Of Kingdom and Crown
Machine Head · 2022
70 min · 15 tracks · thrash metal
A relentless onslaught of thrash-infused grooves meets introspective lyricism, forging an intense exploration of personal and collective struggle.
Top tracks — play these first
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Slaughter the Martyr Start here — Opening with an epic ten-minute track, this song encapsulates the album's themes of vengeance and loss while showcasing the band's dynamic range and lyrical depth.
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No Gods, No Masters — This track stands out for its anthemic chorus and critique of authority, resonating powerfully with listeners looking for rebellion against societal norms.
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Bloodshot — With its aggressive riffs and haunting vocals, this song effectively conveys feelings of despair and disillusionment, making it a pivotal moment on the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines intense thrash elements with thematic depth, showcasing strong songwriting and production.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature aggressive tempos and heavy guitar riffs, establishing a relentless energy that persists through the album.
- Several tracks incorporate tempo changes, shifting from fast-paced sections to slower, more introspective moments, particularly in 'My Hands Are Empty'.
- The lyrics often explore themes of struggle and conflict, with a narrative arc that connects the songs thematically rather than relying solely on musical transitions.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- long, immersive listening sessions
- dynamic emotional journeys
- wave-like pacing experiences
- intense moments of reflection
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and a return to heavier roots after earlier experimentation.
- Career context
- Of Kingdom and Crown is Machine Head's ninth studio album, released during a phase of artistic revival following their 2018 release, Catharsis. The band sought to return to their heavier roots while addressing contemporary themes, marking a significant evolution in their sound after a period of mixed critical reception. This album showcases the band's commitment to exploring darker narratives alongside their signature heavy instrumentation.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Lamb of God· Pantera· Killswitch Engage
Tracklist
- 1 Slaughter the Martyr Start here 10:25
- 2 Choke on the Ashes of Your Hate 4:06
- 3 Become the Firestorm 4:59
- 4 Overdose 0:58
- 5 My Hands Are Empty 5:29
- 6 Unhallowed 6:29
- 7 Assimilate 0:59
- 8 Kill Thy Enemies 5:40
- 9 No Gods, No Masters 4:18
- 10 Bloodshot 4:20
- 11 Rotten 4:32
- 12 Terminus 1:12
- 13 Arrows in Words From the Sky 5:55
- 14 Exteroception 4:45
- 15 Arrows in Words From the Sky (acoustic) 5:54
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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