Machine Head
's
The Blackening
is an over-the-top rage and pummelfest that proves a gamerchanger in heavy metal. Period. Not only does it contain the visceral qualities the band has displayed since commecning its recording and touring career but the growth in songwriting, dynamics and production place MH in their own league as perhaps the most important mainstream genre act on the planet bar none. The record starts out unlikely enough (thankfully) with a left-of-center call to arms for the youth of their nation to not blindly accept the words (and threats) of "patriotic brutes." It calls for a righteous rage with triple-timed slamming beats and blistering lead guitar breaks, as the piece alternates between
death metal
,
industrial metal
, hardcore
thrash
and
prog
. It blends seamlessly. At ten-and-half minutes for an opening cut, one can tell this is no ordinary
heavy metal
record.
"Beautiful Mourning"
is anything but
gothic
. Commencing with a taut, explosive riff matched by the drum kit,
Robb Flynn
is off and running, celebrating being "taken under" by her, and the seductive power of both women and death. The
element here rivals
Slayer
at their best, and breaks new ground within the realm of composition for aggressive music. The intense dual arpeggios between both guitarists --
Flynn
Phil Demmel
on
"Aesthetics of Hate"
(as just one example) are among the tightest ever. The drama produced by
Dave McClain
's blastbeats and the steady guidance of
Adam Duce
's basslines comprise a deeply intuitive rhythm section for the six-stringers to fly from. They don't so much fly as fight, though. Other standouts include
"Halo,"
"Now I Lay Thee Down."
Essential. ~ Thom Jurek