There must be something in the water, brewing magic in Whanganui. Eclectic rock/metal 5-piece DRXNES have just dropped their new single The Machine and it is HUGE. Having been blown away by 2019’s Rattlesnake EP, I have been waiting in anticipation for what DRXNES would deliver next. The Machine to me, feels like a band that has really encompassed their sound and made it their own, delivering a unique offering of fresh diverse metal.

After an ambient intro which works really well with the accompanying animated music video (created by mastermind Zesty (Chamberlain), the intro and verse carries a Tool style bass riff which is so clean and crisp, bassist Liam Robinson holding down a well-crafted, memorable melodic riff. Ethan Wilsons signature grooverific beats drop in and instantly lift the song with the man of many vocal talents Rob Reynolds delivering some soothing clean and passionate vocals. Reynolds is easily one of the best and most versatile vocalists in 2020. He has complete control of his vocal deliveries and wow, does he deliver.

As the song builds and gets heavier, the full force of guitarists Adam Robinson and Issac Chamberlain comes into fruition, the guitars are well mixed and complement each other. Reynolds vocals launch into full force with high screams to low growls and then carrying harmonious hooky melodies. They combine a modern metal sound with nods to post hardcore, nu metal and alternative rock.

The final chapter of the song goes full progressive metal breakdown, with some incredibly smooth and tasty drum fills courtesy of Coleman, like every member of DRXNES, they shine throughout various passages and then lock into to each other's rhythms so effortlessly. I have always enjoyed that they let rip with guitar solos and Chamberlain has a way of carrying his solos in a way that tie into the melody but also showing off his virtuoso skills. Robinson and low end Robinson fill out the sound with well layered riffing providing the backdrop for Reynolds many vocal faces.

Once again DRXNES prove how much of a creative force they are and lyrically I feel like the song touches on the social constraints of modern life and feels incredibly relevant in our current climate. Hands down to these legends and thank you for giving us yet another absolute banger of a song, a song where you keep going back and finding more to enjoy. 2020 sucks but the music is 100!

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