This is a big sound - straight away two words come to mind - epic, anthemic - choose your favourite coz they both describe 'Deus Ex Machina' pretty well and you should know now what to expect. Shaolin Temple Of Boom create the sort of wall of sound that Devin Townsend would be proud of; guitars vie with keys and provide a dark, at times brooding, backdrop of modernistic sound as the bass and drums lay down a staggeringly precise and deeply sensitive foundation. Instrumentally that's about it - well actually, no it isn't coz David Alvarez adds his remarkably tuned voice into the mix and that takes on a presence that's damn near to becoming another instrument in the mix. Alvarez delivers his 'words' with such passion, such belief that he makes you, the listener, feel part of this whole rocked-up 'operatic' interlude. Alvarez is very clever in his use of instruments to create both harmonious and juxtaposed sound, as and where required. The dynamics are awesome!

It's a weird thing coz I'm sitting here listening and I keep hearing small 'soundbites' that remind me of so many artists both past and present; occasionally I hear a vocal quality quite similar to David Bowie, I've already intimated the Devin Townsend comparison, and so it goes on. But, David Alvarez isn't trying to be anyone else but himself, Shaolin Temple of Boom; composer, conductor, 'orchestra', vocalist, engineer, producer - the whole shebang!! Clever stuff indeed and, Alvarez has managed to pull it all together here. Just six tracks timing out at thirty-one minutes - half an hour of brilliant majestic and mature rock music, a story in glorious stereo, a mini-book played out in full-on electric sound!!

It seems to me that David Alvarez and his beloved Shaolin Temple Of BooM are all set to make a pretty big impact - this kind of anthemic rock is pretty much timeless and therefore 'Deus Ex Machina' has every possibility of being massive. Certainly it's worthy of big things and definitely David Alvarez has what it takes to carry this monster on his shoulders and run with it. I can see 'Deus Ex Machina' becoming a real monster work around the world if the promotion is good. 'Deus Ex Machina' by Shaolin Temple Of Boom is an excellent trip into rock heaven - big, loud, brash, but most of all, enjoyable. Great stuff this - I wish it all the luck in the world - watch out for this one folks!!

Peter J Brown aka toxic pete (www.toxicpete.co.uk)