guitar lines before the track ends.

“Dice of Doom” comes into being as intensely charging bass moves with a gliding synth while sharply string-like sounds echo. The undulating drums and bass accelerate with unrelenting force into the openness around them. Glittering synth with a cutting edge twists through the music.

The rapidly rippling notes are rounded and intense as a cold wind sweeps through the soundscape. Spinning notes are joined by the heaving, dangerous-feeling low end while the crystalline synth rises. Refulgent notes leap with a sense of foreboding above the crushing drum and bass heartbeat.

Crackling, shivering notes move with spectral voices as the drums accelerate for a moment and Jesse Mach’s guitar rises above the music with adventurous nobility tinged by a sense of threat. Darkness surges around the incandescent notes, filling the shadows with light. The guitar solo is raging and dramatic, calling to me with its feelings of ominous portent. Slightly rough-edged, feverishly radiant notes glide past as the thunderous low end fades to silence.

“Trapped Into the Game” begins with rapidly pounding drums and an angular, tumbling synth that leap to kick off the energy. Towering bass thunders as the broadly dazzling synth carries a dramatically energetic melody, while the drums form an unstoppable heartbeat. A trumpeting synth creates a sense of unending action, while piano-like notes flash above the propulsive low end.

Darkly gleaming synth carries the victorious, shadowy melody while the drums continue to burst. Surging strength fills the music and urges it onward, while effulgent synth chords glide, tinged by threatening sounds. The way in which this track conveys lurking danger is enjoyable for me.

Lushly echoing, trembling synth fades into silence and strangely bending sounds wobble along with the massive drums and bass. The fierce low end batters unstoppably before the track ends on the arcing melody.

Conclusion

The Dice of Doom is a stirring and entertaining adventure told through music. As I listen to the album and read the story that accompanies it, I can feel myself in the place of the characters. The music fully immerses me in the storytelling and transports me to a magical world full of high strangeness and danger.

Qnaut - Screen Memory

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Qnaut’s Screen Memory sounds like an intergalactic dance party, mingled with relaxing and tranquil moments that encourage calm and laid-back chill. The way in which Qnaut weaves together beautiful melodies, addictive disco grooves and a mixture of synth sounds and instrumentation creates both elegance and excitement. This is an album for repeat listening, as it rewards it with great enjoyment.

One of the standout features of Screen Memory is the melodies Qnaut composes. He’s able to weave emotionally engaging and ear-pleasing melodic writing to transmit feelings that move from serenity to groovy, booty-shaking energy. Each of his melodies sticks in my head and evokes a plethora of sensations and moods that keep me listening for more.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the locked-in drums and bass on Screen Memory. They create absolutely funky disco beats that are hard to ignore as they shimmy and gyrate through the music. The way in which the solid low-end pulse moves keeps the music exciting and fun. The overall feeling is one of dancing dynamism that unfolds throughout the album.

Qnaut’s mixture of fascinating synth tones, timbres and textures weaves in with electric guitar and saxophone to convey all of the different auditory states and emotional moments of the music. There’s a jazzy undercurrent which I find pleasing, along with the richly interwoven synth sounds that evoke everything from deep space to wild partying. I also enjoy the energy within the saxophone and guitar, which delivers a unique sound and deep engagement.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“UAP” comes to life as ethereal chimes tremble and shimmer with tentative fragility and an aquatic trickle. The background exudes coruscating illumination as the lead synth rises with serene tenderness, levitating and moving with trailing tendrils. The bass creates a rich support as radio transmissions crackle and gemmy notes rise and flow.

A steady kick drum heartbeat pulses as the shining synth trickles past like stars in the firmament. Tiny notes twinkle while the surging bass adds weight. A sense of cosmic peace permeates this music in a way that compels me to listen. Intensely gleaming synth echoes in a chiming line, exuding pure luminescence before silence falls.

Caressing notes float out into openness to commence "Telepathy." A quickly descending flurry of sound moves along with the rounded chords that rise as a kick drum begins to thump. A breezy sweep moves with the actively pulsing percussion and dynamic bass while the main melody traces through the music with uplifting gentleness.

The drums and bass form a dancing pattern as the main melody sings out with joyful, hopeful positivity. I am filled with feelings of well-being and happiness as the melody floats past and the drums and bass create a moving pulsation. Sharp-edged, tremulous notes flare out and the gleaming chords spill out brilliance as they move along.

Wind sweeps in and the drums and bass change pattern, pulsing smoothly as the lead synth carries the encouraging melody. The original drum and bass heartbeat reestablishes itself. The main melody reaches out hopefully as the track comes to an end.

