I'm aware enough to know that Machina has not been adored by everyone, but I actually think its an amazing record. Not in the sense of it being "rock and roll" or "heavy" but because it is probably one of the most individual and unique albums I have EVER heard.

The concept itself is incredible. I dont know how many average joe's could've thought up such a creative theme. Most impressive ^_^ I also like how Billy puts his reletionship with Yelena Yemchuck into the album's theme; its not like other albums where the composer writes one "real-life" song, puts it in the concept album, and haves it stick out like a sore thumb. I admire how "Stand Inside Your Love" flows in with the surrounding material.

Songs like "Everlasting Gaze" and "Heavy Metal Machine" offer the l;istener a taste of the heavy, pulsing rock that most of us crave, but never once did I get the impression that they didnt fit on the record.

Tracks like "Wound" and "The Sacred and Profane" have my respect in the sense that they dont sound like any particular thing I've heard from the Pumpkins. They're always trying something new.

Not once did I hear a radio-friendly pop single ^_^

I've heard claims that Machina was too "Prog-Metal" but I think the band was being progressive with thier music (as always!) and I didnt take that comment as an insult.

The only letdown to me is the superficial disappointment that Zero dies in the end (read the scripture in the liner notes if you dont know what I'm talking about).

R.I.P. Zero