Machine Head: The Blackening (2007)

Machine Head’s 2007 album, The Blackening, is a landmark in modern metal, renowned for its technical complexity and intense socio-political themes. Produced by frontman Robb Flynn and recorded at Sharkbite Studios in Oakland, California, the album features lengthy tracks that blend aggressive riffing with intricate compositions. Notably, the song “Aesthetics of Hate” is a fierce response to an article denigrating the late Dimebag Darrell, showcasing the band’s ability to channel personal and societal anger into powerful music.

Track Listing

Clenching the Fists of Dissent
Beautiful Mourning
Aesthetics of Hate
Now I Lay Thee Down
Slanderous
Halo
Wolves
A Farewell to Arms

Album length: 61:08

Music genre

Thrash metal, Groove metal

The Lineup for the Album

Robb Flynn: vocals, rhythm guitar, additional lead guitar
Phil Demmel: lead guitar, backing vocals
Adam Duce: bass, backing vocals
Dave McClain: drums

Release Date

March 27, 2007

Record Label

Roadrunner Records

Recording Date

August - November 2006

Recording Studio

Sharkbite Studios (Oakland, California)

Produced by

Robb Flynn

Album Themes/Concept

Socio-Political Commentary: The lyrics on “The Blackening” are rich with socio-political commentary, reflecting a critical stance on various societal issues. Songs like “Clenching the Fists of Dissent” address themes of war and government corruption, urging listeners to question authority and stand up against oppression. The powerful and aggressive delivery mirrors the intensity of these topics, creating a compelling call to action for metalheads who value lyrical substance.

Personal Struggles and Inner Conflict: Tracks like “Beautiful Mourning” and “A Farewell to Arms” delve into personal struggles and inner conflict. The lyrics explore themes of grief, loss, and the darker aspects of the human psyche. The raw and emotional content resonates with listeners who appreciate music that delves deep into personal and existential themes, offering a cathartic experience through its aggressive yet introspective approach.

Tribute and Defiance: “Aesthetics of Hate” stands out as a tribute to the late Dimebag Darrell and a defiant response to criticism of the metal community. The song’s lyrics directly confront and condemn the hatred and ignorance aimed at metal fans and musicians. This track is an anthem of solidarity and resistance, resonating strongly with metalheads who have faced similar judgments and misunderstandings.

Themes of Betrayal and Redemption: Songs like “Now I Lay Thee Down” and “Slanderous” explore themes of betrayal and the quest for redemption. The lyrics are filled with vivid imagery and emotional intensity, portraying the complexities of human relationships and the struggle to overcome deceit and personal demons. These themes are delivered with a blend of aggression and melody, appealing to fans who appreciate both the heavy and melodic aspects of metal.

The Human Condition and Mortality: “Halo” and “Wolves” touch on broader themes of the human condition and mortality. These tracks question the nature of existence and the inevitability of death, wrapped in a sonic landscape of intricate guitar work and pounding rhythms. The philosophical undertones combined with the relentless musical assault provide a thought-provoking experience for listeners who enjoy contemplating life’s deeper questions through the lens of metal.

Album Mood

Aggressive and Intense: “The Blackening” is characterized by a relentless aggression and intensity that permeates every track. The fast-paced riffs, thunderous drumming, and powerful vocals create an atmosphere of raw energy. For metalheads who thrive on high-octane music, this album delivers an unyielding assault that keeps the adrenaline pumping from start to finish.

Dark and Brooding: There is a pervasive sense of darkness and brooding throughout the album. Themes of war, betrayal, and existential angst contribute to a somber and foreboding mood. The intricate guitar solos and heavy bass lines add layers of depth, evoking a sense of doom and contemplation. This dark ambiance is perfect for listeners who appreciate the heavier, more introspective side of metal.

Defiant and Empowering: Tracks like “Aesthetics of Hate” infuse the album with a mood of defiance and empowerment. The lyrics’ rebellious spirit, combined with the aggressive instrumentation, creates anthems of resistance and strength. For metalheads who value music as a form of expression against injustice and oppression, “The Blackening” serves as a rallying cry for solidarity and courage.

Melancholic and Reflective: Amidst the aggression, there are moments of melancholy and reflection. Songs such as “Now I Lay Thee Down” and “A Farewell to Arms” provide a balance of melodic elements and introspective lyrics, offering a space for contemplation and emotional release. This duality adds a layer of complexity to the album, appealing to those who seek both intensity and depth in their music.

Epic and Grandiose: The album’s lengthy tracks and intricate compositions contribute to an epic and grandiose mood. With multiple songs surpassing the nine-minute mark, “The Blackening” takes listeners on a journey through elaborate musical landscapes. The elaborate song structures and dynamic shifts make it a captivating experience for metalheads who appreciate the progressive and expansive nature of metal.

Album Trivia

Dimebag Darrell Tribute and Controversy: One of the most significant anecdotes about “The Blackening” revolves around the song “Aesthetics of Hate,” which Robb Flynn wrote in response to a hateful article by William Grim celebrating the murder of Dimebag Darrell. This article deeply angered Flynn, leading him to pen the song as a tribute to Dimebag and a scathing rebuke of Grim’s comments. The lyrics reflect the band’s anger and frustration, embodying a powerful message against prejudice and hate.

