First thing’s first, let me tell you something: Compiling this list has been an absolute shitcunt. I’m pretty sure I may have just offended more than a few people with that language, but hey, if you’re reading Dose of Metal you’ve probably come to expect poor language and poor writing. If you are offended, you may just want to remove that sand from your vagina before it starts to itch too much. That’s a number one health tip from Doctor Mark (I’m not really a doctor though, I’m barely even a person, so please don’t sue me).
But back to business, as I was saying, writing this week’s Top 10 has been pretty damn hard. Apart from my inability to construct a concise sentence (number one tip BTW, don’t begin a sentence with the word ‘but’) and put those things together that form words (letters maybe?), I’ve also struggled to keep this list to just 10 songs. Machine Head have a lot of kick ass, awesome tracks that really should have made the cut, but I simply couldn’t include due to having to fit it into one Top 10 list.
So anyways, make the jump, read the Top 10 and then go bitch about what an idiot I am for failing to mention [insert song] from [insert album] that “sooooo should have made the list!”
#10 Old (Burn My Eyes, 1994)
So first up, is a live classic and one that they still seem to play at countless shows. Taken from the band’s debut 1994 classic, Burn My Eyes, ‘Old’ may be an “old” song, but it sure doesn’t sound old. In fact it still stands up today, and still kicks ass with the best of them. This song should be used to demonstrate to pussy bands that cite Machine Head as an influence, one, how to kick ass, and two, how not to sound like whiny little bitches.
#9 Blood of the Zodiac (The More Things Change, 1997)
1997’s The More Things Change is often overlooked and underrated by metal fans, and even fans of the ‘Head (I’m using Head as a shortening of Machine Head by the way, I’m not talking about that weirdo that left a certain nu metal act to pursue a career of bankruptcy and crappy Christian music). The album closer, ‘Blood of the Zodiac’ has always been one of my favorite songs by the band, and yet even then it only makes number 9 on my list. It just goes to show how many awesome songs Machine Head have.
#8 I’m Your God Now (Burn My Eyes, 1994)
Another song from Burn My Eyes here, and another favorite of mine (well duh, all of these tracks are favorites of mine). ‘I’m Your God Now’ deals with the suffering and pain involved with drug addiction. Although this isn’t something I myself have experienced, I do absolute love the track and lyrics. Lyrically, Robb produced some of his most inspiring lyrics on ‘I’m Your God Now’.
#7 Clenching the Fists of Dissent (The Blackening, 2007)
I still remember the first time I heard The Blackening. I bought it upon the week of release, it was a hot summer’s day and I was with my best friend (BFF even). Shortly after buying this album, I cradled it in my owns and held it close to my body as we walked from the shops. Before heading home, however, we met up with my mate’s then girlfriend. I didn’t have a girlfriend, but it didn’t matter. I had the fucking Blackening, the best album of the decade. This generation’s Master of Puppets. Tell me, how much shit am I going to get in for saying that? Metalheads will kill me for making such a claim, and my girlfriend will kill me for suggesting that this album meant I don’t even need a girlfriend (if you read this, I lie, promise!).
The Blackening‘s opening track is an almighty 10 and a half minute epic! Beginning with a 74 tracked (allegedly) introduction, a washed with beautiful acoustic guitars, the song takes the listener on a journey. But enough about journeys, because that’s starting to sound a little soft as 13 year old kids would say. ‘Clenching The Fists of Dissent’ is a modern thrash classic and that’s all you need to know. There’s no denying it.
#6 A Farewell to Arms (The Blackening, 2007)
And from The Blackening‘s opener, to the closer. ‘A Farewell to Arms’ is every bit as ‘epic’ as ‘Clenching the Fists of Dissent’. I absolutely love the melodic, soft introduction to the track with Flynn’s eerie singing. The song gradually builds until one of the album’s best riffs kicks your ass. This song also happens to be a highlight for Flynn, in my opinion, displaying some impressive vocal range as well as brutal screams. The chorus is beautifully sung, but it is the grand finale that really sends shivers down my spine, with the final 3 minutes bringing Machine Head‘s greatest album to a perfect end.
