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THE REVIEW
In 2004, Machine Head released the album "Through The Ashes Of Empire," but it feels like going back ten years to when the legendary "Burn My Eyes" came out, the best expression of early 90s post-thrash.
After the disappointing attempts with "The Burning Red" and "Supercharger" where the band was seduced by the sound created by Korn, Deftones, etc., they finally understood that nu-metal is better left to those who know how to play it (namely the aforementioned names), and the result of this obvious reasoning is not bad at all, in fact, it's excellent!
Right from the start with "Imperium" we have the dirty and "heavy" sound that echoes the Slayer-esque model and early Metallica (the latter heavily influence the drum parts), and throughout the album, which satisfied me immensely! Among the best tracks of the album, we have "Alls Falls Down", "Bite The Bullet" and "Left unifisched" (although the latter still has some remnants of nu and a pleasant almost punk flow). Different from the rest of the album is the closing track "Descend The Shades Of Night" which somewhat reprises those alternative influences (Nirvana, Alice In Chains, etc.) that also characterized the second album "The More Things Change", but that are not at all displeasing!
Finally, after the disappointment of Metallica (the more I listen to it, the more I hate "St. Anger") and other thrash bands, Machine Head, who along with Pantera and Korn (and here I will be heavily criticized) saved the direction metal was taking in the 90s, just think of the two albums by the (legendary) Maiden with Blaze Bayley and the turnaround of Metallica ("Load" and "Reload", and partially the "Black Album"), have made a great comeback.
For me, Machine Head in 2004 are in great shape and I hope they continue like this.
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Summary by Bot
Machine Head's 2004 album 'Through The Ashes Of Empires' marks a powerful return to their early 90s post-thrash sound. After disappointing nu-metal attempts, the band embraces a heavier, more authentic style. Standout tracks include 'Imperium,' 'Alls Falls Down,' and 'Bite The Bullet.' The album represents a strong comeback and solidifies Machine Head's place in modern metal.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
Machine Head
Machine Head is an American heavy metal band from Oakland, California, led by Robb Flynn. Reviews here emphasize their 1994 debut Burn My Eyes as a defining post-thrash statement, later stylistic shifts toward nu-metal/crossover on The Burning Red and Supercharger, and a celebrated heavier resurgence with Through the Ashes of Empires and The Blackening.16 Reviews
Other reviews
By Snegirev
Through The Ashes Of Empires is calculating rage and power, manic precision and dashed on squared rhythms, blood and rage gushing from the strings with tearing force.
An engaging and disturbing work, a vein of musical ink difficult to hide in continuous agitation, the worshipful exaltation of fury, and the burning wind, and the rage.
By Luca_Z87
"I was overwhelmed by the impressive power of 'Imperium'... one of the most devastating pieces ever written by Flynn and company."
"Through The Ashes Of Empires is a high-level album and a recommended purchase for all genre lovers."
