If you are told that ANCIENT MACHINE is Canadian band, don’t be fooled. This is merely because Emerson Tanaka (bass) and Kiko Dittert (guitar) live in Vancouver. But they and vocalist Thales Maciel are Brazilian. Geographical details aside, what really matters is the trio makes a very competent mix of hard rock, AOR and melodic rock.
Before listening to the 11 tracks on their new album ”Distance Between Us”, allow yourself to take a look at the very good cover. The impressive artwork is directly linked to the title track, which at one point highlights: “we are like islands in the sea”. And, as the band explains, each of us is an individual, but at the same time we are all connected.
After the eye-candy, prepare your ears. The engine gears up and on opener ”Born To Run” and takes you down to the ever-pleasing classic melodic hard rock road.
The travel now continues at slower speed with midtempo ”Mask Of Fate” spiced with tuneful AOR melodies, then ”Separate Ways” brings a ballad and I can’t help by 80s Bon Jovi or Johnny Lima come as strong reference.
Title track “Distance Between Us” has a different approach, mor ein common with Euro melodic rock, some early Jaded Heart as example. Very good, solid track with cool arrangements.
“Deep Love” is rich in harmony vocals, more Bon Jovi type of bounce appears on the catchy ”Cross That Line”, while the melodic rock of ”It’s To Late” recall Italians Wheels Of Fire”. “Running From The Past” brings back midpaced AOR with a deep bass, clean melodious vocals and a swirling, compelling guitar solo.
It’s obvious the guys in ANCIENT MACHINE love classic AOR / Melodic Rock, both in style and sound, and it shows “Distance Between Us”. Production is good and considering this is an indie recording, if a decent label pick up the band results may be stupendous.
They have the chops, they know how to put a catchy chorus, an interesting arrangement, etc.
Long Live AOR
01 - Born To Run
02 - Mask Of Fate
03 - Separate Ways
04 - Distance Between Us
05 - Stay
06 - Deep Love
07 - Cross That Line
08 - It's Too Late
09 - Time We Wasted
10 - Running From The Past
11 - All This Time
Ancient Machine is a Melodic Hard Rock band influenced by 80's bands.
Ancient Machine – Distance Between Us 2022+FLAC