Band : Machine Head
Album title : The Blackening - Special Edition
Label : Roadrunner
Distributor : CNR
Release date : 27 October 2008
Release : 3-Disc CD/ DVD set

Holy motha fuckin’ shit!! Pardon my langue but it’s totally in place after listening, looking and feeling this special edition 3-disc CD/DVD set of the last Machine Head album The Blackening. Five years ago Robert Flynn and his band were dropped by Roadrunner US and only because of their success in Europe the same company agreed to keep them on board for our continent. Then came Through The Ashes Of Empires and all of a sudden things changed in a way even the band wouldn’t have dare to dream of. Furious, full of passion and rage the album was unleashed on to the world and soon after the US section of Roadrunner realised they fucked up by showing Machine Head the door. For once they admitted their fuck-up and offered the band a new contract. The rest is history. Machine Head even recorded a new song for the US version, “Seasons Whither”, and then did what they do best: play heavy fucking Metal Machine Head style.

Then came The Blackening and once again they’ve outdone themselves. The band got respect from the fans and even more respect from their colleagues, witch included monuments like Iron Maiden and the mighty Metallica. Right now Rob Flynn and his friends are preparing theirself to go on the road throughout Europe with Slipknot, with whom they also toured last summer through the States, and they start the new year in their home country opening up for Metallica. Later in 2009 they also head back to Europe alongside Metallica to rage over Europe once again and it seems the summer festivals are being booked while you read this. Therefore this limited edition is unleashed. Besides the album there’s a DVD with tons of live material, all pro shots, from the bands last tour in support of The Blackening. You’ll get to see them on With Full Force 2008, Rock in Rio 2008, Download 2007 and some shots from the 2004 ten year anniversary show of Burn My eyes, their legendary debut. Also included are the videos the band made for “Halo”, “Now I Lay Thee Down” and “Aesthetics Of Hate” plus the making of those clips.

That’s all for the US version, but in Europe you’ll get an extra CD with kick ass b-sides. Going from the Iron Maiden cover “Hallowed Be Thy Name”, Nirvana’s “Negative Creep”, the earlier on mentioned “Seasons Whither”, and the crushing “My Misery” track from the OST of the Demon Knight movie, we can say this is a must have for every Machine Head fan. Also interesting are the demo’s for “Halo” and “Aesthetics Of Hate”. This is the shit. Don’t hesitate and buy this piece of art.

99/100

Stef Maes.