Feeding the Machine

James Murphy's solo career ambitions didn't end after one album. In no time, he started composing and recording the second album. First, at the times of preliminary recording, the guitarist decided to change the bass player accompanying him, replacing Brad Russell by Steve DiGiorgio, then he gathered another guest (both less known and larger ones), and then at an equally rapid pace, because 2 years after debut, he released his second lp - "Feeding The Machine". 63 minutes of progressive metal on a similarly high level as "Convergence".

To put it simply, James Murphy's second solo album is a continuation of the themes from his first album. On "Feeding The Machine" there was, just like on "Convergence", equally powerful and catchy heavy metal and extended, instrumental forms. The whole, of course, is a bit less surprising compared to its predecessor, but it still shines with a similar imaginativeness, freshness and a large dose of energy, perfectly showing how efficient and creative composer James Murphy was. It's true that the view on the bass is different, more sparing (after all, Steve is not supposed to be the main character here - although his presence could suggest the opposite) and the keyboard or sampled inserts are more emphasized, but these are minor changes that do not take away the identity of this music. "Feeding..." logically follows the "Convergence", it has a similar feeling and immediately recognizable way of writing James' guitar parts, although it does not copy previously used ideas, perfectly showing different dynamics, melodies, accents and solo constructions - so that it could not be faulted based on previously learned schemes. To confirm, full of power, but no less atmospheric and with extensive guitar parts "No One Can Tell You" (featuring Chuck Billy, who also sang on the previous album), "Through Your Eyes (Distant Mirrors)", title track and "Visitors", in turn amidst purely instrumental madness, i.e. "Epoch", "Construct", "Race With Devil On Spanish Highway" (Al Di Meola cover) and "Odyssey" (Dixie Dregs cover). In particular, the second set is intriguing here, surprising with the musicians' wide abilities (because there are references to funk, jazz or more oriental sounds) and the skilful merging of it with the rest, more normal part of the album.

So, James Murphy's second solo album kept a high level in reference to "Convergence". "Feeding The Machine" is a similarly successful portion of progressive metal as on the debut - well-balanced, very addictive and with a lot of good compositions. Unfortunately, at this point, Murphy's solo activity ends. Shortly after the release of "Feeding..." (and Testament's "The Gathering" and Konkhra's "Come Down Cold"), the guitarist has been diagnosed with cancer, which prevents him from continuing his guitar career. Years later, James happily recovered, although this does not come into his next albums. It's a pity, because if not for these adversities and general bad luck, Murphy could record more of this type of very good music.

Originally on A bit of subjectivism...in metal