Release Date: 2 November 2025
Format: CD, Digital
Genre: Progressive Metal, Modern Metal, Jazz Fusion
Country: USA
John Macko is widely known as the bassist of Fifth
Angel, a band tied to classic US power metal tradition. Across decades, Macko built a reputation for disciplined musicianship
and strong compositional sense. “Zero-Point Machine” marks a long-developing
personal project where he steps outside familiar territory and presents music
shaped by early influences, broader styles, and long-held ideas that waited for
the right moment to surface.
“Zero-Point Machine” unfolds as a cinematic
album rooted in progressive metal, modern heaviness, and fusion textures. The
writing favors atmosphere, rhythm shifts, and layered arrangements over simple
hooks. Vocals by Georgie Chapple guide the
material with a clear narrative role, fitting the darker and reflective lyrical
direction. The album follows a controlled pace, allowing themes to develop
gradually while maintaining steady momentum across its runtime.
The collaboration with Adrian
Thessenvitz brings a detailed sound design approach, blending metallic
force with progressive rock depth. Ken Mary’s
drumming anchors the compositions with precision and experience, reinforcing the
album’s structured character. Guest guitar performances add variety and color,
expanding the tonal range without distracting from the core identity of the
project.
Production plays a key role in shaping the final
result. The mix by Jacob Hansen delivers a
modern, powerful sound that keeps every element defined and balanced. The album
avoids excess polish and focuses on clarity, scale, and cohesion. Artwork by Henry Moreno visually mirrors the album’s futuristic
and introspective themes.
“Zero-Point Machine” presents John Macko as a composer exploring a wider musical
horizon with patience and focus. The album speaks to listeners drawn to
progressive structures, modern metal weight, and thoughtful arrangements. It
stands as a mature release that reflects experience, curiosity, and careful
execution.
Score: 7.0
John Macko
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