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CD REVIEW: Machinehead - The Blackening
Artist: Machine Head
Album: The Blackening
Label: Roadrunner Records
Reviewer: Derek
Website: http://www.machinehead1.com
Machine Head is: Robert Flynn - vocals/guitar, Phil Demmel - guitar, Adam Duce - bass, Dave McClain - drums
I am convinced that Phil Demmel is the true life Angel Of Death while Machine Head should change their band name to The Phoenix. Why? Well until Phil joined the band Machine Head was without a label, and their previous few albums (with Ahrue Luster at lead guitar) simply sucked! Enter Phil! He single-handedly reinvigorated the band to write metal music again. No more rapping, and somehow Rob Flynn went back to writing music with his signature pinch harmonic licks. It was as if Machine Head had in fact come back from the dead….much the way the mythological creature the Phoenix is rumored to have done. All I can say is "Cheers" to Mr. Demmel for giving back this band it's piss and vinegar.
If you enjoyed "Through The Ashes Of Empires", then "The Blackening" is going to work just fine for you. To me "Imperium" is the best Machine head song ever (yes, I know about Davidian, Old, None But My Own, Ten Ton Hammer, etc). Second too that has to be the lead track "Clenching The Fist Of Dissent". Every element of what makes Machine Head a great metal band (sans anything in-between The More Things Change & Through The Ashes Of Empires) is apparent here. Rob's ability to growl one minute only to relent to pain filled melodies that beg to be understood is fantastic. Musically Dave McClain puts forth a crushing onslaught of blast beats. From a string standpoint, this is the best effort this band has ever done….period! It is the most technical undertaking to date, and the guitar solos harkens back to hey day Metallica and Megadeth. Like the build up of tempo till they plateau is better then you expect as you hear it build. It is so fucking fast I cant think of it getting better. But oh wait it does! Hardcore gang vocals navigate you thru one of the most evil metal licks ever. Incredible! Eventually the solemn melodies return to take you out.
"Beautiful Mourning" is a classic MH song. The first 20 second is a punch in the gut, then the chorus has a blast to the face with classic Flynn pinch harmonics. Think "Burn My Eyes" with this track. I really like the reborn Machine Head, can you tell?
I want to bring to your attention is "Now I Lay Thee Down". It is one of the most creative tracks the band has ever done, in that it consists of an almost lulling Tool like quality. The bass work rumbles and mesmerizes you, while Rob's singly chorus parts ill-equip you for the eventual annihilation that you knew would come. When it hits, take cover! The shit hit's the fan and Rob grows a horn and a tail. Creative axe work and vicious is the best way to describe this effort!
When "Slanderous" fly's think old Megadeth. Simply amazing guitar work…AMAZING!
Old Machine Head (Burn My Eyes & The More Things Change) was ugly nasty. The modern day Machine Head is beautifully nasty and "The Blackienng" is the most complete record (1-8) to date.
Derek's Scale: 9 out of 10. I would have been happy to have two more tracks. Yep I am mad greedy! Still an instant classic.
Track Listing:
01. Clenching The Fists Of Dissent
02. Beautiful Mourning
03. Aesthetics Of Hate
04. Now I Lay Thee Down
05. Slanderous
06. Halo
07. Wolves
08. A Farewell To Arms
Latest page update: made by hitthepit_derek
, Jul 20 2007, 11:12 PM EDT
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