|
|
"Machine Head exposes itself in this "Catharsis" for a very varied result with undeniable successes but also with a little bit of filling."
|
4/5
|
|
|
|
The "Bloodstone & Diamonds" era was the one of great change. Machine Head changed label and moved away from the Thrash horizons to a more melodic and varied tone. The band has taken some risks and the album has received a rather mixed reception. This "Catharsis" was thus very expected.
A catharsis is a treatment of shock. Flynn expresses in this opus a rage that needed to be affirmed. Soundtrack of a life with an immense variety and some lengths, "Catharsis" sometimes gets lost on the way as if the band didn't want to set any limits. After a very Thrashy 'Volatile' (which should hurt in concert) the journey begins and it is not unsurprising. Beyond The Pale' and 'Catharsis' are direct and violent, in a neo thrash close to Korn, but the melody already gets a place with a lot of clear vocals for a seductive result.
The rest of the album is full of strong moments and it's the most original tracks that work the best like 'Bastards', 'Behind A Mask', 'Eulogy' and 'California Bleeding'. The first three are melodic and melancholic rock songs that remind of Pearl Jam or Alice In Chains. The emotion is well present with piano and even violin for a brilliant result in the form of an introspective journey worthy of "Promised Land" of Queensrÿche. The last one sees the band going towards groove horizons like Prong for a result as stirring as interesting.
Next to it, there are more classic Thrash tracks with clear vocals and a neo facet that brings us back to the sound of the band from the 90s. And if sometimes some tracks are effective as with 'Kaleidoscope' or 'Razorblade Smile', others are more fillers. Triple Bearn' and its rap metal side or 'Screaming At The Sun', 'Hope Regrets Hope' and 'Grind You Down' could probably have been used as bonus tracks rather than weighing down the record.
"Catharsis" is a surprising record that will get people talking and requires some attention to grasp its subtleties. Machine Head shows that they refuse to stagnate and that they are free. So of course, the whole album has a few weaknesses with fillers and one or two style mistakes but it is part of the architecture of the record and finally of its coherence. - Official website
|
|
|
|
|
TRACK LISTING:
01. Volatile
02. Catharsis
03. Beyond The Pale
04. California Bleeding
05. Triple Beam
06. Kaleidoscope
07. Bastards
08. Hope Begets Hope
09. Screaming At The Sun
10. Behind A Mask
11. Heavy Lies The Crown
12. Psychotic
13. Grind You Down
14. Razorblade Smile
15. Eulogy
LINEUP:
Dave Mcclain: Batterie
Jared Maceachern: Basse
Phil Demmel: Guitares
Robb Flynn: Chant / Guitares
|
|
| |
|
(0) MIND(S) FROM OUR READERS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Top of the page
|
| |
|
|
(0) COMMENT(S)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
READERS
4.5/5 (2 view(s))
|
STAFF:
4/5 (2 view(s))
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
OTHER REVIEWS
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
OTHER(S) REVIEWS ABOUT MACHINE HEAD
|
|