Machine Head
The More Things Change... (Roadrunner Records)
By: Todd Follett
The latest offering from this unbelievably hard-hitting, uncompromising Bay Area band, The More Things Change..., keeps up the tradition of their godlike debut album, Burn My Eyes, in it's ferocity and rage. MH keeps up it's message of respect and staying true, to the fullest degree.It definitely was a daunting task to try and match the sheer anger and musical brilliance of the first album, but, for the most part, they have come up with a most worthy sophomore attempt.
Robb Flynn (Vocals/Guitar), comes across with brutally honest lyrics from the heart of today's unforgiving lifestyle, and, as always, the perfect vocal backing to portray his anger at life's injustices. His lyrical talent shines throughout the entire album, writing about such topics as the battering cruelness of the trials of life in Spine, with such lines as I see right through your soul/Can't help but feel this cold/But this city made me so, and the tragic loss of life and integrity in the war-torn The Frontlines. His vocals ring disturbingly and convincingly throughout such songs as the haunting, thrashing Violate, bringing parts across with a delicate innocence, other parts with his raging screams and pure hostility.
Logan Mader (Guitar) comes across with killer, ripping riffs, backed up by Adam Duce(Bass, Backing Vocals) with heavy, groovin' bass-lines and his familiar undertones to Robb's fantastic vocals. Dave McClain is on the drums, replacing Chris Kontos, and he does a fantastic job tearing into the album's hard-hitting ferocity.
All in all, the album does the job and leaves all MH fans, including myself, with not much to complain about. It's a great effort, but doesn't quite match the kick-your-ass intensity and in-your-face grinding of the first album, but all MH fans should pick it up, definitely. And, particularly with this album, don't judge it after the first listen. Let it sink in a little first.
And if you haven't checked MH out at all and you're any kind of a metal fan, you're missing out on one of the best bands out there. These guys rip all ass, and leave you shaking from the experience. So check these guys out, if you really wanna see what your soul looks like. Rating: **** (out of five)
