Review: Millencolin - Machine 15

Artist: Millencolin
Album: Machine 15
Label: Epitaph
Released: 5/6/2008

BSTscore: 74

Sweden’s Millencolin has returned with another release on Epitaph. Machine 15 does an excellent job of exhibiting the band’s strengths and their evolution. I remember when I first saw this band in 1997, their songs were not as serious and over the fifteen years the band has been together, their music has matured. Continuing to capitalize on the sound that started on Pennybridge Pioneers (and continued on Home from Home and Kingwood), this album has terrific flow and melody.

Vocalist/songwriter Nikola Sarcevic continues to provide a unique voice and solid lyrics to mesh with the band’s sound. Again, it is the band’s melody that is their strength and prevents Sarcevic from having to push his voice beyond its limits. In the past, there have always been a handful of songs on the band’s albums that really didn’t fit, but I commend the band, as Machine 15 is the most complete album the band has released. I hope the band continues to focus on its ability to create excellent melody and flow, without completely neglecting their punk rock roots.

I enjoyed this album, but I have a feeling that others may not share my perspective. I hope I’m wrong, but I don’t know if it’s quite “punk” enough for the punk crowd, and maybe not “rock” enough for the mainstream. I think it’s a good listen from start to finish, but I fear that it doesn’t do enough to distinguish itself as something truly special. I definitely like the direction the band has taken with their last handful of albums, and I hope that more people will share my appreciation of this band.

Musicianship: 75
Vocals: 80
Creativity: 70
Impact: 70

Favorite Song: "Done is Done"

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