Warrel Dane is mostly know as the singer for Nevermore. But he has also been in other acts, such as Sanctuary and Serpent's Knight. In 2008 we got the mans first solo effort..

PRAISES TO THE WAR MACHINE (2008) CENTURY MEDIA (Ltd. Edition)

Warrel Dane has been a favorite of mine ever since I first heard Nevermore. He has such a unique approach to singing, and no one sounds like him. So I was really looking forward to this insane man's solo effort. And he does not disappoint! 'Praises To The War Machine' is the name of his first born. And with lots of help from ex-Soilwork's Peter Wichers, both as a musician, and as a songwriter and producer, they have come up with a masterpiece. I'm not quite sure how to describe the music here. Of course there are some similarities to Nevermore, but that is only because it's the same voice. 'Praises To The War Machine' doesn't have that wall of guitars driving the songs forth. The music is build around Warrel's voice. Now if  say that "Lucretia My Reflection" is a Sisters Of Mercy cover, and that "Patters" was written by Paul Simon, then you can imagine the possibilities of what lies between two such drastically different influences. This is goth-tinged, melodic, twisted, society criticizing, heartfelt, honest, insane, heavy, riff-laden music that will take you on a journey into Warrel's head (now that's a disturbing thought!). But even though this is Warrel's solo album, and his voice is of course the cornerstone of this CD, I still think that Peter's contribution cannot be overlooked. You will easily recognize the borderline mall-core riffs he did so well in his previous band. And while there is nothing bad with that, it sure isn't all that exciting either. Luckily the melody lines is more then working up for this, and as said, this is after all Warrel's solo album, and he does shine here! He is using his voice in many different ways here, and he is truly showing what a fantastic specter he has to work wit. And when he pours his heart out in stellar numbers such as "August" and "Brother", then there is no one that can touch this phenomenal singer! 'Praises To The War Machine' is a great album, and definitely a contender for a top spot on my top 20 list of 2008 releases. My limited edition digi-pack comes with a bonus cut, and different artwork. The girl on the right in the picture is not on my version, but I couldn't find any pictures of this version online.

Killer tracks: When We Pray, Messenger, Let You Down, August, Brother, This Old Man

Related artists:

Nevermore, Sanctuary, Soilwork