Machine Head’s UNATØNED hits like a cold one on a hot day—refreshing, full of flavour, and packing a punch. The album blends everything fans have come to love about the band while showcasing their growth and willingness to push boundaries. Kicking things off with ATØMIC REVELATIØNS, the band sets the tone with thrashy aggression and powerful, introspective commentary. But it’s UNBØUND that really grabs attention early on, fusing the classic Machine Head sound with a fresh, modern energy. The track is packed with everything you expect from the band: crushing riffs, explosive drums, and Flynn’s gritty vocals. It’s a high-energy, anthemic start to the album, setting the stage for what’s to come.
One of the key highlights of UNATØNED is BØNESCRAPER, a riff-heavy, groove-laden anthem that demands to be played live. Its infectious rhythm and raw energy make it a track that will undoubtedly have crowds headbanging and chanting along. The simple yet effective intensity of the song brings you right into the heart of Machine Head’s aggressive style.
Check Out Our Reaction To BØNESCRAPER Here!
Then, BLEEDING ME DRY brings a powerful shift, showcasing Machine Head’s ability to balance emotional depth with their signature heaviness. The track opens with an interesting choice of drum loops and atmospheric sounds, creating a haunting intro and setting the stage for the raw emotional power that follows. This choice highlights the band’s ability to grow as artists, pushing the boundaries of their sound while still maintaining the elements we all know and love. Flynn’s vocals carry an immense sense of vulnerability, confronting grief and loss in a way that’s both haunting and cathartic. And if you’re a fan of Machine Head’s heavy side, rest assured, this track delivers more death growls than we’ve ever heard from the band before, giving it a brutal edge that complements its introspective nature. The raw, introspective lyrics paired with the band’s trademark intensity create a track that resonates deeply with listeners. It’s a gut-punch of emotion wrapped in powerful metal, and it’s clear this track will stay with fans long after the album ends.
Towards the end of the album, SCØRN stands out as a surprising yet haunting finale. With its piano-driven composition, this track offers a stark contrast to the rest of the album’s heavy, aggressive sound. SCØRN is a vulnerable and reflective moment, allowing Machine Head to show a more nuanced side of their songwriting. The emotional depth of the track is palpable, and it serves as a haunting conclusion to an album that balances brutality with introspection. It’s a bold move that pays off, proving that Machine Head are far more than just a thrash band—they’re capable of creating music that hits hard in more ways than one.
In addition to these standout tracks, ØUTSIDER brings a more personal side to the album, exploring themes of self-liberation and toxic relationships. The clean vocals and emotional delivery add another layer of depth, showcasing Machine Head’s versatility. NØT LØNG FØR THIS WØRLD provides another contrast, with its clean, introspective tone and an emotional intensity that builds throughout the song. It’s a moment of quiet reflection before the storm of heavier tracks returns.
UNATØNED is a masterful blend of aggressive riffs, emotional depth, and musical experimentation. The album keeps you on your toes, balancing moments of fury with introspective melody. For fans of the band and metal in general, this is a record that delivers everything you’ve been craving—and then some.
Machine Head’s UNATØNED is a bold exploration of thrash, groove, and emotional depth, balancing headbanging anthems with deeply personal moments. From the explosive opener to the haunting final track, this album delivers a metal experience that will stick with you long after the last note fades.
Final Verdict: 9/10 – UNATØNED is a rip-roaring brew of power, emotion, and relentless aggression, making it an essential listen for metal fans.
Release Information:
UNATØNED – OUT APRIL 25
VIA NUCLEAR BLAST / IMPERIUM RECORDINGS
Tracklisting:
- ATØMIC REVELATIØNS
- BØNESCRAPER
- UNBØUND
- ØUTSIDER
- NØT LØNG FØR THIS WØRLD
- THESE SCARS WØN’T DEFINE US
- ADDICTED TØ PAIN
- BLEEDING ME DRY
- SHARDS ØF SHATTERED DREAMS
- SCØRN
