Whispers in the Black

From what I've read there was a time in the early 80's when Deep Machine were the kings of the NWOBHM live circuit in the East End of London, surpassing even Angel Witch in popularity. Of course though Angel Witch created a more lasting testament thanks to their stellar self-titled LP whilst Deep Machine's own legacy left behind through a series of demo tapes was largely forgotten about, so much so that they did not even have their own entry in the first edition of the NWOBHM Encyclopaedia. In the past few years though they have risen out of their dust to reclaim their crown as one of the premier live Heavy Metal acts in the Britain (I've flown across from Ireland to see them twice myself) and in 2011 High Roller reissued the choicest cut from their back catalogue, the 1981 demo, as the self-titled EP. Now at last it is time for new material to take centre stage.

“Whispers In The Black” is technically speaking the only “new” track of the three on here, but to be honest you can't get much more old school NWOBHM than this- squealing dual-guitar attack, driving rhythm section, powerful vocals, spooky occult lyrics and a scream-a-long chorus. It is by no means reinventing the wheel, but this track alone makes this an essential purchase for true NWOBHM aficionados.

“Iron Cross” is the first of 2 tracks rejuvenated from the annals of the band's history and opens in a hail of Sten machine-gun fire and German marching music as the song is given a powerful and punchy modern production that gives serious weight to this crunchy, borderline doomy track. “Killer” is a more mid-paced affair but no less infectiously head-banging and rounds out the trip down memory lane on the second side of this 12” nicely.

This is a solid release, and everything it was expected and needs to be. My only issue is with the fact it is only a 12” EP, and one with 2 re-recordings at that. This is only able, and possibly only meant to, whet rather than satiate the appetite for more Deep Machine recordings. With their peers like Hell and Satan releasing excellent new albums this year the clamouring is getting even louder. I don't know if the bands have any current designs on a full-length release, but I am hotly anticipating it nonetheless. Listen to this EP and chances are you will be too. [7/10]

From WAR ON ALL FRONTS A.D. 2013 zine- www.facebook.com/waronallfronts