Machine Head, Manchester Academy, 25/05/18
A sold out Academy awaited Machine Head as they concluded the Catharsis tour in promotion of their new album of the same name. The tour, which covered 44 shows, concluded in Manchester, which, in the words of frontman Robb Flynn, is “where you end a tour.” Abandoning any prenotion of stereotypical concert formatting, the band performed without any support. The evening was dedicated to Machine Head wholly.
Starting with the throbbing double bass drum of Imperium with a strobe light show to match, the band continued their intensity throughout, often using between-song monologues to relieve said intensity at certain points. Through the set, they played through their back catalogue of material from the thrasher and nu-metal origins all the way through to their newly expanded and more political metal era today- only slightly changing the vocal style, in particular in ‘From This Day’ as to still resemble the band as they are now. The drumming from Dave McClean was the standout aspect of the night, with his relentless approach providing the backbone to the band’s material. He was even elected to lead an impressive solo whilst the other members took a short break.
After a politicised and touching monologue regarding the Manchester attacks that happened a year prior- with enforced usage of the terms ‘them’ and ‘us’- the crowd held a short silence. A kind juxtaposition from the noise and energy they have been capable of and had momentarily reserved.
“We normally only attract angry dudes” replied Flynn in response to the eclectic fan interaction, highlighted boldly when he asks both males and females to yell individually. This was the night’s only abstract example of individuality however, as a unified crowd voice was ultimately the norm, in particular through the almost religious chanting of ‘Machine fucking Head’ whenever a break in the song allowed it. In the latter stages of their set, the band paid homage to fellow Californian metallers, Metallica, playing through Creeping Death in its entirety, before teasing the opening chords to other well known songs; Battery, Enter Sandman and Master of Puppets.
Playing through a lengthy 25 songs, 2 solos and 2 encores, Machine Head’s set transcended into a long, loud leviathan stretching over 3 hours. Ultimately, it was more of a performance than a show, with the 3 hour setlist being, in the end, justified. “We’re going to be in trouble, we’re going overtime” Flynn says prior to the opening chords of Halo being struck. Just after the bridge to the final chorus had built up, confetti rained down on the audience, capping off the celebratory aspect to the evening.
In truth, Machine Head brought a very big show to a venue which is modest for them as artists, not that that hindered them in any aspect.
