The Blackening

Roadrunner

Bay area thrashers Machine Head have returned after a three year absence with what is turning out to be their most cohesive work to date. This time around the guys have chosen to take their sound down a slightly different path by returning to their bay area thrash roots. Infusing a heightened intensity of melodic competence (an attribute which has been missing in the U.S. Metal scene) amid an old school vibe, Machine Head are setting a new standard in which artists conduct their writing and recording abilities. The Blackening is a seminal tour de force that captures eleven tracks of unbridled Metal acuity. Though not quite the caliber of our European neighbors they are definitely on the write track.  

On a personal level I really struggled with what I was going to say about this CD. At first listen I thought that it was very well written with a brilliant production job and a lot of guts but not much glory; nothing stuck out in my mind. After repeated spins I came to the conclusion that it is what it is and it wasn’t going to get any better. The lengthy compositions are very intriguing and warrant close attention. I love the varying changeovers and hold the utmost respect for the band’s integrity. The clean vocal harmonies and dual lead guitar action is absolutely superb although I do believe that the clean vocals lack the passion that is displayed in traditional Metal formats. In essence they can sing but they are by no means anywhere near the competence of vocal masters like Ronnie James Dio, Bruce Dickinson, Rob Halford or Geoff Tate. Granted they are no doubt not attempting to be any of these legends but the ability is deficient nevertheless. I’ve read multiple reviews of this CD and they all seem to agree that it is one of the best releases of 2007. I agree that it is an outstanding achievement but can’t honestly say that it grabs me the way their last CD 2004’s Through The Ashes Of Empires did.

If your looking for a traditionally based thrash album with some extraordinary riffing, killer guitar leads, and angry pissed off vocals then The Blackening most assuredly fits the bill and will not disappoint but understand that this is not necessarily a landmark release as much as it is a good solid step in the career of Machine Head. As far as the American Metal scene is concerned it is a much needed addition to the lot and will hopefully marks the beginning of the winds of change. No more emo/screamo crap, no nu-metal, rap metal or hardcore bullshit just pure fucking metal at its best.

-Priest