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Metal/Prog Metal Concert Reviews

Machine Head

Live in Milwaukee, WI, March, 2007

Review by Greg Olma

I have never been to a Machine Head concert and until recently, had never heard their music. Based on the new CD The Blackening, I had to see these guys; even if it was going to be an opening slot. Machine Head were third on a bill which only allowed them a 40 minute set. Given the short amount of time on stage, I thought it was a risky move to play “Clutching The Fists Of Dissent.” The buzz created from the Internet leak worked because this new song (and the band in general) was greeted like an old friend. All 10 minutes of this epic was as dynamic live as it is on the studio record. Next up was the opening track off of the last CD called “Imperium.” By this point in the show, the guys could do no wrong and they had the crowd eating out of their hands.

Even though “Clutching The Fists Of Dissent” went down well, I didn’t think they would play another new track off The Blackening. But that is exactly what they did. They threw out the rule book and decided to challenge the audience by playing tunes they might not have heard yet. Robb Flynn gave us the background of “Aesthetics Of Hate.” It was a response to a guy who wrote the article that basically slammed Dimebag Darrell and his fans. Needless to say the song went down really well.

The old fans certainly would have been pleased with the last part of the show. After spending 2/3 of the show on newer material, the band launched into “Old” and “Davidian” off of the Burn My Eyes CD. Machine Head may have been third on the bill but the crowd treated them like headliners. My suggestion is to catch these guys on the Heaven and Hell tour. If your not already fan, you will by the end of the set.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2007 Volume 2 at lulu.com/strangesound.
 
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