MACHINE HEAD — Through the Ashes of Empires (review)

MACHINE HEAD — Through the Ashes of Empires album cover Album · 2003 · Groove Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
3.5/5 ·
UMUR
"Through the Ashes of Empires" is the 5th full-length studio album by US thrash/alternative metal act Machine Head. The album was released in December 2003 through Roadrunner Records. Many older fans of the band consider "Through the Ashes of Empires" as a return, or at least a slight return, to form after the band´s much loathed alternative period. Guitarist Ahrue Luster, who played on both "The Burning Red (1999)" and "Supercharger (2001)", has been replaced by frontman Robb Flynn´s old Vio-lence bandmate Phil Demmel, who takes on the lead guitarist role on this album.

...and it´s audible from the start that Phil Demmel´s inclusion in the band signals a change in sound. It´s not that Machine Head have shed all their alternative ideas and tracks like "Fade From Blue Gray" and "All Fall Down" will probably still have older fans wrinkle their noses (as well as sections in most other tracks), but there is generally a much stronger presence of memorable and powerful thrashy groove metal riffs on this album than heard in a long time from the band. Some of these tracks kick some serious ass and they are pretty well composed and intriguing too. Take a listen to tracks like "Imperium" or "In the Presence of My Enemies" for proof of that. High level musicianship and a powerful sound production are also assets that should be mentioned.

"Through the Ashes of Empires" is definitely a step in the right direction for Machine Head and the album is most of the time a very enjoyable listen. A 3.5 - 4 star rating is warranted.
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