The EP is an offshoot of their 2010 release, Darkly, Darkly, Venus Aversa, proving so with an orchestral version of CoF oldie, “Summer Dying Fast.” So, nothing’s really new in the Filthy world of metal, but the record is entertaining and classically Cradle nonetheless.

This dish is one spicy meatball, kicking of 2012 with a badda-boom-badda-bing!

The latest band to make it big in the new wave of occult rock (ie Ghost, Blood Ceremony), these Dutch demons have unleashed a lengthy, 76-minute Metal Blade debut upon the masses with this, their second album. Opening with a shuffling, ringing, haunting instrumental, you know you’re in for a hell of a ride…

With that being said, grab your headphones, turn down the lights and let the music take over. This is an album not to be missed.

All up, Anniversary is exactly what I hoped it would be. A mucky snail-paced trawl through the band’s debut, followed up by an unrestrained romp across the years. There’s obviously a wealth of material not on the second career-spanning disc, but I guess with only one side to play with you pick your best. I’ve no complaints.

At just under half an hour, This Machine Is Driving is almost not enough but at the same time it’s the perfect length. It makes you want to leave it on repeat, though continued listening may force you in to the shower several times a day.

“If we in the audience are puppets whose strings are manipulated by artists, then Townsend is both puppeteer and lead puppet, a living caricature of the genre who takes such obvious joy in poking fun at both the scene and his own place within it. His performances are both sincere and satirical, and that is what makes them unique.”

Jonathan Smith reviews the December 10th performance of Devin Townsend in Toronto. Live photos by Adam Wills.

Who knew that Slash was so good at anything other than knocking out great, classic licks for almost thirty years? Some fans might have, but Made In Stoke shows makes the point unavoidable; these are great, classic songs all around.