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Finland's melodic metallers Machine Men called it quits in February 2011, which was a great loss for the fans who had fallen in love with the band's catchy and powerful "Maiden-esque" Metal. Gladly every end means a new beginning for things in life, and sometimes, on rare occasions when it has something to do with Metal music, things may get even sweeter.

Psychework is a new musical incarnation of two ex-Machine Men members: Antony Parviainen (on vocals) and J-V Hintikka (on guitar), strengthened by four other musicians who also seem hungry enough to create something big and memorable. The Dragon's Year, the band's debut full-length studio opus, just strengthens some of the expectations of Psychework's own attitude and determination to create something special. And in all honesty, they have succeeded in doing so, and exceeded some of these expectations as well.

On The Dragon's Year, Psychework combines, cleverly yet carefully, some of the best elements of Heavy Metal, adding some symphonic elements into it – plus, letting vocalist Antony work his magic (we already know what this fellow is capable of doing vocally, don't we?). If you think Psychework continues where Machine Men left off on their third album, Circus of Fools, you will be proved wrong. The superb voice of Antony is still there, of course, but otherwise Psychework is a completely different musical entity compared to Machine Men. Psychework clearly have more dramatic sounding parts and different emotions involved within their songs and Antony has more room to use his vocals at full capacity. Also, as Psychework's Metal is symphonic-orientated, it also makes it sound bigger and more pompous, as such songs as "Bullet with My Name" and the Dream Theater-esque "Tear of the Phoenix" prove it all so finely and boldly.

Machine Men is no more, so long live Psychework. The Dragon's Year is a fantastic opening from them, and you should definitely hear it yourself.