Machine Head // Of Kingdom And Crown // Album Review

Four and a half years since Machine Head dropped their much, and in my opinion, unfairly, maligned “Catharsis” they are back and what a way to do it; “Of Kingdom And Crown” is a blistering return to form.

Machine Head are a band that always makes waves when they release something but this marks their triumphant return with a huge exclamation point. Machine Head have a primordial feel to their music brought about primarily by Robb Flynn but also the musicians that he has assembled and this latest incarnation are no different. There is a ferocity and intent about them that has been missing in recent years, don’t get me wrong I am a massive fan and have been from the start, but whatever they have managed to change will make even the harshest of critics sit up and take notice as this is some of the best work Machine Head have ever put out and that is saying a hell of a lot.

This is thirteen tracks of pure metal that get better and better with each listen, usually on an album there will always be one or two that will miss but that is not the case here. From the mellow openings of “Slaughter The Martyr” to the closing refrains of “Arrows In Words From The Sky” you will be mesmerised by the band’s ability to go from zero to a hundred in the blink of an eye. Tracks like “Choke On The Ashes Of Your Hate”, “Bloodshot” and “Rotten” are typical Machine Head tracks in the sense that they are powerful songs but on this album the intensity has been dialled up to the max, heavier beats with a more aggressive feel and a relentless pace, they are just amazing songs. Flynn’s ability to craft a song is second to none and that is seriously evident in the likes of “My Hands Are Empty”, “Unhallowed” and “No Gods, No Masters” which switch between melodic and moody to downright brutal in a heartbeat.

The seamless changes in style within the tracks make it very difficult to pick a favourite as with each listen you pick up on something you may have missed on previous listens, believe me I know as this has been on a constant loop since I got my grubby mitts on it, but unlike other albums or bands, this does not tire and is a really easy listen. There are a couple of noteworthy points that need to be made regarding this album and they are positive ones; the first being when did McEachern learn how to sing so well, the melodic harmonies that himself and Flynn have managed to put together are simply amazing hitting each note with perfection and they will no doubt leave a few people stunned. The other thing is how easily both Vogg and Koperweis have slotted into their respective roles, the former striking a wicked guitar partnership with Flynn in a short space of time, it’s like they’ve been at it together for years, while the latter’s immense power and style fit like a glove, in my humble opinion his drumming lays the foundation for this incredible album.

This is a phenomenal album bursting with killer tracks all the way through, full of passion and with the energy of a band that has rediscovered their true form.

“Of Kingdom And Crown” is out Friday the 26th of August, whatever you do, do not miss this release it is just stunning!

‘ØF KINGDØM AND CRØWN’

Out Friday, August 26, 2022

via Nuclear Blast x Imperium Recordings

Pre-Orders Available Here | Pre-Save Here

Conor

ØF KINGDØM AND CRØWN

MACHINE HEAD

Track Listing:

1. SLAUGHTER THE MARTYR

2. CHØKE ØN THE ASHES ØF YØUR HATE

3. BECØME THE FIRESTØRM

4. ØVERDØSE

5. MY HANDS ARE EMPTY

6. UNHALLØWED

7. ASSIMILATE

8. KILL THY ENEMIES

9. NØ GØDS, NØ MASTERS

10. BLØØDSHØT

11. RØTTEN

CDs, Digipak, cassettes, and all digital formats will be available on Aug 26th, with all vinyl formats arriving on Nov 25th. Pre-order the new album HERE.