We Walk Alone

The Zoo Crew is cranking up the hard rock heat for the Zoo Freaks with "We Walk Alone" by The End Machine, a gritty track from their 2021 album Phase2. Described as a bluesy, Whitesnake-like anthem in a review by The Rockpit, this song channels a mid-tempo, muscular groove with George Lynch’s searing guitar riffs and Robert Mason’s commanding vocals. In a 2021 post on the band’s Facebook page, fans praised its “semi-bluesy groove” and Jeff Pilson’s thunderous bass, likening it to Dokken’s darker, mid-90s vibe. However, not all reviews were glowing; Sea of Tranquility called it “plodding” compared to other tracks on the album, yet acknowledged its appeal to fans of Lynch’s signature style.

Adding to the song’s story, Jeff Pilson shared in a 2021 interview with KNAC.COM that "We Walk Alone" was crafted to evoke the raw energy of their live performances, with its heavy, chugging rhythm designed to get heads banging. A fan comment on the band’s YouTube channel for the song’s official audio noted its “huge bottom end” and Mason’s ability to hit massive notes effortlessly, echoing Pilson’s sentiment that the track captures the band’s live intensity. The song’s lyrical themes, while not explicitly detailed in interviews, hint at resilience and solitude, fitting the band’s knack for blending emotional depth with hard-hitting rock, as discussed in fan threads on Metal Temple.

The End Machine formed in 2018, bringing together former Dokken members George Lynch (guitar) and Jeff Pilson (bass, keyboards), alongside vocalist Robert Mason (Warrant, Lynch Mob) and initially drummer Mick Brown, who was replaced by his brother Steve Brown for Phase2. The band’s inception came from Lynch and Pilson’s desire to revisit their melodic hard rock roots while exploring new creative avenues. As Pilson explained in a 2021 Metal Forces Magazine interview, the project was originally intended to include Dokken’s Don Dokken, but contractual issues led them to continue with Mason, whose dynamic voice added a fresh edge. Their 2019 self-titled debut album laid the groundwork for their sound, blending classic 80s metal with modern production, and Phase2 built on that foundation with tracks like "We Walk Alone."

The band’s formation was rooted in the long-standing chemistry between Lynch and Pilson, forged during their Dokken days in the 1980s, where they helped define the era’s melodic metal sound with hits like “In My Dreams.” After years of side projects like Lynch Mob and T&N, they sought to create something distinct yet familiar, with Mason’s vocal prowess and Brown’s drumming rounding out the lineup. According to a review on Real Gone, the band’s ability to channel Dokken’s spirit while carving their own path was a key factor in their early success. Fans can stay connected through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, which share tour updates, studio insights, and fan interactions.

For Zoo Freaks looking to join the conversation, fan communities provide a space to celebrate The End Machine’s music. While no dedicated fan sites exist solely for the band, Encyclopaedia Metallum offers detailed discographies and band history, and the Dokken/Lynch Mob Fans Facebook group is a lively hub where fans of Lynch and Pilson’s projects, including The End Machine, share concert memories, rare photos, and discussions about songs like "We Walk Alone." These platforms keep the band’s legacy thriving, connecting fans who love the raw power and melodic heart of their music.