Track By Tracks: Old Machines - The Cycles Of Extinction (2025)

Emerging from the darkest reaches of time and space, Old Machines present their debut album The Cycles of Extinction, a one-hour odyssey through eight tracks of Extreme Cosmic Metal. Fusing thrash, death, black, and power metal with cinematic synthscapes and an epic sci-fi narrative, this first chapter launches an ambitious series of concept albums chronicling ancient AI, cosmic horror, and the endless cycles of extinction that haunt all life in the galaxy.

Formed by members of Oxygen Destroyer, Skeletal Remains, Silver Talon, Thirsting Altar, and Dominus Nox, Old Machines draws inspiration from classic science fiction video games, films, and literature, while taking musical cues from Bal Sagoth, Emperor, Limbonic Art, Obsidian Gate, and the storytelling tradition of Blind Guardian.

Track I: Twilight of the Old Gods, and the Dawning of the First Cycle:

The album begins with an ominous synth-driven introduction that swells into a powerful black metal assault. Ancient leviathan deities, over two billion years old, create an AI designed to implement extinction cycles, only to be betrayed and consumed by their own creations. The resulting mechanical monstrosities, known as the Old Machines, begin their harvest of all organic life. The song builds tension with layered synths and existential dread, culminating in a full-band onslaught and ending on the chilling declaration: "The Old Gods are dead...long live DEATH!"

Track II: Cycles of Extinction:

As the title track, this piece defines the album’s central concept. The Old Machines orchestrate vast galactic traps, luring newly evolved civilizations into technological hubs that trigger their own destruction. Every cycle brings more harvested beings into the Machines’ growing ranks. Musically, the track balances eerie synths with heavy blasts and soaring choruses, evoking influences like Event Horizon, Emperor, Limbonic Art, and early Nocturnus. It has become a live staple for the band.

Track III: Extinguishing the Light of the Preludian Empire (Upon the Apex of their Glory):

This song tells the story of the legendary Preludian Empire, which ruled the galaxy before mysteriously vanishing 50,000 years ago. At the height of their power, they too fell to the harvest of the Old Machines. The music leans heavily into the Bal Sagoth style, blending symphonic black metal with pulpy space opera energy. A chaotic closing section pays tribute to Limbonic Art, signaling the collapse of the Preludians and marking the end of the album’s first narrative arc.

Track IV: Dark Space and Beyond: The Continuance of the Evolution of the Final Cycle:

An instrumental interlude, this track marks the transition between cycles. The Old Machines retreat to the dark void, while new life begins to evolve once more. Inspired by Star Trek II and III, the music is both futuristic and spiritual, portraying the natural flow of life after destruction. Synth motifs introduced here will reappear on future albums, subtly tying the saga together.

Track V: Crescendo of Carnage: Warsong of the Singing Swarm (Swarm Wars I):

The second act begins with the rise of the Singing Swarm—a fearsome insectoid race inspired by Starship Troopers, Xenomorphs, and Starcraft’s Zerg. In response, the ruling species creates the Irradiated Sons, a bioengineered warrior race. The song introduces a new synth palette and a faster, more modern metal sound. Designed as the first in a series of Swarm Wars tracks, this piece foreshadows continuing battles to come.

Track VI: The Sundering of the Irradiated Sons, and the Rebellion Sparked by the Gene-Plague:

Victory over the Singing Swarm brings unintended consequences. The Irradiated Sons breed out of control, forcing the galactic powers to deploy a gene plague to sterilize them. Now, few in number but unmatched in combat, the remaining Sons become feared mercenaries and assassins. Musically, the track blends thrash, death, black, and power metal with an infectious, chantable energy. It is the band’s first planned single and a crowd favorite at live shows, capturing a triumphant yet tragic tone.

Track VII: They are Legion: The Tragic Exodus of the Veiled Creators:

In a distant part of the galaxy, another race creates AI to serve them—only for their creations to question their existence and rebel. The ensuing war forces the Veiled Creators into exile. The song unfolds in two parts: first, depicting the collapse of their industrial civilization; then, chronicling their centuries-long voyage through the stars in search of redemption. Harpsichord synths and mournful melodies convey the bittersweet fate of a species driven from its home.

Track VIII: Glory to the Terrans of the First Contact War:

Humanity enters the story as a new spacefaring power. Discovering ancient Preludian ruins on Mars unites Earth’s fractured nations, spurring them into the stars. A misstep during their first use of advanced transit technology triggers a brutal first contact war. Against all odds, humanity perseveres through ingenuity and sheer will. Musically, the track charges forward with anthemic speed, drawing influence from Judas Priest and Dark Angel. The album closes on a triumphant note, echoing the spirit of Bal Sagoth epics and cementing humanity’s place in the galactic saga.

What Lies Ahead

The members of Old Machines have a long-term vision, with the second album already fully arranged and Act III recording underway. This is not a side project, but an ongoing cosmic metal saga meant to endure. Some members may come and go, but the collective remains dedicated to exploring these galactic myths—and to warning listeners of the real dangers that the Old Machines may one day present. The cycles of extinction continue... and extinction is only the beginning.