The HAARP Machine brought their eclectic style of prog-metal to the Ironworks in Pittsburgh last night and showed all in attendance what the future of metal holds. Founded in 2007 out of England, HAARP belongs to an elite set of new comers who feel and sound like they have been ruling stages for decades. Their debut ‘Disclosure’ is an amazing blend of styles masterminded by Al Mu’min guitar prowess that are highlighted by snippets of eastern instrumentation and the addition of Michael Semesky’s vocal range surrounded by masterful musicianship by Oliver Rooney’s bass and Alex Rudinger’s percussion in the math metal vein. Al Mu’min states: “Our debut album is an amalgamation of many influences across the spectrum and lyrically addresses many of the socioeconomic and political issues in our society today. We hope it will open doors for listeners and broaden their musical horizons as well as spark an interest in areas that dictate our lives, but are swept under the rug to maintain the status quo and keep the populace aloof to the sick capitalist venture of the big money cartels. We feel very fortunate to be in this position and wish to use this opportunity to spread the word on social change via the application of the scientific method for the betterment of humankind. There IS an alternative to the un-sane society we live in and it is our duty to this planet and all its inhabitants to awaken the sleepers. We can no longer ignore the writings on the wall. The time for change is now (Sumerian Records Website).”
The HAARP Machine derive their name from The HAARP Project or High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program. HAARP is the subject of numerous conspiracy theories involving the project being blamed for triggering catastrophes such as floods, droughts, hurricanes, thunderstorms, and devastating earthquakes in Pakistan and the Philippines, major power outages, the downing of TWA Flight 800, Gulf War syndrome, and chronic fatigue syndrome. If one would go to The HAARP Machine’s Facebook page and look for more specific information on the band, one would find links to www.thezeitgeistmovement.com, www.anonnews.org, and www.thevenusproject.com. But these guys are not fanatics pouring it down the listeners or fans throats, rather they seem to present ideas to explore and awaken to. Regardless, ‘Disclosure’ is indefinitely one of the strongest debuts of the year and seems to be only the beginning for The HAARP Machine.
After witnessing their live set (opening for The Faceless) it became clear that the band is poised to set a strong stakehold in the metal community and more than likely will be headlining their own shows in no time at all. Songs such as ‘Esoteric Agenda’ and ‘Pleiadian Keys’ were absolutely flawless and awe-inspiring performances that sent chills. The entire band was outwardly gracious with their audience and the buzz after the show was what an experience everyone was lucky enough to have been a part of, the kind spoken of years later when the rest of the world catches up. Special thanks to Mike, Al, Oliver, and Alex for an awesome evening…we look forward to many more in the future. After concluding their first US run of dates, HAARP will take a few weeks off and then prep for a UK tour.
All photos property of AWeldingphoto, KBegelyphoto, and Pittsburgh Music Magazine
THE FOLLOWING IS A “VIDEO” INTERVIEW WITH THE HAARP MACHINE THAT IS MEANT FOR AUDIO PURPOSES ONLY!!! SORRY, THE LIGHTING WAS IMPOSSIBLE!!!
[wpvideo onsz7s5q]