Machine Head – Unto The Locust

Releasedate: 23-09-2011; Label: Roadrunner Records
By: Lara Cappelli

After the release of their “The Blackening”, Machine Head made themselves quite a name in the heavy metal scene. Since they formed in 1992, their works have been highly acclaimed and now, after four years from the previous one, they’re back with a new release, “Unto The Locust”.

Considering the great response that “The Blackening” gained, the intention of the band was probably to make this new release embody some kind of follow-up of the previous one. This time, Machine Head sound develops its shape even further. Besides the great combination of complexity, technicalities and highly processed structures the band has deeply spoiled us with in the past, the smart move here is the total absence of repetitiveness. The ability of flavouring the listening with many different constituents is kept with continuity and capability of not making it all sound too chaotic. As a matter of fact, you do find elements never heard in Machine Head’s music before, like the Gregorian chants of “I Am Hell” or the children singing the start of “Who We Are”, but still you can clearly discern the core out of that: aggressiveness. “Unto The Locust” carries back so much energy that flows in a listening that doesn’t loose its edge not even for one second.
Machine Head shows it’s not about rushing to deliver a new release the right way to make it a noteworthy one. They took their time to fully shape an album that stands for itself. And, if the fans found themselves tired of waiting during the making process of it, now they will surely reckon “Unto The Locust” was definitely worth the long wait.

Line up:
Robb Flynn – Vocals, Guitar
Phil Demmel – Guitar
Adam Duce – Bass, Backing Vocals
Dave McClain – Drums

Links:
Machine Head Facebook
Machine Head Official