Machine Head's UNATØNED: Anger, Craftsmanship and a Few More Old Scars
Machine Head's UNATØNED marks another chapter in the history of a band that is not afraid of confrontation – either with the outside world or with themselves. Robb Flynn may have claimed in promotional interviews that this is "the most personal and furious record", but we've heard similar statements from him before. This time, however, something is different – the very opening intro of "Landscape of Thorns" suggests that this album wants to do more than just deliver the expected metal coating.
Sound-wise it is a very precise recording. The harsh guitars are not overdriven, the drums are tight yet breathing, and the bass finally acts not just as a backdrop but as a live and sometimes very expressive instrument. The production is uncluttered and modern, yet retains an organic feel. The album boasts thoughtful dynamics – the songs are not just alternating verses and choruses, but have their own internal development. In "Bleeding Me Dry," for example, Machine Head manages to balance between atmosphere and aggression without one pole overpowering the other. This is exactly how the final third of the record should be – sweeping, but without unnecessary pathos.
Fans of harder riffs will enjoy tracks like "Atomic Revelations" or "Bonescraper", where the groove is right on the edge between old Machine Head and modern groove metal. On the other hand, "These Scars Won't Define Us" impresses with its harsh directness that doesn't waver for a second. "Unbound" is a clear concert act that maintains a strong pace and energy even on record. Even so, UNATØNED is not without its weak spots – the "ballads" "Scorn" and "Outsider" with their melodic chorus, for example, feel too routine, as if the band is just following its own template. They don't offend, but they don't leave a significant mark either.
Lyrically, Flynn delves into his favourite themes – personal loss, internal struggles, criticism of society. But even though his voice sounds believable and angry, at times it slips into the well-known clichés we've heard from him on several previous albums. Where a stronger image or a more concrete statement would be useful, we get phrases about "shards of shattered dreams" or "addiction to pain". Not that it doesn't work, but the deeper resonance is often missed.
What can musicians appreciate about the album?
From a musician's point of view, there are several things to appreciate: the distinctive and natural sound of the drums, the quality of the layering of the vocals, the balance of the mix and the fact that despite the many layers, each track is legible. You can also hear that it wasn't just Flynn who contributed to the album – the contributions of Jared MacEachern and Reese Scruggs are noticeable in both the composition and the details of the arrangements.
UNATØNED isn't a groundbreaking record, but it's definitely strong proof that Machine Head still have something to say. They're not trying to reinvent the wheel, but they're carefully grinding it and inserting a new bearing of anger, frustration and determination. It's an album you'll appreciate most when you listen to it in its entirety, without skipping – and ideally with proper headphones. Machine Head may not have gotten rid of all their old demons, but at least they've managed to turn them into another helping of honest, hard-hitting and mature metal.
Machine Head – UNATØNED
Nuclear Blast, 00:41:49
groove metal
75 %
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