Metal Underground.com

Everything about Hurt's "Goodbye To The Machine" is like taking a step back in time. From the cover art depicting a Depression-era clad little boy, to the old fashioned analog recording, to the surprisingly mellow and acoustic music, it's a journey back to simpler times, and simple themes. Though Hurt seems to have abandoned some of the stronger political and societal criticisms found on their other albums, it's almost as if during the writing of "Goodbye To The Machine" that Jay Loren was suffering from severe melancholy. Many of the songs relate to relationships and pain, and Loren’s typical gravelly, sultry voice lend an emotion that can’t quite be expressed through words.

The shift in mood is evident right from the opening track, as "Got Jealous" opens with Jay's signature sound, before some super low backup growls add to the rumbling vocal sound. You can actually feel the pain in the beautifully written lyrics, and it doesn't take long to realize that this is not typical Hurt territory. The sense of woe continues in "Pandora," where piano and violin meet to close out this otherwise punk sounding tune that offers some great bass playing in the breakdown.

"World Ain't Right" and "Sweet Delilah" nearly enter the realm of country music, with their southern style guitar work. In fact, the guest vocals by Seether's Shaun Morgan on "World Ain’t Right" help make it sound a lot like Avenged Sevenfold’s nearly country tune "Dear God." But never fear, Jay and the guys return a bit to their more grunge style hard rock on "1331." And the hidden track, "We’re All Gonna Die," is the epitome of this band's wit and sometimes caustic observations. "We’re All Gonna Die" sounds almost like a drinking tune you'd hear in some Irish pub, perhaps after a few too many brew, and if you don't laugh aloud at Hurt's pointing the finger at "the asshats who download and never bought tunes," you really should lighten up.

Since I gave Hurt’s last release such a high marking, I really tried to pick apart "Goodbye To The Machine" to find something wrong with it. Honestly though, while it may not be one of my top ten favorite albums of all time, there's not really much to find fault with. About the only downside I can find is that it is more mellow and mainstream than even typical Hurt tunes, and therefore those who like their metal a little grittier and harder may not be so enamored with it. But, for those who like mainstream metal, it's an excellent choice.