Hellalive cover

Hellalive

Machine Head

77 min · 14 tracks · thrash metal

A blistering live document capturing the raw energy and aggression of Machine Head's groove-infused metal sound.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Bulldozer Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
  • →
    Davidian — This track is a signature anthem that encapsulates Machine Head's aggressive sound and lyrical themes of rage and rebellion, making it an integral part of their live shows.
  • →
    Ten Ton Hammer — With its powerful riffs and relentless energy, this track serves as a standout representation of the band's groove metal style and engages the audience effectively.
  • →
    I'm Your God Now — This song showcases the band's ability to blend melody with ferocity, making it a memorable highlight that captures the atmosphere of their live performance.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

Hellalive captures Machine Head's live energy effectively, showcasing their sound and audience engagement.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent tempo throughout, with most tracks maintaining a high-energy pace that rarely dips.
  • Crowd interactions are woven into the performance, with the band frequently engaging the audience between songs.
  • Several tracks include extended instrumental sections that showcase the band's musicianship and allow for improvisation.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • wave-like intensity with peaks
  • raw energy for live settings
  • cathartic release through aggression
  • dynamic progression across tracks

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer light background sounds
  • seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Captures the band's live energy, solidifying their reputation in the metal scene.
Career context
Released in 2001, Hellalive marks a significant moment for Machine Head as their first live album following their 1999 studio release, The Burning Red. This period sees the band navigating a complex landscape after experiencing fluctuating commercial success and lineup changes, particularly following the departure of guitarist Morgan Rose.
Stylistic neighbors
Lamb of God· Pantera· Killswitch Engage

Tracklist

  • 1 Bulldozer Start here 5:01
  • 2 The Blood, the Sweat, the Tears 4:16
  • 3 Ten Ton Hammer 5:01
  • 4 Old 4:59
  • 5 Crashing Around You 5:31
  • 6 Take My Scars 5:04
  • 7 I'm Your God Now 6:22
  • 8 None But My Own 7:16
  • 9 From This Day 5:09
  • 10 American High 3:34
  • 11 Nothing Left 5:33
  • 12 The Burning Red 6:09
  • 13 Davidian 6:00
  • 14 Supercharger 7:32

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata