The Blackening - Machine Head

Machine Head's The Blackening was the band's 6th studio album released in 2007 on Roadrunner. The guitar riffs and solos are all rather catchy and the lyrics are anger-filled yet well put across. My complaint though is about Flynn's vocals, which do my head in - originally a sound that was specific to a few US bands this style of singing between screaming and singing in a whingey voice seems to have taken the rock world by storm and can be found across all kinds of genres. It's this that I found boring and made me switch off from what are quite strong but interesting lyrics such as the album's first single - the track " Aesthetics of Hate" which is ...  Read the complete review

The blackening is definitely one of machinehead's best albums, It has won album of the year with metal hammer and carries some amazing metal songs. From the sheer anger of "Aesthetics of hate" to the amazing guitar of "Wolves" this album is a true milestone for metalheads. The solos are one of the most noticeable points of the album. No fan of metal can listen to them without busting out their air guitar and shredding like a fool. The lyrics also make this a high quality collection of songs. Robb Flynn sings with such empotion in his voice and it really stands out on every listen. Some expect amazing songs from a band as great as Machine head but ...  Read the complete review

Machine Head's newest album to date released in 2007. The metal legends are back at their best after being around for 15 years since their '94 release 'Burn My Eyes'. The first track is in my opinion the best on this CD. Although Clenching The Fists Of Dissent is over 10 minutes long, every minute of it is brilliance, well bar the first one, which is a quite intro. The fast heavy riffage continues throughout most of the album and songs like Aesthetics Of Hate and Halo really show why Machine Head are one of the best thrash metal bands out there, and why theyve been around so long. Songs like Wolves and Farewell To Arms capitalise on some fantastic opening tracks and ...  Read the complete review

The Blackening is possibly Machine Head's best album to date. 8 tracks of pure metal. The opening track, Clenching The Fists of Dissent, really shows what Machine Head is all about. A great track to listen to and even better to hear live. Track 3 - Aesthetics of Hate. This song is possible one of the best on the album with amazing twin solos and aggression. The lyrics in this song are aimed towards William Grim who wrote a very disrespectful online article in the Iconoclast about one of metal's biggest guitarists, Dimebag Darrell. He called his article "R.I.P. Dimebag Abbott, & Good Riddance" which Robb Flynn got really annoyed about. Now I Lay Thee Down is ...  Read the complete review