New from San Fransisco power outfit Machine Head is "The More Things Change". This album continues the crushingly heavy, dynamic song structure of 1994's "Burn My Eyes" release. Lost from the band has been drummer Chris Kontos, but Dave McClain is a fine replacement. Machine Head has been promoted as a mixture of Biohazard, Sepultura and Pantera, and even had difficulty gaining respet due to this comparison. This is a band however that does not suffer from any lack of originality and have distanced themselves from the afforementioned bands. Machine Head has the capability of incorporating dynamics into their songs, or otherwise stated, songs which progress from one mood to another, avoiding churning out a single riff from start to finish. This is especially evident in songs such as "Violate" and "Down To None" in which a slower, melodic beginning segment builds to an intensive climax. Vocalist Rob Flynn has greatly improved upon his range since "Burn My Eyes", as his singing is better and the hard vocals are delivered with even more force. Guitars are another Machine Head strength, as the detuned riffs give this a sound all its own. There has been no noticeable loss with the departure of Kontos, in fact the beats present on this album as more intense. Also of note is the photography displayed in the booklet: really dark morbid photos -- especially cool is the photo of a guy with poles pounded through his head. Machine Head have actually managed to put out an even better album than "Burn My Eyes", as this is my early pick for album of the year.
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