Unto The Locust (Special Edition) [CD+DVD]

Machine Head's highly anticipated Unto The Locust has the unenviable task of having to follow up 2007's excellent zeitgeist-grabbing The Blackening album, which received stellar reviews at the time, was hailed as one of the best records in their career and has already since become regarded as something of a classic album, something that will only continue to grow as time passes.

If Unto The Locust receives a lot of negative criticism, it is only because it failed to live up to the unexpected mythic status set by The Blackening, much in the same way that The More Things Change was left in Burn My Eye's shadow.

Judged on musical merit, Unto The Locust is a very strong album indeed somehow managing to be both instantly loveable and yet also a grower. Everything on the record is tight and perfectly formed, not a second of the album is wasted... impressive considering how long, dense and complex the record is.

The album officially clocks in at seven tracks, only one of which dips below the six minute mark and the album ends up lasting almost 49 minutes overall despite only featuring seven tracks. Repeat listens will allow you to hear different little touches here and there, such as stylish drum fills or guitar licks you hadn't heard before.

If you enjoyed the band's previous two albums and want more long songs, more high speeds and more guitar solos with dual guitar harmonies, then Unto The Locust ably provides. Tracks like `Be Still And Know,' and `I Am Hell,' are absolutely full of impressive guitar moments from Rob Flynn and Phil Demmel (and of course not forgetting the usual incredible drum fills from Dave McClaine)

It seems pointless listing highlights on an album that only has seven tracks, all of which are great but special mentions should be made for `This Is The End,' is a brilliant mix of crushing heaviness, big grooves a little melody now and again, has a lot of ideas in its time span as well as featuring one of the best (brief but perfectly formed) guitar solos in the band's career.

On top of the superb songwriting and performances, the production is absolutely fantastic on the record and really captures the Machine Head sound perfectly. A version of near-title-track `Locust,' was available for a while before the album's release with a different production style, but the actual version on here is much deeper, more energetic sounding and with a different feel on a few of the leads; now the track actually feels a bit more like the band's first two records than it ever did one the advanced mix version.

The only significant misstep that the band made is the inclusion of a children's choir on the otherwise excellent album closer which I'm sure a lot of people will hate, and which I'm sure will draw much criticism. The song itself is strong and thankfully this children's section is actually very brief all things considered (even if it does take a few listens before it stops being annoying.)

In summary; Unto The Locust is a very good album indeed, and gets better with repeat listens. Machine Head are absolutely on form in terms of songwriting and musicianship and do their best to mix adding new ideas and retaining what made their last two albums so good, the only thing that might stand in the way of this record meeting universal praise is simply the fact that The Blackening already did that.

The long awaited question: "Is it better than 'The Blackening?'"

Well, after listening to it multiple times, I personally can say yes. Not everyone may agree, and that's just personal difference, but here's my reasons for thinking so.

Machine Head are continuing to progress, technically and personality wise. Every single member is playing outside themselves on this album, the first thing I noticed was the sheer insanity of Dave McClains drumming, not only is he playing the fastest he has ever played, he still manages to keep the beats original and groove orientated when it's needed, and it just works so well.

Both Rob and Phil's playing has also got even better since the last record, with Phil pulling off some of the most awesome solo's I've heard not only on this album, but within the last couple of years! And no Machine Head album would be complete without the dark, twisted and heartfelt lyrics from Mr. Flynn, and once again, his lyrics (with some influence from Demmel) can hit a personal note with most people.

Not only is the album awesome as I've establised, this fan pack is also a must have for any MH fans! A magazine filled with interviews with the band, reviews of the entire back catalogue, and a bottle opener, patch and poster to boot! The album alone would be worth the fifteen squid, but to get all of this too, a real bargain!

BUY IT!

Machine Head have outdone themselves 100% with this record. While I enjoy the now legendary 'The Blackening', I never quite got into as much as others did (still rank it as one of the best albums of the 2000s). With 'Unto The Locust' it absolutely clicked. This is the sound of modern metal - a respect for the grandmasters (Iron Maiden, 80s Metallica etc.), but also a mix of the aggression of recent metal groups. 'Unto The Locust' is arguably the best metal album of the year (f*** it, one of the best albums of the year), for totally understanding exactly what it is. This is a metal record. Huge riffs. Epic lyrics. Insane guitar solos. Machine Head know, and understand, how to make quality modern metal, and are unashamed about it. For that, tracks like 'I Am Hell' and 'Who We Are', work, despite their huge grandeur, because they are played with honesty. That and all the songs on this album are absolute killers. From the epic opening of 'I Am Hell', to the Iron Maiden-esque riffing of 'Be Still and Know', to the almost Opeth-esque 'Darkness Within', to absolute epic anthems of 'Locust' and 'Who We Are' (my favourite track), this is an album that NEVER lets up - always throwing in more examples of what metal masters Machine Head are. At only 7 tracks (4 of them are 7 minutes plus), it never outstays its welcome. This is the kind of record that reminded me why I love metal music. Seriously, this is beyond recommended.

1. I Am Hell (Sonata in C#): 10
2. Be Still and Know: 9
3. Locust: 10
4. This Is The End: 9
5. Darkness Within: 10
6. Pearls Before The Swine: 8
7. Who We Are: 10
Album Rating: 10