"Time Machine" starts as softly wandering notes trickle through the music with delicate lightness. Bells ring out as the dense bass rumbles heavily and an accelerating drumbeat jumps into the music. Chords flow with intense incandescence as the drums and bass create a disco pulse, full of dance floor energy.

A groovy guitar moves through the music as the steadily thudding low end adds form. There's a sweeping wash of sound and the chords leap with piercing brightness as the pounding low end adds shape. I enjoy the way in which this song makes me want to move, locked into a funky groove.

Upwardly trickling synth twirls smoothly as a sax cries out, its passionate voice howling with feeling that moves me. The flickering notes fade away and the sax flies out with compelling liveliness as the piano chords add more energy. The track ends on the thumping low end and the wildly intertwining sax.

Floating notes and the sound of distant voices, along with an ever-growing low end pulse, open "Celeste." The low end continues to move with powerful bass as clapping percussion echoes into open space. After the drums flourish, the hip-shaking groove takes hold of the music while chimes flow out with broad elegance.

A tightly wound synth squiggles through the music eagerly. The drums and bass are massive and dense, moving with loose-limbed ease. Brightly flickering, distant synth cascades and again the disco beat takes hold. As the roaming, shining synth dances with celebratory energy, the low end carries me away with its sense of dancing persistence.

A scintillating synth drifts as it is underpinned by the thick bass and bell-like notes echoing metallically. The tremulous sounds in the distance wander as the low end shakes with funky life. The track ends with the slowly undulating, sleek synth sliding through the music above the low end before fading out.

“Spectre” starts with a distantly glistening synth and a ticking, clock-like sound while worshipful voices rise warmly. The disco groove hops into the music, creating dynamic motion as the hard-hitting drums punch. Above them, glimmering notes climb and flow outward as the propulsively booty-shaking groove takes hold and wriggles past. Notes like gem chips reflect the reverent glow that fills the distance.

The track moves as creaking bass softly throbs and intertwining, golden synth threads embroider the music. Whispering voices shift indistinctly as the hard-hitting low end moves and elevated, bending synth adds a ghostly feeling while the chimes dance. The groovy low end continues to pulse while haunting notes drift, trailing spectral tendrils, before the rounded synth leaps with lively strength and the track bounces to an end.

“Tropical Haze” opens as a serene, reverberating synth slips out with a relaxing feeling. Utterly calming notes shimmer through the music as quick thrills of synth rush past and rebounding notes move. The pumping disco beat is propulsive as rapid synth sweeps add luscious illumination and funky guitar entangles.

The strong guitar is joined by strings that glimmer and leap as the thudding bass adds shape and unctuous notes float. Delicate, broadly trembling synth slips past and breathes out. I enjoyed this hovering segment for its settling, soothing sensations as quickly flaring notes flow past.

Again the disco beat throbs, adding exciting motion to the beautifully peaceful notes that dance above it. Bouncing, twisting synth floats with an alien sound above the thick bass as a nasally echoing synth carries a celebratory melody. The metallic ripples of notes add starlit energy before the song comes to an end with the funky guitar and dense bass intertwining.

“Symbiotic” kicks off as a dreamy guitar floats past with laid-back relaxation permeating it. a softly ticking hi-hat moves in steady motion as the jazzy guitar wanders and a slowly pulsing, stomping beat moves underneath. The guitar swirls and glimmers as it roams and an elevated synth wriggles with a misty, slightly haunted feeling.

The steady beat continues to move before a glockenspiel carries a sparkling tune cruising past with easy grace. I enjoy the way in which the guitar slips through the music, transmitting supremely chilled-out feelings. The synth moves in nasal-sounding whorls and the track slowly fades into silence on the glockenspiel and guitar.

“Aeon” begins as fragile synth shivers. A warmly tremulous, reverberant synth carries a melody full of melancholy and tender emotion above slightly distorted chimes. The melody is soothing and lullaby-like, cradling and warming as it unfolds. I find myself feeling settled as the gentle melody drifts and tiny sparkles of synth add luminance.

The main melody is incredibly affectionate and a little aching as it passes. the lead synth calls out, deep with emotion and touching sensations, as a sweeping synth flares in the distance. Peace moves as the pulsing drum adds a heartbeat and the sparkling notes leap past, while the thudding low end shapes the music before it fades.

“Discovery” starts off as digital sounds blink and a distant radio voice crackles while towering synth chords flow outward. Bass rushes with dramatic energy and a ticking hi-hat begins to throb as the snare drum rises. An accelerating sound moves as radio communications continue, chimes twinkling as the roundly glowing synth climbs through the music with a feeling of opening vistas.

