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MetalBite Review by Michael on 7/7/2001

I love this CD. Ok I’ll admit it, I’m a sucker for great progressive metal and "Ocean Machine" delivers. Forget about Devin’s anger and Devin’s confusion, because this album doesn’t really show any signs of either, rather it's full of great head moving guitar licks and absolutely brilliant vocal lines. This album has a fantastic atmosphere to it, drawing you into it and not letting you go until you have listened to the whole thing from start to finish. It has everything I like about power metal, and more importantly, none of the parts I hate, offering a ‘window’ of sorts back to classic 80’s power metal without the gayness. (no homophobia intended)

Musically, Devin is a God. His ability to produce top quality music of varying genre’s on his own is unsurpassed. For a first time listener, you would assume this CD is from a band who’s been perfecting this style of metal/rock for years, but in reality it's just one skinny, balding guy from Canada who’s doing it all on his own…..and for the first time with this record!!!

I can find no flaws in this recording, the songs are solid, their structure classic and unbeatable. The guitars all sound fantastic, generally tuned down and with a more contemporary bottom-end filled sound (a far cry from the tinny 80’s sound), pumping out line after line of great ‘get the feeling’ type riffs. What can I say about the vocals? Those of you familiar with the man know just how versatile Devin is in this field and this demonstration is no exception. I think the key to Devin’s brilliance vocally is his ability to throw in the perfect backing vocal to add stunning texture to the main vocal lines, and with "Ocean Machine", he has done it to perfection. The drums are also noticeably different with "Ocean Machine". No longer based around speed, these patterns are almost pop-like, creating a whole new feel, and finally offering the listener a chance to tap along without developing some kind of cramp! The keyboards are less noticeable in this recording, but fill any holes left by the other instruments beautifully, making this recording an absolute sea of sound. (pardon the pun)

I’m not even going to bother trying to pick out a favourite track, because the I would not be doing this album justice by soloing any part of it. "Ocean Machine" is a whole made up of many parts…..as apposed to most CD’s which are many parts put together to create the whole. Brilliant.

Bottom Line: This is my absolute favourite vision of Devin’s to date. It has all the elements to please fans from White Lion to Fear Factory. Lets hope he decides to do something else along the same lines!!!

Rating: 9.5 out of 10

Submitted by Gronkies on 3/5/2004

MAn this album is wicked if you into good metal I advise everbody to get it but It is a but rare in australia and america in someplaces but you can order it an at a good cd store or get some of his other shit which rulZ

Submitted by A-Daamage on 5/2/2004

First things first: the other review mentions genres like power and progressive metal to describe this album. Neither one of these genres comes even close to describing the sound of Biomech. When someone mentions those genres, readers are most sure to recall bands like Iron Maiden/Helloween (power) or Dream Theater (prog), which couldn't be farther from the sound of this album. Let me state for absolute clarity: THIS IS NOT POWER METAL OR PROGRESSIVE METAL. Alright, moving on.

This is extremely difficult for me to articulate. I have never heard an album come to as close to perfect as Ocean Machine. There are melodies and harmonies on this album that I have NEVER heard, and I study music extensively. This album isn't phenomenal because of just one or a couple qualities. It's all of it's qualities combined. The lyrics are some of the most memorable I've ever read, ex. - "Every dream I have wants me to stay. Every night I try to find a way." from Hide Nowhere. As I said earlier, I've never heard melodies and harmonies such as the one's Devin Townsend utilizes here. The production is flawless. The album artwork perfectly suits the mood of the album. Devin's vocals are second to none. I wish I could accurately portray just how much this album can affect you. Please, don't listen to the other review's description of power/prog metal, because again, this is nothing like that at all.

There are no weak songs on this. They are all completely astounding and completely different from each other, but flow perfectly from beginning to end. The tracks all seem to come exactly when they should. This album is completely unique and the only comparisons possible to draw are to Devin's other solo albums as no one sounds like Devin Townsend.

As every song is amazing, I hate singling any of them out, but if I absolutely had to pick a favorite, it would probably be Bastard.

Bottom Line: Heavy, passionate, massive, dreamlike, overwhelming. This album is beyond anything I've ever listened to, and I own well over 450 CD's. This is as close to perfect as any band can ever sound, and I am dead serious. This is the only time I will ever rate anything a perfect score on this site.

Originality: 10
Musicianship: 10
Atmosphere: 10
Production: 10
Overall:10

Rating: 10 out of 10