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It’s been a rocky old road for MACHINE HEAD over the last few years. A variety of lineup changes and unfavourable reviews for 2018’s Catharsis made many ponder whether their glory days were now a thing of the past. 2022’s Øf Kingdøm And Crøwn seemed to silence the doubters, receiving admirable acclaim with some considering it one of their finest releases to date. After making their much-anticipated return to live shows they encountered obstacles regarding work visas and adverse weather conditions. With new album UNATØNED drawing ever closer and a sizeable chunk of touring on the horizon, could 2025 be the year that the veterans reclaim their crown?
The inclusion of LANDSCAPE ØF THØRNS is a curious one, featuring the sound of footsteps and little else before abruptly switching to piano keys for the opening of
ATØMIC REVELATIØNS. Its thrash-infused demeanour and powerful hooks get proceedings off to a promising start. UNBØUND introduces formidable drumming sequences and an addictive combination of hefty riffing meshed with alluring melodies to provide what is destined to be a live anthem.
ØUTSIDER builds on the steady momentum with an injection of invigorating pace. Swiftly delivered vocal lines slot in seamlessly as poignant lyricism, particularly during the phrase “you sold your soul and now you want mine” leave a lasting impression. NØT LØNG FØR THIS WØRLD continues to utilise the vibrant, emotive approach. Cleverly layered vocal lines help elevate the narrative. The tour version of THESE SCARS WØN’T DEFINE US welcomed a blockbuster offering of guest vocalists to the party so it was a shame to see this version of the track did not make it onto the album. The impressive lead work and heightened intensity still hit the mark but with the omission of the iconic vocal trade-offs it doesn’t instill you with the same level of enthusiasm.
DUSTMAKER feels about as necessary as the short and not very sweet introduction. This two-minute instrumental intermission which idly drifts by without any redeeming qualities could have arguably been left on the cutting room floor. BØNESCRAPER makes up for this misstep with pulsing rhythms and a stadium metal vibe. The chorus is the perfect opportunity for crowd participation. ADDICTED TØ PAIN is filled with a big bundle of rage. Energetic drum fills and gritty vocal work dish out a generous serving of adrenaline.
BLEEDING ME DRY possesses an intriguing industrial nature. Electronica and synths fill the air before it all gets swept aside in favour of monstrous riffing. Aggressive growls combine with evocative lines such as “Now your demons hold you dear” in a lyrical direction that feels particularly heavy but suits the instrumentation like a glove. SHARDS ØF SHATTERED DREAMS is delightfully headbang-inducing. Bouncy, enticing riffs are bolstered by a commanding chorus that wouldn’t feel out of place in the heyday of American metalcore. SCØRN sticks the landing with a satisfying album closer. Atmospheric theatricality and emotionally charged melodies leave an emphatic departing declaration.
UNATØNED may not be MACHINE HEAD‘s finest hour but it is certainly loaded with plenty of exciting moments that will grab your attention and encourage repeat listens. It takes a lot of bravery to write a full album whilst out on the road and in unfamiliar surroundings, for that reason alone recognition is deserved. It may divide opinion (as most of their work has a tendency to do) but the fire is still very much burning.
Rating 7/10
UNATØNED is out now via Nuclear Blast Records
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The post ALBUM REVIEW: UNATØNED – Machine Head appeared first on Distorted Sound Magazine.
