Machine Head have tamed their hormones somewhat but still term it ‘Supercharger’

There is indelible truth that we all mellow as we mature, experience more and subsequently alter our view of the world. It is not surprising then to discover that Machine Head are not so much on a limb anymore but have tamed their excesses a bit. ‘Supercharger’ will disappoint some more extreme fans but you can’t run the same spot (unless you are in a gym).

Robb Flynn and his reprobates have made an album that uses more spacing, melody, different layers, it’s like they discovered that less is more. There is still that urge that puts them into the speedometer’s red but there is more economy, well – finesse, to operating this racing vehicle. Not an iota strange that.

The opening few songs, ‘Bulldozer’ and ‘White-Knuckle Blackout!’ kick in the door like it was SAS in action. Things get slightly more dimensional on ‘Kick When You’re Down’ where there are more diversions than on a coned motorway. ‘Only The Names’ commences in a restrained manner before an explosion of fury.

Subject matter spreads from ganging-up against the world (‘Bulldozer’) to ‘Being Robert Flynn’-type of mental journey (‘Crashing Around You’) to misspent youth (‘American High‘) to the general band feeling (‘Supercharger’). Definitely themes anybody can identify with; the Oakland lot have never gone for some cosmetic themes.

If Metal’s function is to release bad-aimed energy, to relieve the urge to thump someone, to suck out the stress, ‘Supercharger’ still provides enough opportunity. And yet, Machine Head’s album number four still feels a bit like this supercharger was underpowered although it is miles above the emerging melodic-Metal of Staind and Train. (What’s going on, Bon Jovi is hip again? Please, spare us!)

Full brutallist service will be resumed when they come to play live shows in December, no doubt.

6/10


Tour dates:

07 December – Academy, Manchester
08 December – Brixton Academy, London
10 December – Civic Hall, Wolverhampton
11 December – Barrowlands, Glasgow
12 December – Rock City, Nottingham
13 December – The Centre, Newport