Machine Head: Bloodstone & Diamonds (2014)

Bloodstone & Diamonds, Machine Head’s eighth studio album released on November 7, 2014, by Nuclear Blast, showcases a blend of heavy riffs, melodic passages, and experimental elements like string ensembles and spoken word snippets. Produced by Robb Flynn and Juan Urteaga, the album delves into themes of personal struggle, societal critique, and philosophical reflections. Fun fact: the album’s design mimics an old alchemy book, enhancing its thematic depth and making it a collector’s item for fans.

Track Listing

Now We Die
Killers & Kings
Ghosts Will Haunt My Bones
Night of Long Knives
Sail into the Black
Eyes of the Dead
Beneath the Silt
In Comes the Flood
Damage Inside
Game Over
Imaginal Cells
Take Me Through the Fire

Album length: 70:57

Music genre

Thrash metal, Groove metal

The Lineup for the Album

Robb Flynn: lead vocals, rhythm guitar
Phil Demmel: lead guitar, backing vocals
Jared MacEachern: bass, backing vocals
Dave McClain: drums

Release Date

November 7, 2014

Record Label

Nuclear Blast

Recording Date

February - July 2014

Recording Studio

Trident Studios (Pacheco, California) and JingleTown Studios (Oakland, California)

Produced by

Robb Flynn and Juan Urteaga

Album Themes/Concept

Struggle and Resilience: Bloodstone & Diamonds features prominent themes of struggle and resilience, reflecting the personal and societal battles faced by individuals. Songs like “Now We Die” and “Game Over” delve into the hardships and determination required to overcome obstacles. The intense lyrics and aggressive music mirror the relentless fight against adversity.

Betrayal and Revenge: Betrayal is another recurring theme in the album, notably in tracks such as “Night of Long Knives” and “Ghosts Will Haunt My Bones.” These songs explore the emotional aftermath of betrayal and the desire for retribution, with dark and vivid imagery. The powerful riffs and harsh vocals enhance the sense of vengeance and anger.

Inner Turmoil and Reflection: Several tracks, including “Damage Inside” and “Sail into the Black,” address themes of inner turmoil and self-reflection. These songs offer a more introspective look at the internal struggles and conflicts that individuals face, using haunting melodies and somber lyrics to convey a sense of melancholy and contemplation.

Social and Political Commentary: Machine Head also uses Bloodstone & Diamonds to comment on social and political issues. “In Comes the Flood” tackles themes of societal collapse and corruption, while “Eyes of the Dead” examines the impact of violence and injustice. The album’s lyrics provide a critical view of the world’s state, supported by a backdrop of heavy, aggressive instrumentation.

Hope and Perseverance: Despite the darker themes, the album also touches on hope and perseverance. Tracks like “Take Me Through the Fire” embody a sense of enduring strength and the will to keep moving forward despite challenges. This blend of hope within the chaos provides a dynamic and multifaceted listening experience.

Album Mood

Dark and Intense: The overall mood of Bloodstone & Diamonds is dark and intense, capturing the essence of struggle and resilience. The album opens with “Now We Die,” setting a tone of relentless aggression and raw power that carries through the entire record. This intensity is perfect for metalheads who crave a high-energy and emotionally charged experience.

Reflective and Somber: Amidst the aggression, there are moments of deep reflection and somber introspection. Tracks like “Damage Inside” and “Sail into the Black” delve into inner turmoil and personal conflict, offering a contrast to the heavier songs with their haunting melodies and melancholic lyrics. These tracks provide a balance, adding emotional depth and complexity to the album’s overall mood.

Vengeful and Defiant: Themes of betrayal and revenge infuse the album with a sense of defiance and vengefulness. Songs such as “Night of Long Knives” and “Ghosts Will Haunt My Bones” explore the raw emotions associated with betrayal and the desire for retribution. The powerful riffs and harsh vocals enhance this mood, making it a compelling listen for those who connect with themes of vengeance and justice.

Socially Conscious and Critical: Bloodstone & Diamonds also carries a socially conscious and critical mood, with tracks like “In Comes the Flood” and “Eyes of the Dead” addressing societal issues and injustices. The lyrics provide a scathing commentary on the state of the world, supported by aggressive instrumentation that underscores the urgency and anger behind the messages.