Artwork and Printing Quirks: The album’s cover art, an old woodcarving found by Robb Flynn, was modified by the design team. However, the first 30,000 copies of the U.S. edition had a flaw in the artwork due to a piece of lint on the printing press. This was later corrected.

Critical and Commercial Reception: The Blackening debuted at #16 in the UK, #14 in Australia, and #54 in the USA, selling 16,000 copies in its first week. It went on to sell 350,000 copies worldwide and was certified Silver in the UK in 2010. Despite its success, it remains the fourth best-selling Machine Head album, with others like The Burning Red outselling it in certain regions.

Critical Reception and Comparisons: “The Blackening” was met with widespread acclaim and is often compared to Metallica’s “Master of Puppets” due to its complexity and impact on the metal genre. Critics praised the album for its technical proficiency, emotional depth, and powerful performances. Notably, the integration of Phil Demmel into the band led to a surge in creative energy and high-caliber guitar work that significantly contributed to the album’s success.

Grammy Nomination and Controversial Ban: The song “Aesthetics of Hate” was nominated for a Grammy for Best Metal Performance in 2008 but lost to Slayer’s “Final Six.” Additionally, the band was banned from performing at House of Blues venues located on Disney properties due to the album’s anti-war and anti-religion themes. Machine Head went public about the ban, which still stands.

Tour and Live Performances: Following the release of “The Blackening,” Machine Head embarked on extensive tours, including performances with Slipknot, Trivium, and Metallica. These tours solidified the album’s reputation and helped the band reach a broader audience. The live performances of tracks like “Halo” and “A Farewell to Arms” became fan favorites, further enhancing the album’s legacy.

The Black Tyranny Tour and Future Lineup: During their headline U.S. tour named “The Black Tyranny,” Machine Head co-headlined with Arch Enemy. The opening band was Sanctity, fronted by Jared MacEachern. Interestingly, Jared would join Machine Head six years later as their bassist.

Metallica’s Endorsement and Touring Partnership: James Hetfield of Metallica heard “Aesthetics of Hate” on Sirius XM’s Liquid Metal. Inspired by the album, Metallica invited Machine Head to support them in Eastern Europe and at Wembley Arena in London. This partnership blossomed, leading to Machine Head being the main support for Metallica’s Death Magnetic tour in the U.S. and Europe for six months.

Tour Hardships: The tour cycle was not without its difficulties. Guitarist Phil Demmel and drummer Dave McClain each lost a parent while on tour. Their tour mates from bands like Trivium and Dragonforce stepped in to help perform during these challenging times.

Listen or Pass

This album might be for you if you…

Appreciate Complex and Progressive Metal: If you enjoy albums that push the boundaries of traditional song structures with intricate arrangements and long compositions, The Blackening is a must-listen. The tracks often exceed nine minutes and are filled with tempo changes, dynamic shifts, and technical prowess that will captivate fans of progressive metal.
Enjoy Socio-Political Lyrics: Metalheads who appreciate lyrics that tackle socio-political issues and provide commentary on war, government corruption, and societal injustices will find The Blackening particularly resonant. Songs like “Clenching the Fists of Dissent” and “Halo” offer powerful messages wrapped in aggressive music.
Are Fans of Aggressive and Intense Music: If you thrive on high-octane, aggressive metal with powerful vocals, shredding guitars, and relentless drumming, this album delivers on all fronts. The intensity is palpable throughout, making it perfect for those who love their metal fast, heavy, and unrelenting.
Appreciate Technical Proficiency: Fans who admire exceptional musicianship and technical skills will appreciate the intricate guitar work of Robb Flynn and Phil Demmel, the tight rhythm section, and the complex song structures that showcase the band’s high level of skill.
Are Looking for Deep and Personal Themes: Listeners who connect with music that explores personal struggles, inner conflict, and emotional depth will find tracks like “Beautiful Mourning” and “A Farewell to Arms” deeply engaging. The raw, honest lyrics offer a cathartic experience.
Like Bands with Strong Live Performances: If live performance energy translates to how you judge albums, The Blackening is renowned for its powerful renditions in concert, often cited as a highlight in Machine Head’s setlists.

You might want to pass this one if you…

Prefer Short, Catchy Songs: If your preference leans towards shorter, more straightforward tracks with immediate hooks and melodies, the long, complex compositions on The Blackening might feel overwhelming or too drawn-out.
Dislike Harsh Vocals: For those who find harsh, aggressive vocal styles unappealing, Robb Flynn’s intense delivery might be a turn-off. The vocals are powerful and gritty, fitting the heavy themes and sound, but not to everyone’s taste.
Are Looking for Light-Hearted Themes: If you prefer metal with more light-hearted or fantastical themes, the dark, brooding, and often politically charged lyrics of The Blackening might not align with your musical preferences.
Dislike Progressive Elements: Metal fans who do not enjoy progressive elements or non-traditional song structures might find the album’s complex arrangements and frequent tempo changes difficult to engage with.
Prefer Milder Instrumentation: If you favor metal that is less intense and more melodic or symphonic, the aggressive and relentless instrumentation on The Blackening could be too heavy and abrasive.
Are Sensitive to Dark and Personal Content: Listeners who are sensitive to themes of personal trauma, war, and intense socio-political commentary might find the lyrical content of The Blackening too heavy or distressing.