Mechina - As Embers Turn to Dust (2017)^{Release ID: 5346}

Mechina can easily be compared to DragonForce and Two Steps From Hell. The former for their long songs, the latter for their cinematic symphonics, and both each having track after track sounding similar, and yet all this really intrigues me! All that's missing is the speedy soloing of DragonForce. Whether or not epic symphonic cyber metal is your thing, it's something that's gonna take an eternity for me to get tired of.

The band's discography in the second half of the 2010s is where the band make best use of their potential. The massive storyline, orchestral epicness, and metal heaviness put together by Joe Tiberi and vocalists David Holch and Mel Rose (the latter now a full-time member) make up another well-made journey, As Embers Turn to Dust.

The namesake album for the band's saga begins with "Godspeed, Vanguards" which really shows what the band is about, as sci-fi sounds lead into orchestration, djenty riffing, and blasts all over. The production is quite solid, though it can't top the perfection of the previous two albums. The composition is sealed together in great synergy. And it all keeps coming in "Creation Level Event". Same with "Impact Proxy" charging through with strength and impact.

Interestingly, "Aetherion Rain" calms things down in beauty and atmosphere as a gentle interlude before the next track... The memorable "The Synesthesia Signal" is the best standout for the more melodic side of Mechina, with serene vocals by Mel Rose. Absolutely stunning! Later albums would have her taking on more of the spotlight... Well, a little too much of the spotlight. Just like the previous album, the greatest symphonic highlight is followed by the greatest cyber one with the dark "Unearthing the Daedalian Ancient" having a heavier, more epic take on the old-school technicality of Alchemist, Dark Angel, and Pestilence. Another strong climatic composition!

Next track "The Tellurian Pathos" is filled with solid emotional melodies in something so heavy and melancholic at the same time. This album would've been perfect if the two interludes in the final leg were shorter, with the first "Thus Always to Tyrants" being a little too long for a piano interlude, just a few seconds longer than the next track... "Division Through Distance" perfectly matches riffing with orchestration and the last bit of Mel Rose's singing. The title outro is a more natural instrumental, but still overlong.

Albums like this are best experienced when you know the full story, but As Embers Turn to Dust is quite enjoyable either way. It really takes some time to get used to the band to like their material. Anyone who's new to the band or experienced with them shouldn't miss out on this album. Enjoy this epic sci-fi tale of darkness and light!

Favorites: "Godspeed, Vanguards", "Impact Proxy", "The Synesthesia Signal", "Unearthing the Daedalian Ancient", "Division Through Distance"