#5 Halo (The Blackening, 2007)
What’s this, another song off of Machine Head‘s The Blackening? I wasn’t kidding, not only is it the band’s best album, it really is a masterpiece. Lyrically, ‘Halo’ discusses the problems organized religion can pose to society. Musically and vocally though, this song could be about how amazing the latest Barbie doll is, for all I care, the band are on fire and they don’t let up for a second. Phenomenal riffs and vocals make this track an absolute crusher and the solo/breakdown is nothing short of brilliant.
#4 Descend the Shades of Night (Through the Ashes of Empires, 2003)
When Through the Ashes of Empires first came out, I loved it and I even considered it as possibly my favorite album by the band. Now when I think about it, whilst it was a return to form for the band, is still wasn’t quite as good as Burn My Eyes or The more Things Change. What the album did acheive, however, was displaying Machine Head‘s willingness to evolve and adapt to survive. Some call it trend hopping, or “selling out”, but at the end of the day, I don’t care as long as the music is awesome.
Musically, the band did evolve, and ‘Descend the Shades of Night’ is perhaps the most obvious example of this. It’s a ballad, possibly even a power ballad, it has acoustic guitars, but it never feels forced or generic. Vocally, Robb presents some of his most diverse and dynamic vocals ever. This song was a highlight of the band’s growth as musicians and songwriters, and rightly deserves its place in this Top 10.
#3 Aesthetics of Hate (The Blackening, 2007)
I’m fairly sure that every metalhead by now is aware of the name William Grim. The man is a Conservashittive writer responsible for the twisted article praising the death of the late Dimebag Darrell, titled ‘Aesthetics of Hate: R.I.P. Dimebag Abbott, & Good Riddance’.
Machine Head write the song as a response to to Grim, and what a response it is. You can almost hear Flynn’s anger and spit coming through the speakers at such a velocity, it tears through your ears. The guitar work shown by Flynn and Phil Demmel on the track, is nothing short of fantastic, with some epic duel harmonies and a brilliant solo.
#2 Davidian (Burn My Eyes, 1994)
You were waiting for this one right? A clichéd choice, I admit, but let’s face it, nothing beats ‘Davidian’ (Well ok, apart from the song at number one). When I first heard the track, it absolutely blew me away and I haven’t stopped being a Machine Head fan since.
So once again, “let freedom ring with a shotgun blast”.
#1 Imperium (Through the Ashes of Empires, 2003)
So here we are, at the number one spot with what is the greatest Machine Head song, ever.After the mixed reception of The Burning Red, and the almost universal panning of Supercharger, Machine Head needed something very special to come back. They needed something to survive, otherwise they were in danger of fading away with a lot of the other popular bands from the 90’s. Luckily, they had something so special, it allowed the band to make a triumphant return. Supercharger? Never heard of it.
‘Imperium’ was the flag the band were waving when they returned. From the moment that first riff breaks in after the introduction, you know Machine Head are back. This is the Machine Head people fell in love with, but everything was so much tighter and more powerful than before. Yes, ‘Imperium’ is another clinched choice for the top, but everything about this song is too awesome to ignore. The sheer complexity of the music, Robb’s social commentating lyrics and diverse vocals make this the best Machine Head yet.
Will the listing change after the new album comes out? Who knows? I’m too lazy to wait, but for now you can check out five runner ups below.
The runners up:
#15 The Blood, the Sweat, the Tears (The Burning Red, 1999)
#14 A Nation on Fire (Burn My Eyes, 1994)
#13 Now I Lay Thee Down (The Blackening, 2007)
#12 Ten Ton Hammer (The More Things Change, 1997)
#11 Slanderous (The Blackening, 2007)
