Its time once again for this week’s Metal Masterpiece, having unleashed one of the best debut albums going in thrash, to then make the huge stylistic leap to nu metal this band are a band that hold both titles for some of the best albums whilst simultaneously the worst. After having written a triumphant return to form with 2004’s release everyone was waiting with baited breath when they heard the announcement that they had entered the studio, what would come out would be an unrivalled masterpiece. The Blackening.
An album that was felt throughout the metal community,throughout the world. Regardless of nationality,genre of metal, all metal heads seemed to gravitate towards this schooling of what it is to write one of the best albums of the last decade. With almost all songs on the album way over the 5 minute mark The Blackening was a real ordeal, not only to appreciate but to listen to. Although only eight tracks this monolith of an album boasts some of the best song writing in metal there has been period. However good the songs are its hard to keep the listeners attention for 60 mins, but with songs as perfectly crafted as the anthemic “Halo” and the call to arms that is “A Farewell To Arms” whilst you’ve got the just as deadly “Aesthetics Of Hate” a tribute to Dimebag and the bite of “Slanderous” Machine Head found the perfect compromise, even their ballad of sorts “Now I Lay Thee Down” is fantastic.
Having some of the most interesting song writing ideas is great but add that in with musicianship to match, the twin guitar harmonies that are a real jewel in the crown between Flynn and Demmel. As is the relentless but at the same time well placed pummelling of McClain helped along of course by the rumbling of Adam Duce. Machine Head were untouchable.
Not having written an album like this since the eighties you could argue that it’s a modern day Master Of Puppets. Having so much ambition to strive to make the best album of the last ten years Machine Head pretty much had no opposition, but themselves… After having written such an album and an extensive touring schedule they then began to pen what would turn out to be The Locust,which was, well compared to The Blackening, not great. That would be my one criticism of The Blackening the sheer fact that the band has written one of the best albums of the last decade is their only downfall. If you haven’t at least HEARD The Blackening then you shouldn’t even be listening to Metal. An album like this only comes around very rarely so crank it up and Clench those Fists of Dissent!
