Bloodstone & Diamonds (10th Anniversary)

Metal is the music of the outcast, the rebel and the steely-eyed foot soldier. Its principles, values and atavistic power have made life worth living for millions over the last four decades and its inherent artistry continues to ensure that declaring oneself a metalhead is an act of intense, unerring pride. But every worthwhile musical subculture needs its heroes; its standard bearers and pugilistic defenders.

Led by singer and guitarist Robb Flynn, MACHINE HEAD haven’t just pioneered their own unmistakable take on the metal blueprint – they have towered above the competition with a ruthless determination and dedication to the cause, via some of the most life-affirming music ever committed to tape.

Once again recorded at Jingletown Studios and Trident Studios in California, and produced by Robb Flynn in collaboration with engineer Juan Urteaga, and masterfully mixed by long-time partners-in-crime Colin Richardson and Andy Sneap, Bloodstone & Diamonds is a sprawling monument to state-of-the-art heaviness and the fearsome, idiosyncratic vision of its protagonists.

Erupting into vivid life with the towering riff barrage of unanimously praised opener ‘Now We Die’ and the crushing turbo-thrash of established MACHINE HEAD live favourite ‘Killers And Kings’, this is the perfect and indisputable antidote to the modern metal scene’s hordes of identikit journeymen. Songs like the lithe, subtly complex ‘Ghosts Will Haunt My Bones’ and the impassioned sociological tirade of ‘In Comes The Flood’ represent a sublime refinement of the MACHINE HEAD sound, replete with all the down-tuned, harmonic-filled, flesh-flaying riffs and moments of intense dynamic potency that have long been a hallmark of the band’s sound.

From the ten ton groove attack of the ominous ‘Beneath The Silt’ and the swivel-eyed fury of the Manson-inspired ‘Night Of The Long Knives’ through to the insanely epic funeral march of ‘Sail Into The Black’ and ‘Game Over’s’ rampaging tsunami of lyrical vitriol and hardcore punk hostility, Bloodstone & Diamonds obliterates any notion that veteran bands can’t sustain their passion and intensity while also setting a new standard for sonic destruction and virility along the way.

These songs are destined to be roared to the rafters by the MACHINE HEAD faithful as the band tirelessly traverse the globe over the next couple of years, strengthening the unique connection they have with their army of fervent admirers.