Ghost Machinery - Haunting Remains

Year of Release: 2004
Label: Sound Riot Records
Catalog Number: SRP 30
Format: CD
Total Time: 62:48:00

Finland is the absolute number 1 when it comes to power metal bands; that we knew. But still it is being emphasized with the release of the debut album of Ghost Machinery, Haunting Remains. This band was formed by Pete Ahonen, guitarist and vocalist of Burning Point. This Pete Ahonen is worldwide recognised as a fantastic guitarist (with as great example Malmsteen), but also as a very good vocalist (in the vein of Jeff Scott Soto, amongst others of Axel Rudi Pell, Talisman and Malmsteen).

Haunting Remains is not just a power metal album, no; various styles are combined, making this a varied debut of a promising band. For instance, "Temples Of Gold," a fairly slow, sort of AOR kind of song is found next to the strong opener "World Of Unbelievers," which is a typical power metal song. But you also find "From The Edge Of The World" on the album, a combination of power and prog metal, heavy double bass and melodious keyboards.

I really like the vocals of Ahonen, although they are not exceptional. Yet the combination of his vocals with the music they make, very good. Powerful melodies form the basis the songs and the whole is carried out perfectly. The production, done by the band themselves, is also very good.

Halfway "From The Edge Of The World" they show they would have formed a very strong prog metal band! The bass work really jumps out there, but also the beautiful guitar play. The solos are absolutely incredible! Pelkonen and Ontero together form a solid rhythm section that carries the songs. The keyboard work does not dominate, but fills exactly where needed.

Special attention must be given to the cover of Gary Moore's "Out In The Fields": after having heard the disappointing Gary Moore Tribute from Lion Music, this was a pleasant surprise! What a great performance! The vocals are by Ville Laihiala (Sentenced), which is a bit of a shame, as I would have liked to hear Ahonen on this one, but nevertheless it is a fantastic song! And Laihiala is not a bad singer.

With the artwork by Mattias Norén to top it off, Haunting Remains is a rock solid power metal album, which spent a lot of time in my CD player and will still stay there for a while. A great, refreshing album of some very talented musicians. They have signed a contract for two albums, so already I am anticipating the next work!

Tracklisting:
World of Unbelievers / Blinded Eyes / Temples of Gold / Evil Within Us / Down in Flames / Dreamworld / From the Edge of the World / Darkest Hour / Fallen Angels / Heaven or Hell / In Your (Evil) Dreams / Out in the Fields / Shadows

Musicians:
Pete Ahonen - vocals, guitars
Tapsa Pelkonen - bass guitar
Jussi Ontero - drums, keyboards
Ville Laihiala - vocals (12)

Discography:
Hauting Remains (2004)

Genre: Progressive-Power Metal

Origin FI

Added: December 5th 2004
Reviewer: Marcel Haster
Score:
Artist website: www.ghostmachinery.com
Hits: 2242
Language: english