Automaton exploded on the mid-western US metal scene in 2015 with the amazing debut concept album “A Bold New Horizon”. In addition to their great amalgam of songs, Automaton brought the unique visual aesthetic of steampunk costumes to their metal presentation – a smart and provocative look which fit well with their musical style. I had the opportunity to see Automaton live in Covington KY last summer – and to interview co-conspirators Duncan Batchworth III and Markus Wolverhampton - and I was thoroughly impressed with both the band’s persons and performance.
March 2018 finds Automaton returning with new music in the form of their sophomore release – the self-titled full-length album ‘Automaton’. Also a concept album, the story picks up where “A Bold New Horizon” left off with the heroes – or villains, depending on your perspective – engaged in their ongoing dispute with the despicable Ionians.
Now: Automaton – the album – represents a significant change for Automaton – the band – in terms of sound from their last album. Whereas “A Bold New Horizon” featured a fairly straightforward European power metal sound with a generally modern production feel, stylistically “Automaton” (the album) represents music unmistakably cut from the NWOBHM mold, and engineered with a very live and raw production.
At this point – full disclosure – I count myself an unapologetic fan of modern metal; someone believes most of the best heavy metal music has been created since the year 2000. I don’t typically listen to music that sounds like what I hear on this album, and, in fact, would normally disregard album promos with descriptors like ‘heavy rock’, ‘NWOBHM’, or ‘bluesy guitar’ – all fair representations of music in this release. That said, there will be many fans of metal and rock – particularly ones who adore music from the 70s and 80s – who will lap up this album like spilled wine.
And there is much to enjoy here. The songs on ‘Automaton’ are well-devised and very accessible. Tracks like ‘Verdict Be Damned’ and ‘The Cull’ provide solid melodies and uptempo swing that are quite engaging. ‘Automata’ is perhaps the heaviest and most modern-sounding song, with intense riffing that mirrors its mechanistic lyrics. And the final two tracks ‘The Imprisonment Of Duncan Batchworth III’ followed by ‘The Trial Of Duncan Batchworth III’ deliver a climax and cliffhanger that are in many ways superior to the ending found on “A Bold New Horizon”.
I give full credit to Automaton for their gumption and taking the risk to create such a radically different sounding album. How many bands have we as fans crushed for taking the easy route and, after a successful debut, essentially recreating their first album all over again? That said, there will be the possibility that metalheads with preference for a more modern style might not give this new album a fair listen. That would be unfortunate, as Automaton are gifted musicians who, whether or not one appreciates their NWOBHM sound, have crafted solid songs in the context of a compelling narrative.
In summary, Automaton has gotten even bolder with their new album, venturing in interesting directions that may catch some fans offguard. Definitely finding the azimuth - if not quite the zenith - of their metal potential.