Machine Head:
Unto the Locust (2011)
The face-pierced, veteran aggro-stoner, and self-proclaimed metal legend, Robb Flynn, and his tremendous line-up (including his co-guitarist from late 80's Vio-Lence, Phil Demmel, and the rock solid drummer Dave McClain) throw forth what is the culmination of the culture change (starting with Through the Ashes of Empire (2003); followed by the good, but unfocused The Blackening (2007)) he instigated to replace the sadly impotent stoner nu-metal of his output from 1996-2002. Instead of sounding like he's trying too hard, Flynn manages to abbreviate the many influences he's gathered, from Gojira, Devin Townsend, Dillinger Escape Plan, et al; other bands they have toured with and befriended - but mainly from
Robb himself and his technical and vocal security, making his label of "legend" somehow seem deserved now. After so many years trudging with Machine Head, bringing them back to the top, and of course his terrific 80s output with Vio-Lence (a severely underrated, sphincter-tight thrash band, akin to Dark Angel etc.), his spot in the Hall of Fame is secured ... here's to hoping he won't get lazy again.
The face-pierced, veteran aggro-stoner, and self-proclaimed metal legend, Robb Flynn, and his tremendous line-up (including his co-guitarist from late 80's Vio-Lence, Phil Demmel, and the rock solid drummer Dave McClain) throw forth what is the culmination of the culture change (starting with Through the Ashes of Empire (2003); followed by the good, but unfocused The Blackening (2007)) he instigated to replace the sadly impotent stoner nu-metal of his output from 1996-2002. Instead of sounding like he's trying too hard, Flynn manages to abbreviate the many influences he's gathered, from Gojira, Devin Townsend, Dillinger Escape Plan, et al; other bands they have toured with and befriended - but mainly from
Robb himself and his technical and vocal security, making his label of "legend" somehow seem deserved now. After so many years trudging with Machine Head, bringing them back to the top, and of course his terrific 80s output with Vio-Lence (a severely underrated, sphincter-tight thrash band, akin to Dark Angel etc.), his spot in the Hall of Fame is secured ... here's to hoping he won't get lazy again.
Though he will hardly reclaim the commercial access he had during the 90s (if you will recall singles like "Davidian" and "Ten Ton Hammer", which were Sepultura - Roots-inflected nu-metal tracks with a terrific sound and heaviness, but lacking integrity and vitality), this is Flynn's best record since the debut, nu-metal Burn My Eyes back in 1994. And as a fixture guaranteed by Demmel's inclusion, it features the most intense guitar-playing he or they have achieved since Oppressing the Masses, 21 long years ago.
Post-Script: There are many things I dislike about this record, but I try to keep the subjectivity of it cohesive to Machine Head's discography in general, and otherwise an objective view of what I surmise many might find a very good mainstream listen.
Post-Script: There are many things I dislike about this record, but I try to keep the subjectivity of it cohesive to Machine Head's discography in general, and otherwise an objective view of what I surmise many might find a very good mainstream listen.
