Starting off with a riff that will be stuck on your mind long after the last note of the song plays out, ‘War Machine’ by Mezcal is an absolute powerhouse of cathartic rock energy.
The track, through its instrumentation, employs a dark, haunting mood that collapses into a tone of reflection upon that of harsh reality. In its power and unrelenting energy, the song leans towards a mix of grunge, hard-rock, and an alternative metal sound. Thunderous, roaring guitars define the track and its power is backed by the pounding drums that shift its tone depending on the intensity that the song reaches for in a section. The guitar playing employs transitions between full-blown power and stunning restraint, which adds to the dark, haunting build-up that song produces in certain sections. Both guitars and drums have a play of balance between them, which does not allow the song to be stuck in one sound and rhythm, and instead sees progressions that the listener simply does not see coming. The interplay of power and restraint allows for a deeper, better engagement with the track, because it keeps the listener absolutely hooked to its rhythms.
The lyricism in the song reflects the instrumental mood of the song. It captures the loop of power chasing mentality that one gets trapped in, if they do not pay attention, leading to self-destructive, self-sabotaging tendencies. A hungry chasing of power sees an individual surrender to that chase all and everything, leaving the person no wall to rest his back against, and that is what this song delves into.
A stunning performance of power, grit and rawness, this track is a true alt-metal gem in the current music scene.