After a drum flourish, the lead synth melody inspires me to dream of the stars opening in front of me. The guitar cries out with intricate dynamism, leaping through the music and exploding with a sense of exploratory liveliness. The guitar solo is smooth and takes hold of my heart as it unwinds with skillful motion. Drums continue to punch with propulsive life and the sound of computerized notes shivers. The electric guitar evokes flight across the stars before the song comes to an end on soft chimes and warming chords.

Conclusion

Screen Memory is full of fun, funk and deep relaxation. The way in which it creates a sense of galactic energy and a feeling of danceable grooviness results in music that pulls me in and keeps me bopping along as the album unfolds.

Eden Future - Danger Driver

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Eden Future’s Danger Driver lays out a neon-soaked, grimy and thoroughly exciting cyberpunk world. The way in which the artist's guitar skills mix with atmospheric synthesizers and a knack for melodic storytelling creates powerful imagery in the mind's eye. The intensity and strength of the music are undeniable and the way in which it transports me is deeply pleasing as the album unfolds.

First and foremost, I have to credit Eden Future’s guitar abilities. This cat is one slick player with a bag of tricks and an ear for what sounds good. The way in which he chooses his guitar tones and combines them with soloistic playing that is free and powerful results in a sound that is unique and fresh. He's virtuosic but keeps an ear out for balance in what he plays and the end result is impressive.

I also enjoy the different synthesizer choices that Eden Future makes on Danger Driver. He uses synthesizers to create different textures and tones, which in turn help paint the album's imagery more clearly. I enjoy the balance of different sounds—between darkness and light, between energy and calm—as he intertwines all of the different sonic possibilities provided by the synthesizers.

Another reason why I'm drawn to Danger Driver is the melodies that Eden Future crafts. He manages to draw out the imagination with his melodic writing, evoking broad emotional states and animating the world he envisions. Each track functions as a cinematic image, pulling me into the gritty and violent world he has created.

I also enjoy Marlon Audiot’s cover art, which creates a sense of what's to come on Danger Driver. It further evokes the world that Eden Future has built and there's something about the human touch that is encouraging to see in artwork for synth-based albums.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

"Danger Driver" climbs ominously, the guitar pouring out luminosity above the heavy bass. The brooding bass fades away and the track rushes forward, the dramatic melody unfurling on the guitar as it flashes with brilliance while the bass and drums pound. The main melody is full of charging force, combining energy and tension, gripping me and yanking me along for the ride.

The drums cascade and the guitar howls a lush melody, conveying a sense of acceleration and abandon. Eden Future’s talented hands wring every ounce of expression out of the guitar, filling me with a feeling of speeding through the night, running from danger behind me.

The guitar rings out as the bass entwines with it and the accelerating drums pulse on. The guitar fills the music with fiery brightness and the drums are unstoppable, interlocking with the gnarly bass. A sense of freedom, in spite of the lurking threat, fills the guitar before the song comes to an end.

Huge bass tumbles as razor-edged, scintillating synth calls out with a dominating and dramatic melody to kick off "Eternal Star." Eden Future's guitar leaps out in a triumphant and dynamic melody, rocketing through the music like a comet as the drums and bass explode below. Radiance pours from the guitar as it twists through the music above the unrelenting low end. I enjoy the sheer energy of the guitar as it carries the victorious melodic line.

The bass pulsates rapidly while the guitar melody conveys a sense of adventure and cosmic flight as it charges forward. The bass entwines as Eden Future's guitar flashes and flies above the unstoppable drums. The piano chords add another flavour while the low end adds shape. Now, a gruff synth moves beneath the guitar as it jumps through the music in sharp-edged lines. Massive weight fills the music as the huge bass rumbles out and the guitar shines with galactic light.

The guitar dances with a slightly melancholic feel, shadowed before it climbs with complex muscle, while the low end continues to pound. As the guitar twirls and spins, the mad rush of faster-than-light travel is evoked. The drums and bass rebound in broken pulses before Eden Future's guitar gleams again, full of the glinting light of a starship in hyperspace. The drums explode along with the bass as the track charges forward, darkness moving below the radiant guitar before the track ends.

"Hover Racer" starts with the sound of a machine revving and a race countdown, followed by bending, richly rippling synths as the electric guitar cries out. Now, the driving low end moves. Eden Future’s electric guitar carries a dramatically shadowy melody, generating a sense of speed and uninterrupted energy.

