Shine Your Light

The Zoo Crew is rocking the airwaves for the Zoo Freaks with "Shine Your Light" by The End Machine, a high-energy track from their 2021 album Phase2. This song, described as a standout anthem by Rewind It Magazine, features a powerful, sing-along chorus driven by George Lynch’s signature guitar riffs and Robert Mason’s soaring vocals. According to SonicHits, the lyrics evoke themes of destruction, sacrifice, and redemption, opening with vivid imagery of “the heat of a thousand suns” to set a tone of urgency and intensity. In a 2021 interview with Metal Forces Magazine, bassist Jeff Pilson shared that the band aimed to craft their best songs yet for Phase2, with "Shine Your Light" highlighted for its infectious energy and Lynch’s distinctive sound, making it a fan favorite for its anthemic, fist-pumping vibe.

Adding to the song’s allure, a post on the band’s Facebook page in April 2021 celebrated "Shine Your Light" as a track that captures the band’s chemistry, with fans in the comments praising its “Dokken-esque” feel, a nod to the shared history of Lynch and Pilson. The song’s placement on the album, as noted in a YouTube track listing, comes after the emotive ballad “Scars,” providing a dynamic shift that showcases the band’s versatility. In a fan discussion on Metal Temple, Robert Mason’s vocal performance on "Shine Your Light" was lauded for its passion, with some calling it a perfect blend of classic and modern hard rock elements, further cementing its status as a highlight of Phase2.

The End Machine was formed in 2018 by former Dokken members George Lynch (guitar) and Jeff Pilson (bass, keyboards), alongside vocalist Robert Mason (Warrant, Lynch Mob) and initially drummer Mick Brown, later replaced by his brother Steve Brown for Phase2. The band came together as a creative outlet for Lynch and Pilson, who, after years in Dokken and other projects like Lynch/Pilson and T&N, wanted to craft a fresh take on melodic hard rock. As Pilson explained in a 2021 KNAC.COM interview, the project initially aimed to include Dokken’s Don Dokken, but contractual obligations led them to continue with Mason, whose powerful voice became a defining element. Their self-titled debut in 2018 was well-received, setting the stage for Phase2’s more polished and ambitious sound.

The band’s origins trace back to the camaraderie and musical synergy of Lynch and Pilson, who bonded over their shared love for classic rock and a desire to push beyond Dokken’s legacy. According to a Rockpit review, the addition of Mason and later Steve Brown brought a new dynamic, with Phase2 reflecting a tighter, more confident unit. The End Machine quickly gained traction among hard rock fans, particularly those nostalgic for the 80s sound but craving modern production. Fans can follow the band’s updates on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour news, behind-the-scenes content, and interactions with their fanbase.

For Zoo Freaks eager to connect with other fans, the hard rock community offers several hubs. While no specific fan websites are dedicated solely to The End Machine, Encyclopaedia Metallum provides detailed discographies and band info, and the Dokken/Lynch Mob Fans Facebook group is a lively space where fans of Lynch and Pilson’s projects, including The End Machine, discuss albums, share live videos, and celebrate tracks like "Shine Your Light." These platforms keep the spirit of the band’s music alive, offering a space for enthusiasts to dive into their legacy and ongoing work.