Machine Head: Of Kingdom and Crown (2022)

Of Kingdom and Crown by Machine Head, released on August 26, 2022, via Nuclear Blast, is a concept album inspired by the anime Attack on Titan. It tells the intertwining stories of two characters, Ares and Eros, navigating themes of loss, revenge, and societal collapse.

Track Listing

Slaughter the Martyr
Choke on the Ashes of Your Hate
Become the Firestorm
Overdose
My Hands Are Empty
Unhallowed
Assimilate
Kill Thy Enemies
No Gods, No Masters
Bloodshot
Rotten
Terminus
Arrows in Words from the Sky

Album length: 59:22

Music genre

Thrash metal, Groove metal

The Lineup for the Album

Robb Flynn: lead vocals, rhythm guitar
Jared MacEachern: bass, backing vocals
Wacław “Vogg” Kiełtyka: lead guitar
Navene Koperweis: drums

Release Date

August 26, 2022

Record Label

Nuclear Blast

Recording Date

December 2019 - January 2022

Recording Studio

Sharkbite Studios (Oakland, California)

Produced by

Robb Flynn and Zack Ohren

Album Themes/Concept

Dystopian Future and Societal Decay: Of Kingdom and Crown is set in a dystopian future, exploring themes of societal collapse and decay. The lyrics paint a bleak picture of a world overrun by corruption and violence, resonating with metalheads who appreciate intense and thought-provoking narratives. Songs like “Choke on the Ashes of Your Hate” dive deep into the anger and frustration stemming from societal failures.

Personal Struggle and Inner Conflict: The album delves into personal struggles and inner conflict, reflecting on the darker aspects of the human psyche. Tracks like “My Hands Are Empty” and “Unhallowed” explore themes of loss, regret, and the search for redemption. These introspective lyrics offer a raw and honest look at the challenges individuals face, providing a cathartic experience for listeners.

Revenge and Justice: Revenge and justice are prominent themes throughout the album, with characters seeking retribution for wrongs done to them. “Slaughter the Martyr” and “Become the Firestorm” embody the pursuit of vengeance, delivering powerful messages of standing up against oppression and fighting back. These themes resonate with metalheads who enjoy stories of defiance and rebellion.

Hope and Resilience: Despite the dark themes, the album also carries messages of hope and resilience. Songs like “Arrows in Words from the Sky” offer a glimmer of optimism, emphasizing the strength to overcome adversity and the power of perseverance. This balance of despair and hope adds depth to the album, making it a compelling listen for those who seek both intensity and inspiration in their music.

Existential Reflection: The lyrics often touch on existential themes, questioning the nature of existence and the meaning of life in a broken world. “No Gods, No Masters” challenges traditional beliefs and encourages listeners to find their own path. These philosophical musings provide a deeper layer of complexity, appealing to metalheads who enjoy exploring profound and reflective concepts.

Album Mood

Dark and Intense: Of Kingdom and Crown by Machine Head carries a dark and intense mood throughout its tracks. The album’s dystopian themes and aggressive musical style create an atmosphere filled with anger and frustration. The opening track, “Slaughter the Martyr,” sets the tone with its brooding intensity, appealing to metalheads who thrive on heavy, emotionally charged music.

Brooding and Reflective: The album doesn’t shy away from introspection, with tracks like “My Hands Are Empty” and “Unhallowed” offering a more brooding and reflective tone. These songs delve into personal struggles and inner turmoil, adding a layer of depth and emotional resonance. This mood will attract listeners who connect with music on a deeply personal level.

Vengeful and Defiant: Revenge and defiance are recurring themes, contributing to the album’s vengeful and defiant mood. Songs such as “Choke on the Ashes of Your Hate” and “Become the Firestorm” embody the spirit of standing up against oppression and fighting back. This defiant energy is perfect for metalheads who appreciate powerful, rebellious anthems.

Hopeful Amid Despair: Amidst the darkness, the album offers glimmers of hope and resilience. “Arrows in Words from the Sky” provides a sense of optimism, emphasizing the strength to overcome adversity. This balance of despair and hope adds a multifaceted emotional landscape to the album, making it appealing to those who seek both intensity and inspiration in their music.

