Introduction

Following a controversial Catharsis, who knew what Machine Head would produce next. Two new members replacing two men who were with the band for over fourteen years. What the hell could they be producing next? Go back to groove metal? Or nu metal? Stay with thrash? More importantly, whatever they did, would it even be any good? Well with Of Kingdom and Crown, they come out of the gate swinging. Let us dive into it!

The Review Itself

First off we have the alluring Slaughter the Martyr. The slower start sets the tone of the dark rollercoaster before throwing you into the deep end, like your dad teaching you to swim. Ten minute songs can often risk being bloated and unnecessarily long. But once again this band prove that they could make a hundred-hour song and still make you yearn for more. Certainly a masterpiece of an opening, Slaughter… perfectly links with the turbocharged Choke on the Ashes of your Hate. Delivering ripping verses and monstrous chorus. It’s so fast it’s impossible to not admire the level of musicianship that went into such a song.

Become the Firestorm is a perfect example of where Machine Head could be going with the Legend Wacław “Vogg” Kiełtyka now in their ranks. Become the Firestorm is sure to slap on that ogre face you pull when you hear the most perfect music of your life. Its satisfying, memorable and unbelievably fast. This song needs a disclaimer that “possible side effects may include your face being torn off” with the sheer potency, power and force of it all.

Next, is a surprise to be sure, but a welcome one. Overdose, the first interlude of the record. As a way of linking the parts of this concept album together, its was a fascinating turn for the album to take. Brilliantly setting the dark tone for….

My Hands are Empty has a level of dexterity I’ve never experienced on any song ever before. It blends a nothing less than beautiful chorus with an epic verse, which is a new level of unhinged with rip-roaring lyrics that had me DANCING. As a bonus, the slower lyrics of this song makes it an absolutely perfect song to deafen your friends with for karaoke.

Of Kingdom and Crown slows down and takes a fresh approach for the unique Unhallowed. Featuring a heartfelt melody with an even more gripping chorus and breakdown that reinvigorates your “this music is awesome” ogre face. This track lets you reconnect with the album and prepare for the beastly second half…

Unhallowed was the last single to be released before the album, so everything after this moment was unknown. But my god did it exceed expectations. Throwing you right back into the pit is Kill Thy Enemies featuring perhaps the most crushing riff since Davidian. The most brutal and punchy song on the record, it carries a weight and energy that demands turning the volume up till the dial breaks. Need I say more?

Following the immolation of Kill The Enemies is No Gods No Masters. Grand and striking, hearing it live would fill up an arena beautifully. Luckily, I am speaking from experience here. I had the pleasure of hearing Machine Head play this song live in Nottingham 2022. The catchiness of No Gods No Masters, with its woa-ahs and stretched out “Nooo Gooddss, Nooo Maasstteerrss” made it the perfect choice to play live.

Literally anything could have followed No Gods No Masters. But what does, is an absolutely wild duo of the most C R U N C H Y songs I have ever heard. First off is Bloodshot. A perfect blend between the gorgeous simplicity of older MH groove with the madness of the thrash that followed it. Then of course, is Rotten, which can be described similarly, but with more old school Machine Head that gets your head banging so hard it is guaranteed to break your neck.

Of Kingdom and Crown concludes with the magnificent Arrows in Words from the Sky. The opening, blooming like a flower, immediately informs you this is a different type of song. More sincere and “from the heart” than the other songs on this record, the song is an embodiment of “light at the end of the tunnel” as the triumphant album reaches its ardent conclusion.

Conclusion

If you hadn’t guessed already, I believe Of Kingdom and Crown is an absolute masterpiece. It is one of the most cinematic records I have ever listened to with outstanding recording quality and unmatched musicianship. There is no doubt I will be coming back to it for months, perhaps years into the future.

I rate this album a “stop-reading-already-and-listen-to-it”/10

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