Review by Rachel Jablonski
Most of us are intelligent enough to realize that judgment should not be passed based solely on what some mainstream journalist says. Take what was just written in Rolling Stone magazine on the latest Machine Head album for instance: “The Blackening features more of the band's thrash-metal roots (that's good), along with a lot of songs that push past the nine-minute mark (bad)… Dudes: Shorten the songs, for the troops.” From one high functioning being to another, I ask you to observe your surroundings, practice some introspection, and then listen closely to what I say, cherish it, and agree with it: Machine Head’s sixth studio album, The Blackening, is a thrashing metal epic that will be enjoyed by anyone with heavy passion, an imagination, and anything that even slightly resembles an attention span.
The follow up to the band’s highly praised Through the Ashes of Empires, The Blackening is over an hour long in duration yet consists of only eight tracks, the opening and closing tracks both over 10 minutes a piece. But stop the presses for Mr. Rolling Stone reviewer. If you take more than a superficial listen you may realize that the intent of the album is beyond catering to the 3-minute song hook junky. The heavy songs consistent throughout the album, some lengthy, all full of melody, strong guitar work, well placed tempo changes, and raging emotion, masterfully come together with pressing lyrical content aimed at injustice.
The opening track, “Clinching the Fists of Dissent” begins softly with acoustic guitar before breaking into a fit of rampant guitars. Lyrical content screams commentary on America and the current state of war as vocalist/guitarist Robb Flynn protests that fear seems to be guiding us to do as we are told by those in power. Terror, insurgency words used to scare conformity. But the song seems to be filled with hope as much as frustration. Rise up and take your stand and curl the fingers of your hand… clenching the fists of dissent… clenching to hope. Tempo changes, guitar solos, the deep bass, a catchy chorus, and many great transitions in the over 10-minute song piece together to make a never dull track.
Along these lines, “Aesthetics of Hate” also screams of injustice but has nothing to do with the war. The song expresses extreme distaste for an article that was written right after the death of Pantera’s Dimebag Darrell Abbott demeaning Dimebag and people who mourned his death. You branded us pathetic for our respect Flynn exclaims. May the hand of God strike them down. Incorporating soft whispers, smooth guitars, rhythmic slow tempos, and entrancing vocals into the predominantly heavy foundation, the song is a wonderful display of emotion.
From there the album continues to morph into a solid piece poignant beauty. It is immediately obvious that this is the same heavy thrashing Bay Area band that began way back in ’92. The high note guitar squeaks, balanced melody and wonderful growls from Flynn, frequent guitar solos, and memorizing breakdowns that distinguish Machine Head remain. Tracks like “Halo” show this with a softer riff and deep bass to start followed by much distortion and a high pitched guitar note incorporated in riff. But the band has stepped it up a notch with an intensity well translated on disc. The explosiveness of The Blackening united with melodies and intricate song structures will overwhelm.