I can’t believe it’s been almost three years since Machine Head released the annoyingly-capitalised ØF KINGDØM AND CRØWN, and they’ve gone with the same caps and crossed Os for the follow-up. However, in of music it’s definitely its own album rather than “part 2”.
Where KINGDØM was publicised as a concept album, I don’t believe this is true of UNATØNED. Musically it’s a step back in of full-on ferocity (overall) with some original tweaks thrown in. All the classic Machine Head elements, at least those of more recent years, are there alongside some surprising twists. To be eleven albums in and still making heavy music without repeating yourself is impressive by anyone’s standards.
Sure it still shreds – “ATØMIC REVELATIØNS” and “THESE SCARS WØN’T DEFINE US”, for example, will have pits going wild should they get a live showing. Ripping fast sections, multiple layers, angry yet melodic chorus… true to the formula without sounding at all stale. Plus “SCARS” has a positive message behind the noise, not an uncommon theme from Machine Head (and other bands).
Most recent single “BØNESCRAPER” is largely representative of the album in of tone, but it’s the ones which push the envelope which are worth noting. The album actually opens with a brief atmospheric 30-seconder (“LANDSCAPE ØF THØRNS”) which, while not music, is a nice lead-in to what is to follow. The aforementioned “ATØMIC REVELATIØNS” actually begins with piano (for a couple of seconds) before we get hit in the face with Robb’s usual ten ton hammer (this is not a euphamism…).
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While most songs will definitely appeal to the usual fans, it’s worth highlighting the two which are very different. “DUSTMAKER” is trippy. Not a surprising direction given Robb’s open acknowledgement of his partaking of herb, and if anything it’s a surprise it’s taken eleven albums to get a laid back number. However, I wonder if this is the first Machine Head song, with lyrics, where Robb hasn’t sung a single word? It acts as a little mid-album break and is pleasant enough if otherwise out of place.
The other song comes at the end of the album, “SCØRN”. Another laid-back number, this one’s a proper length song and is rather floaty in places. While it does build up to a climax, it drops back right at the end and… there’s that piano again.
As has become common in recent releases, the additional vocals from Jared really add depth to many of the songs, and new drummer Matt Alston fits right into the mix.
UNATØNED is an eclectic mix, more so than I think we’ve had from Machine Head before. I’d go as far as to say this may be a good “jumping on point” for some people who’ve maybe not been too keen on the older stuff. Different enough while still maintaining the core recent sound, it took me a couple of listens to get into it, and now I’m really enjoying it with a “hit list” of songs that I hope to hear them play live when they headline Bloodstock this August!
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UNATØNED is out on April 25th
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[…] Bay Area icons Machine Head have sharpened their sound into its most direct and impactful form with the release of their eleventh album, UNATØNED. The record – which is now available via Nuclear Blast Records – is a testament to momentum, an album honed to its sharpest edge, forged on creative discipline and the hunger to push forward. Want more? Check out our review! […]