An album that bridges decades of metal evolution is Machines by Aittala. Taking a bold step into their past, the duo took songs written between 1990 and 1997 and resurrected them with modern production while keeping their original grit intact.
The result is an album that is nostalgic yet strikingly fresh. By delivering the weight of early progressive metal with a sharp, contemporary edge, the band takes decades-old metal fury reawakened with crushing precision and fire.
Creating a relentless backbone for tracks like “Myself Deceived” and “To Know the Man”, Eric Aittala’s signature riff work is on full display as his vocal delivery. It’s commanding and carries a raw honesty that complements the album’s darker themes. Gary ‘Zeus’ Smith’s drumming injects a sense of urgency by driving the songs forward with precision and force. Their interplay gives Machines a tight, no-nonsense feel and proves that these long-lost tracks were always destined to hit hard.
Bookended by “Machines (Prologue)” and “Machines (Epilogue)”, the album’s structure feels like a full-circle journey. One that captures the essence of the band’s evolution. The blend of storytelling and heavy music makes it clear why these tracks were worth bringing back.
With Machines, Aittala doesn’t just revisit the past. They make it hit harder than ever.
