Bloodstone & Diamonds by Machine Head (Vinyl, Nov-2014, 2 Discs, Nuclear Blast)

$

35

Metal is the music of the outcast, the rebel and the steely-eyed foot soldier. Its principles, values and atavistic power have made life worth living for millions over the last four decades and its inherent artistry continues to ensure that declaring oneself a metalhead is an act of intense, unerring pride. But every worthwhile musical subculture needs its heroes; its standard bearers and pugilistic defenders. For the last 20 years, MACHINE HEAD have flown the flag for truth, integrity and creative desire in metal, starting with the earth-shattering prescience of 1994’s classic »Burn My Eyes« and continuing through a series of albums that consistently redefined the very notion of heaviness and music while upholding an invigorating lyrical narrative that has turned the band into one of the few in modern times that can boast an unbreakable connection with the hearts and minds of the metal faithful.

Once again recorded at Jingletown Studios and Trident Studios in California, and produced by Robb Flynn in collaboration with engineer Juan Urteaga, and masterfully mixed by long-time partners-in-crime Colin Richardson and Andy Sneap. »Bloodstone & Diamonds« is a sprawling monument to state-of-the-art heaviness and the fearsome, idiosyncratic vision of its protagonists. Erupting into vivid life with the towering riff barrage of unanimously praised opener ‘Now We Die’ and the crushing turbo-thrash of established MACHINE HEAD live favourite ‘Killers And Kings’, this is the perfect and indisputable antidote to the modern metal scene’s hordes of identikit journeymen. Songs like the lithe, subtly complex ‘Ghosts Will Haunt My Bones’ and the impassioned sociological tirade of ‘In Comes The Flood’ represent a sublime refinement of the MACHINE HEAD sound, replete with all the down-tuned, harmonic-filled, flesh-flaying riffs and moments of intense dynamic potency that have long been a hallmark of the band’s sound. From the ten ton groove attack of the ominous ‘Beneath The Silt’ and the swivel-eyed fury of the Manson-inspired ‘Night Of The Long Knives’ through to the insanely epic funeral march of ‘Sail Into The Black’ and ‘Game Over’s’ rampaging tsunami of lyrical vitriol and hardcore punk hostility, »Bloodstone & Diamonds« obliterates any notion that veteran bands can’t sustain their passion and intensity while also setting a new standard for sonic destruction and virility along the way.

Track listing

01. Now We Die

02. Killers & Kings

03. Ghosts Will Haunt My Bones

04. Night of Long Knives

05. Sail Into the Black

06. Eyes of the Dead

07. Beneath the Silt

08. In Comes the Flood

09. Damage Inside

10. Game Over

11. Imaginal Cells

12. Take Me Through the Fire