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Slavemachine: Disfigured Consciousness
 When North Carolina's aggressive-metal band Slavemachine finally got its big break by participating in Jagermeister's Jager-Music program (which afforded the band an opportunity to share the stage with Anthrax and Lacuna Coil), everyone but singer Ryan Taylor up and left the band – claiming they weren't cut out for the heavy touring Slavemachine's newfound success demanded. Well, screw those guys, I say!
Taylor reassembled Slavemachine, rerecorded Disfigured Consciousness – an earlier independent release of the album deemed the band Jager-worthy in the first place – found a label and released Disfigured Consciousness to the masses.
With a graphic cover and lyrics equally intriguing, a sound that bridges Megadeth, King's X and Godsmack (or some such combination) and attitude aplenty, Slavemachine deserves the recognition. The dual guitars are alternately sludgy and intricate, and the rhythm section is deep and dark. The primary weakness (and it's a small one) may be Rodney Young's harsh, yelled background vocals, which grate against Taylor's clean but raw delivery -- especially considering that Slavemachine has a knack for quirky, mesmerizing melodies. For proof, listen to this album's opening (and best) track, "Another Way to Die." Perhaps next time, Taylor and the boys might want to consider cleaning up the vocals and opting for even more melody without sacrificing Slavemachine's inherent aggressiveness. Still, Disfigured Consciousness is a solid record, and one that has been spending a lot more time in rotation than, frankly, I expected it to.
Track Listing:
1) Another Way to Die (3:44)
2) Taking Away (4:14)
3) Shamed (4:52)
4) Crazy (3:46)
5) Humility (4:36)
6) Come Save Me (3:44)
7) Obsession (3:14)
8) Mind of Madness (3:33)
9) Little Twisted (4:39)
10) It's Not Real (3:43)
11) Dark Hallway (5:37)
Total Time: 45:46
Added: November 4th 2004
Reviewer: Michael Popke
Score: 
Related Link: Official Slavemachine Web Site
Hits: 4182
Language: english
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Slavemachine: Disfigured Consciousness
Posted by Lee Whitfield on 2007-10-23 17:41:16
My Score:
As the original drummer for SLAVEMACHINE, I just have to say "WOW!" This planet is a lot of fun. See you when it's over kids!
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Slavemachine: Disfigured Consciousness
Posted by I'll be Anonymous, Too.. on 2006-11-11 10:23:24
My Score:
As a person close to this band for quite some time, I can tell you that the two previous comments were made by former members of the band who are, to say the least, upset over Slavemachine carrying on without them.
The original bassist in Slavemachine was NOT Aaron Xavier. He was brought in as a replacement for Jimmie Johnson, who played bass on three tracks on the album and also co-wrote a couple of the songs. When the drummer, guitarist and bassist decided to leave the band in the face of a recording contract from Reality Entertainment (and the prospect of a heavier touring load), original member and lead vocalist Ryan Taylor made the decision to carry on with new members in the band. The three members who willingly left the band were very vocal about the fact they did not want Taylor to continue using the Slavemachine moniker. When he did (he simply wanted to - and the record contract required it), relations became incredibly strained.
While the last incarnation of Slavemachine never recorded as a unit (unfortunately, it looks as if Disfigured Consciousness will be the one and only Slavemachine album), the band continued to entertain crowds and write and perform great music until Taylor shelved the band to pursue another project.
None of the previous members ever saw the "new" Slavemachine perform live. In fact, the new additions to the band were, in many ways, superior in talent to the former members. Any critical comments made by former members serves as nothing more than a testimony to sucking on sour grapes.
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Slavemachine: Disfigured Consciousness
Posted by Aaron Xavier on 2006-08-05 17:35:19
My Score:
First, the above mentioned comment is 1000% true. Eric, Lee, and myself left the group on our own volition. Secondly, without the financial backing I personally procured, there would not have been an album to begin with (just ask Ryan about this). Also, without Craig Stegall (who orchestrated many of the Slavemachine promotions), we would be stuck in Jacksonville, NC. playing the same 2 places night after night (which is exactly what happened when we left). Ryan knows the truth...the true core of the band left after putting up with a marginally-talented screamer (confirmed) and his ego long enough.
Lastly, I appreciate all the true fan support we had from 2001 to 2004, and, I apologize to those who endured the crapfest that followed after we took off. I'd like to see what you all have to think, and to see if their is anyone out there who disagrees.
Peace;
-Aaron-
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Slavemachine: Disfigured Consciousness
Posted by Anonymous on 2005-07-15 09:46:14
My Score: 
The other "guys that weren't cut out for touring" actually just got fed up with the "Lead Singer Disease" BS they had dealt with for years. Also, none of the current lineup (save for Ryan) played on, sang on, or had anything to do with this album creatively or financially...anther bit of information most people don't seem to be aware of.
So, while Slavemachine has now carved a nice little niche in NC, it has not (and most likely, will never) leave the confines of said state. The glory days are long gone...
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