The Blackening

Machine Head

Roadrunner, 2007

http://www.machinehead1.com

REVIEW BY: Paul Hanson

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 06/09/2007

I have never paid much attention to Mahine Head. It's not that I haven't been impressed by their music or by the information I've internalized over the years from reading about them in various Web sites and 'zines - they just fell off my radar.

That may be changing, as The Blackening is an amazing slice of metal. For 60 minutes, this band grabs you by the throat and refuses to relinquish control of your body. The vocals/guitar riffs of Robb Flynn are confrontational and satisfying. my_heart_sings_the_harmony_web_ad_alt_250

As with most metal bands, Machine Head is angry. Their world is full of betrayal and suffering. When Flynn sings in "Clenching the Fists of Dissent" to "Use your rage / it is a weapon / we now must engage," the tenacity of this band is evident. Backed up by licks and fills from guitarist Phil Demmel and furious rhythm patterns from drummer Dave McClain, this an impressive effort.

The second track, "Beautiful Mourning," is notable not because of the opening declaration "Fuck you all!" Rather, Flynn's delivery of the chorus "How do I close thine eyes of murder" is melodic and is sung in a different style than the rest of the song. The contrast serves the band well. "Aesthetics of Hate" begins with a pulsating pounding from McClain and sounds like Slayer or Testament - old school thrash metal at its finest. It's a welcome track and seems simpler as it pounds nonstop from the beginning to the end. The lyrics deal with the loss of the murdered Pantera guitarist Dimebag and the song ends with a heartbeat like drum beat over guitar distortion and random noises.

Machine Head hits its stride with "Halo." The song features a melodic riff with a pulsating drumbeat that propels the band. Flynn sounds his best during the chorus "Halo over our demise / Following a God so blind / Sallow in their sickening / Swallow not, the shit they feed" which is sung and not shouted. The intro to the solos is shouted, though, and Flynn toggles between the two vocal styles to make this release interesting.

The Blackening offers an impressive 8 tracks with the type of metal that used to be performed more often than it is. The drumming is sensational and the guitar riffs are well thought out and interesting. I wish I had heard this release prior to seeing the band live opening for Lamb of God, as the only song I remember Flynn mentioning in concert was "Aesthetics of Hate." The details are what make this release for me.

Rating: A

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