The guitar spills through the music with power, propelled forward by the steady low-end beat. Now, a computerized-sounding, shimmering synth trembles with tensely wound energy above the drums and bass. Eden Future’s guitar spins out with finger-bendingly complexity, wildly climbing notes that flash through the music.

I enjoy the continual sense of forward motion and rushing scenery generated within the guitar solo as Eden Future plays. Now, a glinting synth with a twisting sound descends, full of strange energy. The guitar soars again as wheeling, intricately interwoven notes fade to silence.

Brilliantly glowing synth with a sharp edge echoes out into openness to kick off "Lovers Dare." Now, Eden Future’s guitar grows with polished, gruff light and carries a melody that is impassioned and full of yearning while the bass and drums lock into a solid heartbeat.

The guitar bursts with luscious illumination, carrying a melody tinged with ache as the gigantic low end keeps driving and a ferociously shimmering synth moves and bursts. Fervent bass growls as the brassy synth leaps with galvanizing motion and the drums continue to pulsate.

Eden Future's guitar slashes in the background as the flashing synth exudes dazzling light. Now, the synth undulates slowly as the guitar flies in again, majestic and full of melancholy, while the low end continues to surge unstoppably. The way in which bright luminosity mingles with deep emotion draws me to this track.

“Shadow Caster” begins with an intensely beaming synth that trembles high above the track. Eden Future’s guitar snarls with raging energy as the elevated synth cries out with piercing light. The drums and bass drive as the guitar adds gigantic rough-edged propulsion to the music. The colossal bass rumbles as the guitar cries out and the drums erupt. Now, the soaring guitar leaps with all the energy of a powerful V8, sending a car rocketing down the road.

Notes shine with radiance as they spill and the bass rumbles. Once again, the blinding synth repeats its hypnotic pattern and the fierce guitar flies forward while the low end propels the music. I enjoy the way in which the guitar transports me to the world created by the album—all darkness and power. Now, the rising guitar screams and the low end batters as intricate notes wind out underneath Eden Future’s fingers.An image of rushing through neon-lit streets permeates the music while the guitar goes wild.

The lead synth quickly undulates as the drums hammer and the guitar shreds with unstoppable force as the arpeggios behind it leap. The low end slams on with intimidating mass as the guitar entangles with angry energy. Now, the synth spills incandescent light while the guitars reach for the sky and the drums punch. The track drives to an end with the low end continually moving as the guitar soars and fades.

Shining notes burst out above the rapidly pulsing bass to bring “True Love” to life. Weight spills from the chiming notes above the rumbling low end as rising chords add hopeful light. The artist's guitar calls out with an aching melody, full of affection and passion, above the pulsating drums and bass. The guitar radiates pure, glowing emotion, touching me as it moves through the music.

The drums throb as the guitar floats with intense shine, exuding longing. The drums rebound while the bass undulates and the heartfelt guitar performance flows. A soulful ache fills the music while fragile chimes glitter softly and the gigantic bass shifts.

Brilliant chords add support as the guitar moves with deep emotion, Eden Future capturing a feeling of love and joy. The guitar reaches for the sky, filling the track with uplifting feelings, carrying me with it. Now, as the song comes to an end, the guitar tugs at my heartstrings.

“Violet Sun” starts as a minor-key, brilliantly flashing synth moves above deep bass while an electric guitar howls. The guitar carries a melody that is explosive and conveys a victorious sensation as it climbs above the throbbing drums and bass. The bass is driven as the drums pound and the guitar cries out, carrying a yearning melody that moves me with its depth of feeling.

The drums rebound and the oscillating bass is cut by trumpeting synth that leaps in thrilling bursts. The guitar cascades through the music, flying with freedom and a sense of unbound joy as the low end continues to pulse. The drums batter again and the lustrous synth leaps with lucent light as the guitar climbs and dances above it. The background chords add richness as the effulgent guitar pierces the music.

A sleek synth carries the melody with a hopeful sensation, swirling in intricately interlocking lines. The drums continue to undulate with the bass as the crying guitar unwinds with detailed complexity and undeniable passion that draws me in. The low end shapes the track as the guitar fades and the broadly ringing synth fills the music with excitement.

Once again, the guitar rings out with the melody, conveying majesty and fulfillment, as the drums and bass guide the music. The track ends as the guitar fades away.

Conclusion

Danger Driver is an atmospheric and guitar-rich exploration of a neon-soaked, corporate-ruled cyberpunk world. Eden Future uses his musical talent to draw me into his world and carry me along as the album unfolds.