When done correctly, there is nothing more pure about Heavy Metal and Hard Rock than a tight as nails power trio. Everyone has to be on their game because mistakes can't happen in any department. Spain's MEAN MACHINE originally started in 2007 as DEATH VALLEY, changing their moniker in 2010 and working their way around the studio a couple of times for demos / EP's before this debut album hits the market.

Describing their sound, imagine a raw Punk / Speed Metal infusion with bluesy overtones, chanting choruses high on the trio's priority list, as well as simplified 3-4 chord structures that get in and get out as quickly as they can. MOTÖRHEAD and AC/DC would be two of the prominent influences for MEAN MACHINE, although the vocals from Raúl Mesa has an early James Hetfield snarl with a little more clarity to fit the arrangements. Even when there are slower parts such as the beginning strains of "I Was Made for R'n'r" or the boogie-woogie number "N.S.E.", there is this sense of nostalgia coming from the heart - and usually within 45 seconds the tempo is jacked up to speed metal ecstasy and you can sense a oneness between band energy and audience frenzy.

Right now I do think there are a couple of bands who perform this material a little stronger such as BULLET and 77, but potential is present in most of these 12 songs. Juan's guitar skills are a highlight, he certainly knows his way up and down the guitar, and I love the bluesy lead breaks he displays on "Rock & Roll Wizard" and "Brawler".

"Livin' Outlaw" will get the blood pumping for certain, now it's up to MEAN MACHINE whether or not they can inject the right hooks to keep audiences coming back for more.