The Machine That Won the War cover

The Machine That Won the War

Sheavy · 2007

43 min · 12 tracks · stoner rock

A heavy, immersive blend of stoner rock riffage and cosmic themes that captures an otherworldly atmosphere.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Demon Soldiers — This track features driving rhythms and powerful vocals that encapsulate the album's thematic exploration of conflict and resistance. Its infectious chorus exemplifies Sheavy's knack for blending heaviness with melodic hooks.
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    Rings of Saturn — With its ethereal guitar work and atmospheric soundscapes, this track stands out as a highlight that captures the cosmic themes present throughout the album. The juxtaposition of heaviness and serenity offers a compelling listening experience.
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    Where Earth Meets Sky — The closing track provides a reflective moment on the album, combining poignant lyrics with a soaring melody that ties together the cosmic narratives explored earlier. It leaves listeners pondering the vastness of existence.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album effectively blends heavy riffs with thematic storytelling, creating a cohesive experience within the stoner rock genre.

What we noticed

  • The album features heavy, distorted guitar riffs that dominate the soundscape, with a consistent use of reverb to create an immersive atmosphere.
  • Each track typically follows a verse-chorus structure, but several songs incorporate extended instrumental sections that emphasize the cosmic themes.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • The Dark Carnival

    A pivotal moment where the imagery shifts from battle to a surreal carnival setting, creating a stark contrast that deepens the narrative complexity.

    This transition highlights Sheavy’s skill in weaving fantastical elements into their storytelling, inviting listeners to reflect on the duality of chaos and celebration.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 The Sleeping Assassin 2:49
  • 2 Demon Soldiers 3:39
  • 3 Humanoid 3:51
  • 4 Dawn of the Black Orchid 3:56
  • 5 Aboard the Mothership 3:14
  • 6 Rings of Saturn 2:44
  • 7 Here Falls the Shadow 4:10
  • 8 Lords of Radiation 3:01
  • 9 The Dark Carnival 3:43
  • 10 Where Earth Meets Sky 4:17
  • 11 One of Us Must Be Dead 3:26
  • 12 The Gunfighters 4:21

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata