Album Review: Mechanic Tyrants - St. Diemen Riots
Reviewed by Matthew Williams
Upon listening to the first few songs of this mightily impressive debut album from Nuremburg’s Mechanic Tyrants, I can’t help but think of how they are making music that sounds fresh, fun and will brighten up the lives of so many people.
I’m smiling as I type this, not done often I hasten to add, but the riffs from Florian Fairt and Jakob Struve on guitars, that are spread across this album are just insanely brilliant. Straight from the off with opening track “Tower 42” which depicts the oppression of the lower classes with a spark of rebellion, you get that sense of enjoyment from a band who have loved every minute of making this record, much like Municipal Waste.
The ten tracks on “St Diemen Riots” make up a half-part concept album, spinning a dystopian tale set in the chaotic city of Meanhattan. “Murder at the Barricades” continues the metal assault on your senses, before they hit you with the crushing title track, “St Diemen Riots”. You get a whiff of their influences early in the album, with nods to metals gods Metallica, Megadeth and Judas Priest.
I’m not quite sure of the purpose or meaning behind “Madrugada” but it does showcase their softer, more gentle side with a gently strummed guitar but it’s back to their very best with “Ruins of the Past” as they delve into the brutal conflict and its devastating aftermath, whilst offering a visceral and poignant journey through a city torn apart.
With their first single “Speed Metal Guerrilla” appearing next, it’s a timely reminder that music, and in particular speed and thrash metal can be fun. Its aggressive, relentless and made to pummel your head in, but laugh at the same time. Enjoy the tongue-in-cheek anthem which celebrates the spirt of rebellion against the mainstream. If you aren’t jumping about when listening to this, then you are doing something wrong, as it’s a wonderfully crafted and joyous song.
The music continues in much the same vein, with a thunderous drumming opening from Orlando Mack on “Sons of Evil” which sets the tone for the entire 6 minutes, then the sumptuous bass line from Danny Keck steals the show on “Above the Law” as the riff tears you a new arsehole from every angle possible.
With the brilliant “Bad Seed” and eponymous track “Mechanic Tyrants” which has one hell of riff, closing the album, the 4 piece have produced an album that will kick you in the head, laugh, come back to help, then take you to the party. It’s fun, fabulous and you are going to love it.
