Machine Head

They're back!Machine Head's newest release is definitely a force to be reckoned with in this, the age of the New Wave of American Heavy Metal. They've gone to their roots with this album, and it shows. Judging from the first song, 'Clenching the Fists of Dissent,' it's clear that they were thinking, 'let's make a heavy fucking record.' They have accomplished this. The guitar work can be a bit over the top at times, but, I've always been a fan of the solos that these guys write, so it's not a problem for me. Songs like 'Halo' and 'A Farewell to Arms' compliment the overall heaviness of the record, and balance things out nicely by sort of smoothing over the rough edges. I've embedded 'Halo' as a decent representation of this album as a whole. Very simple, yet crushingly heavy (it is Machine Head, after all) melodies, with some really nice vocal work, especially towards the end of the song. Rob's voice has really matured over the last couple of albums, and I like the direction they're heading. Happy listening, buy the cd, and enjoy.