This Machine Runs On Empty

This Machine Runs on Empty is Bloodjinn's third label in as many albums. Interestingly, their post-hardcore, thrashed out brand of melodic metal has remained intact and in fact has only gotten better with age. Blastbeats and big, big guitars that lie distorted by clear and fast metal riffs and dual leads — can anyone say Thin Lizzy? — with Joel Collins now-trademark lead vocals. Despite more mature lyrics, Collins keeps it direct, lean and mean and the band follows suit. The sound is enormous and menacing, but its hooks draw the listener unmistakably toward the center of each cut. While the album is virtually seamless from beginning to end, there are a number of standouts including "Mirrored Human," "In the First Degree," "A Moment of Clarity," "The Unloved," and the title track. Music this heavy isn't usually this deep while keeping its musical edge raw and intact. For This Machine Runs on Empty, though, Bloodjinn is a machine alright, yet it is anything but empty.