Year : 2025
Style : Melodic Progressive Rock , AOR
Country : United Kingdom
Audio : 320 kbps + front
Size : 132 mb
Bio:
A Yorkshire-oriented combo GHOST OF THE MACHINE were founded in January 2021 by five former members of THIS WINTER MACHINE - Graham GARBETT (guitars), Mark HAGEN (keyboards), Stuart McAULEY (bass, Moog pedals, mellotron), Andy MILNER (drums), Scott OWENS (guitars) - and Charlie BRAMALD (vocals, flute, ex-NOVA CASCADE) for launching so-called "melodic progressive rock". 'Taking the best elements from their previous endeavours and key influences such as Rush, Marillion and Genesis, while pushing forward in a heavier, adventurous and exciting direction', they've unleashed their debut album entitled "Scissorgames" in June 2022.
Album:
A melodic progressive rock band from Yorkshire, UK, GHOST OF THE MACHINE began when 5 former members of This Winter Machine joined forces with vocalist Charlie Bramald. ”Empires Must Fall” is their upcoming album to be released March 7, 2025, and is sure to delight prog rock fans with its intelligent arrangements and melodic hooks.GHOST OF THE MACHINE’s is progressive, but pretty rocking at the same time, enriched by intense melodies, and the songs in ”Empires Must Fall” strike a careful balance between shorter, accessible pop-rock / melodic rock songs and those epic-length pieces that neo-prog is known for. There’s some terrific keyboard & guitar solos, dynamic drumming, and Bramald’s smooth vocals. Think classic-era Marillion, Rush, Arena, Galahad, Camel – however with a distinctive own style.Easily among the best melodic prog rock of 2025 so far, ”Empires Must Fall” is a classic piece in the making, you all need to hear this album.The sharp guitars take center stage from the get-go amply supported by the impressive percussive gymnastics of the rhythm section, getting the oil in the engine all revved up. Trilling and thrilling synth blasts inject the sizzle into the groove, as Charlie grasps the microphone with aplomb. “Keepers of the Light” is a forceful awakening that keeps running on all cylinders, a riff fest that will please even the most jaded listener.“The Days That Never Were”, opens with soft, far-off keys and some wonderful bass, before the rest of the electric guitars join in to set a faster Rush pace. Charlie sings, “She was unforgiveable!” The piano playing and Charlie’s emotional vocal delivery really helps bring out the full emotional power of this track. At six minutes it is one of the shortest songs on the album, but it is worthy, on its own.“Panopticon”, is one of the best songs on the album. It opens slowly with cool percussion and soft drums. Then, those cool, blazing keyboards. Absolutely fantastic electric guitar, then sets the pace. A blistering electric guitar solo rises above the soundscape to lift your spirits. Then, Hammond organ! Taking me back to Nursery Crime and all my favorite progressive classics. Power hungry drums pace-setting, along with lead electric guitar. Absolutely excellent. A powerful prog epic at almost 12 minutes.“Fall Through Time” opens with smooth, cool lead electric guitar and those amazing keyboards. The guitars continue to set the pace, as the keyboards follow on. Charlie sings, “I can’t change my past. But I will change my fate. Time is on my side. I fight for what is right!” The keyboard and lead electric guitar mix is warm and enthusiastic. The drums carry the day though. Then, a deep piano solo, before more unique keys and lead electric guitar. Those cool keyboards you remember from Marillion, Pallas, and Arena, are back… yeah, from back in the day.“The One”, opens boldly with powerful lead electric guitar. It is the explosive lead single that the band released on January 2025. There’s a rumbling bass scavenging like a prowler on the hunt, though I must say that Charlie’s vocal performance is not only off the charts, but also off the altar and flung into the heavens. Mark Hagan gets to radiate on his synthesizers, sending gamma rays into the ether.“After the War”, is the absolute powerhouse, progressive rock, epic, closer, that you want it to be. The middle section opens with a beautiful piano solo, before cymbals and guitar join in to set the stage for the second part of this epic adventure. An over 14-minute progressive rock epic that will have you comparing this to some of the best of the 1980s and 90s. Marillion, IQ, Arena and Pallas are the first to come to mind…That spinning melody of so many classic UK progressive epics. Just sit back and take it all in.One of the best melodic progressive albums of 2025 for sure, “Empires Must Fall” it’s one of those albums you will tell friends you remember hearing, when it first came out. You will share it with friends and hope that they understand the wonders of this complete record.Seriously, GHOST OF THE MACHINE are so impressive. And “Empires Must Fall” is not only for progressive rock aficionados, it will appeal melodic hard rockers, AORsters and even classic metallers.
Line-Up:
Charlie Bramald – vocals
Graham Garbett – guitars and additional vocals
Scott Owens – guitars
Stuart McAuley – bass guitars and pedals
Andy Milner – drums
Mark Hagan – keyboards and piano
Production:
All songs written and performed by Ghost Of The Machine
Story and lyrics by Charlie Bramald
Produced, recorded and mixed by Bob Cooper
Mastered by Grant Berry
Cover artwork by Claudia Caranfa
Tracklist:
01. Keepers Of The Light
02. The Days That Never Were
03. Panopticon
04. Fall Through Time
05. The One
06. After The War
Download links for all albums only on our blog here: http://goodmetalandhar.do.am/
