Machine Head
Catharsis
Album Type: |
Full Album |
|---|---|
Release Date: |
28th January 2018 |
Record Label: |
Nuclear Blast |
Total Tracks: |
15 |
Genre: |
American Heavy Metal, Heavy Metal |
All Hail “Machine Head“!
Mix the genres of Nu Metal, Rap, American Heavy Metal and Punk into a musical metal blender and what it produces is Machine Head’s “Catharsis“. A musical triumph that most dream to accomplish. This album delivers on every level showcasing the musical evolution that is Machine Head.
“Beyond the Pale I found my heroes from freaks and zeros“. Beyond the Pale – Machine Head
Machine Head is not afraid to put out an album they want and not necessarily one the label requests. Alas, with “Catharsis” we get the best of both worlds! Tracks are interspersed with ease making this album a significant and measureable success with 74 minutes of musical mastery and execution. Nuclear Blast continues to throw out some amazing albums and this one is at the top!
All Hail “Catharsis“
“Volatile” is a stripped down but welcome Nu Metal track that opens the album. Next up is “Catharsis“, as a track stands a head above the rest exuding nothing short of lyrical mastery and a measureable change of pace keeping the ears stuck to the SOUL headphones. Creeping slowly with guitar whaling we get to peak “Beyond the Pale” of the band as the lyrical mastery continues. “Beyond the Pale I found my heroes from geeks and zeros” could easily be every Machine Head fanatic’s anthem making “Beyond the Pale” my NUMERO UNO off the album!
The next two tracks, “California Bleeding” as well as “Triple Beam” highlight definitive Oakland roots. Efficiently combining the genres of Rap and Metal is not an easy science, however, Machine Head accomplished this task flawlessly. “Kaleidoscope” leads the Punk way and again illustrates the effective placement and musical range of Robb Flynn and the band!
“Bastards“, “Behind A Mask“, “Eulogy” and “Heavy Lies The Crown” lead the effective metal diversion and distortion that is Machine Head. Ranging from accoustic guitars and pianos these balladesque songs elevate the album to a place that most boxed in bands could only dream to track.
Straight to the fans and anti-fans. Love or Hate, you will find at least one track on this album you will listen to on reapeat. If you dont. You’re missing OUT!
Tracklist:
1. Volatile
2. Catharsis
3. Beyond the Pale
4. California Bleeding
5. Triple Beam
6. Kaleidoscope
7. Bastards
8. Hope Begets Hope
9. Sreaming at the Sun
10. Behind a Mask
11. Heavy Lies The Crown
12. Psychotic
13. Grind You Down
14. Razorblade Smile
15. Eulogy
Playing Time: 74 Minutes
Line-Up:
Robb Flynn - Lead Vocals, Guitar
Dave McClain - Drums
Phil Demmel - Lead Guitar
Jared MacEachern - Bass, Vocals
Wow, this is probably the first review I’ve read that doesn’t find Catharsis utterly deplorable – and it’s a 10/10 review to boot :-O
Guess I’ll have to give it a cautious spin or two … Maybe 😉
Give it at least a try 🤘
It is an amazing album if the individuals would give it more than just a spin. The variance in musical abilities and talent is true Machine Head and the fans should love it. Honestly an album of the year candidate for me….but I have a different ear!
It reminds me a lot of The Burning Red. Which is not a bad thing, mind you!
When one grows up a Grateful Dead fan as well as a Phish fan mixed with Zepplin, Sabbath, and 80’s Hair Bands so you know I am confused as HELL!