Hailing from Rome, this Italian outfit draws inspiration from the likes of JUDAS PRIEST, early METALLICA, ICED EARTH, SAVATAGE and ACCEPT. They performed a rousing cover of "Leather Rebel" from the classic JUDAS PRIEST "Painkiller" album during a pandemic live session in their hometown last December.

Originally the brainchild of Francesco Bucci, SCREAMACHINE features members from established Italian acts like STORMLORD, KALEDON and LUNAR SEA. The SCREAMACHINE self-titled debut album was unleashed on the world via Frontiers Music Srl on April 9^th, 2021. There are guest appearances from bass wizard Steve Di Giorgio of TESTAMENT, alongside renowned German vocalist Herbie Langhans of FIREWIND and SONIC HAVEN. To add to the already impressive guitarwork there are no less than 4 guest guitarists, Andrea Angelini (STORMLORD), Massimiliano Pagliuso (NOVEMBRE), Simone Mularoni (DGM) and Francesco Mattei (NOVERIA).

The impressive album cover artwork was created by Gustavo Sazes, who has previously worked with MACHINE HEAD, ICED EARTH, FIREWIND and KAMELOT. The opening track "Demondome" was the first single and official music video to be released from the album.  This sets the tone for what is to come, catchy riffs, blistering leads and a combination of great guitar / vocal harmonies. The second track "The Metal Monster" also happens to be the second single and official music video. The verse kicks off with a triplet style gallop leading into a melodic chorus. The mid-section accelerates to almost speed metal territory featuring more excellent shredding.

"The Human God" maintains the momentum underpinned by a constant double bass beat throughout,"Darksteel" is one of the longer tracks and kicks off with a more hard rock riff, before transitioning back to the metallic riffage over a pumping bass line. "Mistress of Disaster" is another rocking tune with an extremely catchy chorus. There is a slightly more restrained approach to "52hz" and the excellently layered vocals are really showcased here. Steve Di Giorgio and Herbie Langhans make their appearances on "Wisdom of The Ages", this track has a slightly more epic feel although it only clocks in at a little over 4 minutes.

"Silver Fever" continues the riffage into the longest song on the album "Dancing with Shadows". An intro of layered guitar harmonies breaks into a triplet-based riff that forms the spine of the song. The mid-section features some of the heavier moments on the album. The title track closes the album out in fine style with some faster HELLOWEEN style passages and yet another catchy singalong chorus.

In conclusion, SCREAMACHINE have delivered a stunning debut album of traditional heavy metal enhanced by a modern sounding production.  All the performances are excellent, but I have to mention that the guitar work in particular is outstanding.

Get ready for Metal, come join the Church of the Scream!