Album Review: Machine Head - Bloodstone & Diamonds

These veterans are typically proficient in utilising the web to facilitate interest and boost first week sales, but frontman Robb Flynn’s recent trolling of the metal world by way of Children Of Bodom fans ranks among their more effective efforts.

Not that the Americans need resort to such cheap (albeit amusing) tactics. Their new platter will be devoured by ‘Head Cases’ who fiercely displayed dedication after Flynn’s aforementioned jocular rallying cry. Bloodstone & Diamonds perhaps overplays its hand at 70-plus minutes. Also it’s not as immediate as some may anticipate. However, for all the melodic nous and grandeur displayed it’s not short on visceral thrills either. From opener, Now We Die’s morbid strings and arena-sized hooks onwards, the album is sprinkled with touches like choirs and piano complementing trademark guitar histrionics. Ghosts Will Haunt My Bones’ immense groove is a standout, recalling early glories. Eyes Of The Dead’s thrash riffage fury is contrasted by multi-faceted slow–burner Sail Into The Black. Meanwhile, Flynn’s crooning on Damage Inside gets counterpointed by the endearingly cheesy demeanour and fist-pumping chorus of Game Over. Orchestra-laced In Comes The Flood’s patriotic plea is memorable, if erring on the side of overwrought, but Take Me Through The Fire is a live anthem in the making.

Twenty years removed from a landmark debut, such has been the consistency of their career revival it’s difficult for some to envision Machine Head ever being in anything less than grand form. This is invigorating and increasingly potent heavy metal.