Start the Machine (album)

Start the Machine is the debut studio album by American rock band Story of the Year, released on March 8, 2005, through Maverick Records. The album marked a significant shift in the band's sound from their earlier post-hardcore leanings under the name Big Blue Monkey, to a more accessible and polished alternative rock style.

Production was handled by John Feldmann, known for his work with bands like Goldfinger and The Used. The album's title, Start the Machine, is said to represent the band's renewed energy and commitment to their music after a period of struggle and uncertainty following the name change and signing with a major label.

Start the Machine features several singles that gained significant radio airplay and helped propel the album to commercial success. These included "Until the Day I Die," "Anthem of Our Dying Day," and "We're Not Gonna Make It." The album's lyrical themes explore topics of personal struggle, perseverance, and the desire for change.

The album was generally well-received by critics, with many praising its catchy melodies and energetic performances. Start the Machine reached number 13 on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The success of the album established Story of the Year as a prominent act in the mid-2000s alternative rock scene.