Vernian Process- Behold the Machine

Artist: Vernian Process

Album: Behold the Machine

Reviewer: Jim Zombie

Date: 12-20-09

Vernian Process, originally a self-proclaimed Steampunk project, coined the term Steamwave, a sort of joke, which actually describes the band's sound quite accurately. Behold the Machine is an album of diverse styles and a grand multitude of influences. Many of the influences listed on the bands website can be noticed throughout the album. Everything from New Wave, Synthpop, Death Metal, Triphop, Cabaret and more are all here and distilled into a fine musical elixir that will grab the attention of the jaded music critic or enthusiast alike.

Behold the Machine throws us into a dark world of machines, upheaval, apocalypse, vengeance, misanthropy and melancholy. We are also treated to unexpected experiences such as tragic love in the track, "Her Clockwork Heart". There is also a track reminiscent of a silent film score "The Maple Leaf Rag" and a stunning instrumental piece that attempts, quite successfully, to recreate the "Maiden Voyage", presumably, of a grand steampunk Victorianesque flying machine.

This album has an amazing combination of synthetic and sampled sounds alongside live instruments. Clanking cogs accompany bells and chimes chassed by wonderful piano melodies, brooding strings and guitar riffs that range from hypnotic to lingering distorted chords. "The Alchemists Vision", with a New Wave and Gothic-Victorian blend and a hint of electro, is a wonderful track that will be making its way into my play lists for a long time to come. Queen of the Delta, with its Massive Attack VS The Tea Party sound, though quite different from the rest of the album is another track high on my list of favourites from this release.

Why not check the album out now, though not fully mastered yet, it is available from the bands website for a limited time. We can expect to here the complete album anytime now.

www.vernianprocess.com

www.myspace.com/vernianprocess\lang3081\kerning0\f1\fs20