Machine Head -
The
blackening
Roadrunner Records - 2007
Posted : 01.08.2007
Done By : Valeria
Although they’re considered one of the most representative reality of thrash metal, near important names as Metallica or Pantera, Machine Head guys have always put something innovative in their compositions, to create a kind of modern/groove thrash, and we could say so, experimental.
More then ever in this new album ‘the blackening’, in which, between a mix of cadenced but also speed riffs, guitars interlacements and violent drums, we find an industrial component and some metalcore elements, that maybe will disappoint the lovers of the classic but sure will amaze listeners of that sort. In a certain way this album requests engagement on the listening, being more technical and digressive, and maybe someone could get bored, because of the duration (about 61 minutes for just 8 tracks). Another one little doubt is about that in spit of the real core parts; probably there are too much ‘sweet’ moments.
However let’s start describing the first track ‘clenching the fists of dissent’: with a slow and almost touching intro, it becomes a fast and smart song but it slows down on the refrain, melting in a melodic frame and regaining velocity in the end. Of course a good way to start!
The second track, ’beautiful mourning’, is the shortest episode of the album, not for this reason less significant; starting with a cute ‘FUCK YOU ALL!!’ ,it brings us in industrial sounds, and we listen to a Robb Flynn warm and emotional.
Then there is the track I could consider the most representative of the album, ‘aesthetics of hate’, of what our guys made also a nice video. N°3, the perfect number –the same position occupied by ‘a thousand lies’ in the beloved ‘burn my eyes’-
This song will make you headbang, with a strong metalcore rhythmic, assassine drums, a solo you will remember for a long time, and in the last part, Flynn’s fascinating voice is at the top.
After this remarkable triad, the 4th track ‘now I lay thee down’ is cadenced and industrial, reminding us American head charge sounds, while the following ‘Slanderous’, in a certain way a bit prog, will bring us to the earlier Machine Head, although with more elaborate guitars moments.
Then it comes ‘halo’ and his psychedelic intro, that in his 9 minutes of duration presents to us a sweet melodic refrain and similar-power metal solos!
Another 9 minutes decidedly more ‘bad’ and chasing in the next track, ‘Wolfs’, where crystalline guitars reign.
Finally,N°8,’a farewell to arms’ is a sad and bitter song, and slowly it takes us to the end. Making a sum, maybe these aren’t Machine Head of ‘Burn my eyes’, but these guys still keep their great value, and they demonstrated us with this album.
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