The More Things Change...
Machine Head · 1997
63 min · 13 tracks · thrash metal
Aggressive riffs intertwine with melodic undertones, showcasing a blend of thrash and alternative metal that defines the era.
Top tracks — play these first
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Ten Ton Hammer Start here — This track opens the album with a relentless energy, featuring intricate guitar work and powerful vocals that set the tone for the record.
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Take My Scars — The song addresses themes of personal struggle and redemption, showcasing a balance between aggressive instrumentation and emotional lyricism.
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Violate — With its heavy riffs and haunting melody, this track exemplifies the band's ability to merge aggression with introspective lyrics, making it a standout piece.
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Blood of the Zodiac — This track features complex rhythms and anthemic choruses, illustrating Machine Head's evolving sound while maintaining their signature intensity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines aggressive riffs with melodic elements, showcasing a solid evolution in Machine Head's sound.
What we noticed
- The first track opens with a fast-paced riff that sets a high energy level, which is maintained through the first half of the album.
- Several tracks feature alternating vocal styles, with aggressive growls juxtaposed against melodic singing, particularly in the choruses.
- The album includes tempo shifts, notably slowing down in tracks like 'The Possibility of Life’s Destruction', creating dynamic contrasts throughout.
- Lyrically, the themes often explore personal and societal struggles, which are reflected in the intensity of the instrumentation.
- 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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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- introspective reflective moments
- steady, consistent energy levels
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Follow-up to a groundbreaking debut, solidifying their reputation in metal.
- Career context
- Released in 1997, The More Things Change... is Machine Head's second studio album, following their groundbreaking debut Burn My Eyes. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their presence in the metal scene, building on the momentum from their first album while exploring deeper themes and more complex arrangements.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Lamb of God· Pantera· Killswitch Engage
Tracklist
- 1 Ten Ton Hammer Start here 4:13
- 2 Take My Scars 4:19
- 3 Struck a Nerve 3:33
- 4 Down to None 5:28
- 5 The Frontlines 5:50
- 6 Spine 6:37
- 7 Bay of Pigs 3:46
- 8 Violate 7:20
- 9 Blistering 4:58
- 10 Blood of the Zodiac 6:41
- 11 The Possibility of Life’s Destruction 1:31
- 12 My Misery 4:42
- 13 Colors 4:41
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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