Philosophical and Existential: The album also explores philosophical and existential themes, questioning the nature of existence and the meaning of life in a broken world. Tracks like “No Gods, No Masters” challenge traditional beliefs and encourage listeners to find their own path. This reflective and thought-provoking mood appeals to metalheads who enjoy delving into deeper, more complex concepts.

Album Trivia

Inspiration from Anime and Dual Narratives: Of Kingdom and Crown is Machine Head’s first concept album, inspired by the anime Attack on Titan. The album tells the intertwining stories of two characters, Ares and Eros, who both embark on paths of vengeance after personal tragedies. This narrative structure explores the complexity of human emotions and the consequences of revenge.

Creative Process and Challenges: Robb Flynn has expressed that creating a concept album was a significant undertaking, drawing inspiration from classic concept albums like Pink Floyd’s The Wall and Queensrÿche’s Operation: Mindcrime. Flynn wanted to ensure the story was compelling and relatable, focusing on human emotions rather than futuristic robots. This approach allowed him to connect deeply with the characters’ narratives and convey a wide range of emotions through the music.

Lineup Changes and Collaborations: The recording of Of Kingdom and Crown marked the debut of guitarist Wacław “Vogg” Kiełtyka and featured session drummer Navene Koperweis. The album came after significant lineup changes, with long-time members Phil Demmel and Dave McClain departing in 2018. Despite these changes, the band managed to maintain their signature sound while introducing new elements, such as blast beats for the first time on “Become the Firestorm”.

Returning to Their Roots: Of Kingdom and Crown has been praised for its return to the raw, heavy sound of Machine Head’s early days while incorporating new twists. Songs like “Rotten” and “Bloodshot” are noted for their relentless energy and classic Machine Head aggression, evoking the spirit of albums like Burn My Eyes and The Blackening.

Listen or Pass

This album might be for you if you…

Enjoy Concept Albums with Deep Narratives: Of Kingdom and Crown is Machine Head’s first concept album, telling a dual narrative inspired by the anime Attack on Titan. If you appreciate albums that offer a compelling story with complex characters, this album’s intertwining tales of Ares and Eros will captivate you.
Appreciate Technical Excellence and New Collaborations: The album features new guitarist Wacław “Vogg” Kiełtyka and session drummer Navene Koperweis, whose technical prowess brings fresh energy and intricate solos to the music. If you enjoy high-caliber musicianship and dynamic performances, tracks like “Choke on the Ashes of Your Hate” and “Become the Firestorm” will impress.
Seek Aggressive and Diverse Metal: With a blend of aggressive thrash elements and melodic, progressive moments, Of Kingdom and Crown delivers a varied listening experience. Songs like “Bloodshot” and “Unhallowed” showcase this diversity, making the album appealing to fans of both heavy and melodic metal.
Value Emotional Depth and Personal Reflection: The album explores themes of loss, revenge, and depression, drawing from Robb Flynn’s personal experiences. If you connect with music that delves into deep emotional territories and personal reflections, tracks like “My Hands Are Empty” and “Unhallowed” will resonate with you.

You might want to pass this one if you…

Prefer Straightforward, Non-Concept Albums: If you prefer metal albums that focus solely on individual tracks without an overarching narrative, the concept-driven nature of Of Kingdom and Crown might not suit your tastes. The album’s story-based structure is integral to its design, which might not appeal to listeners seeking standalone songs.

Dislike Frequent Style Shifts: The album blends various metal subgenres, from thrash to melodic and progressive metal. If you favor a consistent musical style throughout an album, the diverse sound palette of Of Kingdom and Crown might feel disjointed to you.

Avoid Thematic Complexity: With its intricate narrative and philosophical themes, the album demands attentive listening to fully appreciate its depth. If you prefer straightforward lyrical themes and less complexity, the elaborate storytelling of Of Kingdom and Crown might not be to your liking.

Look for Short, Concise Albums: At nearly 60 minutes in length, Of Kingdom and Crown is a long album with several extended tracks. If you prefer shorter, more concise albums, the lengthy compositions and expansive storytelling might be more than you prefer in a listening session.