Machine Head is currently recording The Blackening at Sharkbite Studios in the band's hometown of Oakland, California. Once again produced by singer / guitarist Robert Flynn and mixed by Colin Richardson (previous MH efforts, Bullet For My Valentine, Napalm Death) THE BLACKENING, set for worldwide release Spring 2007, is the follow-up to the critically acclaimed album Through The Ashes Of Empires.
Regarding The Blackening Flynn states, "This is the most ambitious thing we have ever attempted. We all challenged ourselves and each other to write a record that pushed the boundaries of complexity and technical structure.? Meanwhile, Flynn's lyrics have gone from what has been, recently, a more introspective focus, back to the social commentary tackled on previous albums like Burn My Eyes. Flynn continues, "The nature of what is happening in the world led to a darker, bleaker album in every sense. Pointed and timely, the lyrics in songs such as "Clenching The Fists Of Dissent," A Farewell To Arms" and "Halo" touch upon politics, the war in Iraq and organized religion. The lyrics to the aforementioned songs spit anger and disdain at their topics in the true spirit of angst that fueled punk rock in the mid- 80's.
"Aesthetics Of Hate" captures the bands anger towards an article that bashed ?Dimebag? Darrell right after his death and slammed the metal community as a whole for mourning it. The band actually performed this new track during the special appearances they made along the Sounds of the Underground Tour this past summer. "Now I Lay Thee Down" has a Romeo and Juliet-esque love story slant to it, while Slanderous" addresses the hate that still permeates throughout society and "Wolves, tackles the bands competitive, ?winner take all? spirit.
Machine Head fans have always played a big part in the recording process. However, for the first time ever, the band brought in a group of loyal fans and had them sing backing vocals on a new track. Additionally, as with previous efforts the band has once again allowed their fans into their world through online diaries and pioneering the use of video updates from the studio and the road. All of which can be seen on the official MH site www.machinehead1.com.
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