One of the most relevant bands of our time, Order of the White Rose has released their debut War Machine and it delivers the one-two punch of aggressive, powerful music and impassioned, informed lyrics generating a sound that will dwell in your head and set you body in motion. This album will hit you like a cannon shot, assault your ears with a barrage of melodies, and leave you echoing the mantra "No Flags, No Masters" for quite some time. The torches of revolution have indeed been relit.
The Robertson brothers Nate (drums) and Noah (bass/lead vocals) emerged from the ashes of the popular Maui band "Absence of Void" to join with their musically multifarious friend Steve Hart (guitar) to form Order of the White Rose, a band that truly wears it's collective heart on it's sleeve. They later added guitarist Ian from the local band "Khrinj" to round out their live sound. Together, these four guys have been gaining musical ground and attracting an ever increasing following that is spreading not only on their home turf, but throughout the mainland as well.
The unique band moniker honors the German Resistance group White Rose who waged a leaflet campaign opposing the Nazi regime. This reference defines the musician's belief system and serves as a reflection of their humanity and exemplary character. It speaks volumes about the integrity and sincerity put forth from the hearts and minds of talented, gifted musicians that have a lot to say. With subject matter ranging from Imperialism (both political and cultural) to social awareness to confronting personal demons and everything in between, they never get too wrapped up in the message to just plain rock out.
And make no mistake about it, the band member's diverse musical influences mesh together to form a sonic masterpiece ready to overtake the masses. Everything from hardcore to metal to punk to first-gen ska to world music and unique cultural styles like Persian guitar and South Pacific drumming have lead these musicians to their current sound.
From the opening salvos of "White Rose" to the propulsive "Seeds of Destruction" there are plenty of aural gems to keep even the most capricious listener on board. "In Control", a song that would sit comfortably on both radio and personal playlists, the raucous fan favorite "No Flags, No Masters", the emphatic "Guilty", even the unmistakable "Clean? are all valid reasons to add this disc to your library and enlist in the army of this War Machine. ~ E. M. Bernard aka Clampypants