The Blackening
It’s been a while since I’ve checked to see what the boys of Machine Head have been up to, but I was able to catch up a little when I heard their new album, The Blackening, which appears to be one of their most risk-taking and successful efforts. With The Blackening, Machine Head has decided that play time is over and that they’re going to put out the album they know they were destined to make.
The Blackening offers only 8 songs, but the CD is well over 70 minutes long. In fact, the very first song gets close to approaching the 11 minute mark. Almost as if taking a page out of Metallica’s playbook from the ...And Justice for All days, they have constructed great and complex songs with a lot of cool guitar solos. Now, that may put some people off to hear some of the long solos, but I think it fits in perfectly and the solos are used when it’s the most appropriate. Some of the songs are long, yes, but for the most part I don’t think any of them overstay their welcome. If long songs scare you or bore you quickly, then you may want to stay away from this release. If you’re willing to take a heavy and dark journey that has unpredictable twists and turns, then you’ll feel at home.
Standout songs for me were “Clenching the Fists of Dissent,” “Aesthetics of Hate,” “Now I Lay Thee Down” and the perfect closer, “A Farewell to Arms.” All 8 songs belong on the album and never feel out of place. You’ll want to listen to this one all the way through rather than only play specific tracks.
The Blackening is for those who have felt disappointed by Machine Head and thought that there was nowhere else for them to go but down. The Blackening is also for those who may not be all too familiar with the band and want to see what they’re all about. The album takes risks, mind you, so there’s a good chance that it may not appeal to everybody. I say give them a try. You may find yourself pleasantly surprised. Another very strong and solid album to come out of 2007.
