By Monk
Always one of the most divisive, outspoken and visceral forces in modern heavy metal, Machine Head are preparing to release what could be argued to be their most important album of the past two decades. Having faltered in the shadow of two titanic opuses, in the form of the monumental ‘The Blackening’ and the pummeling tour-de-force of ‘Unto The Locust’ with a pair of what can only be described as mediocre albums, 2014’s flawed ‘Bloodstone & Diamonds’ and 2018’s massively disappointing ‘Catharsis’, which itself led to a keyboard warrior induced flurry of accusations of copycatting and plagiarism, it is perhaps essential, nay vital to the band’s reputation and dare I say survival, that they retrace the steps of yore and come storming out of the traps with the decisive statement of intent.
‘Øf Kingdøm And Crøwn’ is a HUGE album in every regard, positively epic in scope and length, as indicated by the opening track, ‘Slaughter The Martyr’, which clocks in at just 15 seconds short of a prog-like 11 minutes.
‘Slaughter…’ also sets the tone for what is to come: dark, dissonant and disturbing, it is not a comfortable listen, building slowly with a level of pathos the band have rarely explored before, it’s initially understated intro section suddenly exploding into life as Robb Flynn repeats the song title with spiteful venom. Coupled with the fact that this is a concept album based on a Japanese anime, the feel of the song – and the entire first half of the album, in fact – evoke a very Trivium feel, from the vocal harmonics between Flynn and Jared MacEachern to the punchy riffology and snappy sonic punchlines.
Not that this is meant as a criticism, or an accusation such as those outlined in my intro: it’s just a sign that Flynn and company having been paying attention to the changing musical landscape around them and capturing its best elements to suit themselves and their approach to what they do.
The album really kicks into top gear with the OTR thrash attack of ‘Chøke Øn The Ashes Øf Yøur Hate’, which not for the last time also introduces a slightly Slipknot-style nu-metal vibe, especially in its breakdown and pre-chorus sections: again, not a criticism or an accusation, as the anger apparent in Flynn’s delivery is accentuated by this updated approach to the band’s traditional groove metal stylings.
As I mentioned above, ‘ØKAC’ is not a comfortable listen, as it takes both the band and their fans outside their perceived comfort zones. For a start, it is a concept album, the first time the band have gone down this route, and therefore the songs are interlinked and follow a contiguous story arc. At the same time, it is also a deeply personal album, taking the themes of the original inspiration and applying to them to real-life scenarios as the band explore and exorcise their own personal demons, particularly in relation to the sense of isolation most of us have experienced over the guts of the past two-plus years.
‘Øf Kingdøm And Crøwn’ is also a fiercesome album, a defiant, DGAF declaration from a band who genuinely, and emphatically, define that attitude. It is a magnificent return to form from one of the most vital forces in heavy metal. It is also an album which shows Robb Flynn at his most generous, allowing his band mates more control and input, as particularly evinced by the contributions of both MacEachern and Vogg Kiełtyka, who brings a sense of controlled melodic chaos to the storyline.
Machine Head have raised an emphatic middle finger to their critics (myself included). They are back. And they’re taking no prisoners. Answer the call to stand and fight for kingdøm and crøwn: you will be richly rewarded.
- ‘Øf Kingdøm And Crøwn’ is released on Friday (26 August). You can get your copy HERE.
Machine Head bring their ‘Vikings And Lionhearts’ co-headline tour with Amon Amarth to the ÜK and Ireland next month:
- Thursday 8 September – Nottingham – Motorpoint Arena
- Friday 9 September – Cardiff – Motorpoint Arena
- Saturday 10 September – London – The SSE Arena, Wembley
- Monday 12 September – Manchester – AO Arena
- Tuesday 13 September – Dublin – 3Arena
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