Hopeful and Resilient: Despite the dark themes, the album also conveys a sense of hope and resilience. Songs like “Take Me Through the Fire” embody the spirit of perseverance and strength, offering a hopeful counterbalance to the album’s more somber and intense moments. This blend of hope within the chaos provides a multifaceted listening experience that resonates with the resilient spirit of metalheads.

Album Trivia

String Ensemble and Epic Openings: Bloodstone & Diamonds is noted for its epic and grandiose musical arrangements, particularly highlighted by the string ensemble in the opening track “Now We Die.” This use of orchestration adds a layer of depth and sophistication to the album, setting the tone for a dynamic listening experience. The strings appear throughout the album, enhancing its dramatic impact and showcasing the band’s ability to blend classical elements with heavy metal.

Personal and Band Struggles: The song “Game Over” is particularly notable for its raw and intense lyrics, which Robb Flynn directed at former bassist Adam Duce. The track embodies themes of anger and betrayal, reflecting the personal turmoil and conflicts within the band. This adds a deeply personal dimension to the album.

Urgency and Spontaneity in Production: Robb Flynn emphasized the sense of urgency and spontaneity that permeates Bloodstone & Diamonds. The band initially started recording with meticulous precision but later adopted a more spontaneous approach to capture the frantic energy of their demos. This method included using live takes for many guitar parts, which added a raw and energetic feel to the tracks.

Critique of Modern Society: The track “In Comes the Flood” delivers a harsh critique of modern American society, particularly its capitalist values. Flynn’s lyrics attack the pharmaceutical industry’s profit-driven motives and the broader societal trend of valuing money over well-being.

Album Artwork and Thematic Design: The album’s artwork and packaging were meticulously designed to resemble an old alchemy book from the 1800s. This design choice complements the album’s thematic depth, featuring weathered edges, sepia-toned pages, and mystical woodcarvings. The special edition mediabook enhances this aesthetic, making the physical album a collectible item for fans.

Listen or Pass

This album might be for you if you…

Enjoy Heavy and Melodic Complexity: Bloodstone & Diamonds features a blend of heavy riffs, melodic passages, and complex arrangements. Tracks like “Now We Die” and “Eyes of the Dead” showcase intricate guitar work and orchestral elements, appealing to fans who appreciate technical and dynamic metal music.
Relate to Deep and Personal Lyrics: If you connect with music that delves into personal and emotional struggles, this album’s themes of betrayal, anger, and introspection will resonate with you. “Game Over” and “Damage Inside” explore these intense emotions in a raw and powerful manner.
Appreciate Philosophical and Social Commentary: Metalheads who enjoy thought-provoking lyrics will find “In Comes the Flood” particularly compelling. This track critiques modern societal issues, including capitalism and the pharmaceutical industry, offering a deep and critical perspective.
Like Experimental and Diverse Elements: Fans of experimental metal will appreciate the album’s use of diverse elements such as string ensembles and spoken word snippets. Tracks like “Imaginal Cells” and “Sail Into the Black” push the boundaries of traditional metal, incorporating unique sounds and ideas.

You might want to pass this one if you…

Prefer Simplistic and Straightforward Metal: If you lean towards straightforward, simplistic metal with immediate hooks and traditional structures, the complexity and experimental nature of Bloodstone & Diamonds might be overwhelming. The album’s intricate arrangements and varied song lengths may not suit your taste.
Dislike Philosophical or Social Themes: Listeners who prefer their metal to be more detached from social or philosophical commentary might not appreciate the critical and introspective lyrics present in this album. The focus on deep societal critiques and personal reflections is a key aspect of its identity.
Seek Consistently Brutal Tracks: If you are looking for relentless brutality from start to finish, the album’s mix of heavy, melodic, and atmospheric moments might not meet your expectations. Tracks like “Damage Inside” slow down the pace and introduce softer elements that contrast with the heavier songs.
Avoid Non-Traditional Metal Elements: Those who prefer a purist approach to metal might find the inclusion of orchestral elements, spoken word passages, and experimental sounds off-putting. The album’s blend of classical influences and modern metal might diverge from your preferred style.