UNATØNED sees Machine Head at their most fine-tuned, incorporating the adrenaline that old school fans seek, with a modern twist

Words by Paulina Sabina | April 22, 2025

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Robb Flynn is pissed off. Not that this is an energy we’re unaccustomed to. After three decades as the driving force behind American heavy metal legends Machine Head, Flynn continues to pervade the metal scene with a potent anger that has become the band’s signature. Any metal vocalist can scream and growl, and any songwriter can tackle themes of revenge-seeking, heartbreak and discontent. The difference lies in Flynn’s relentless drive, which stands as the backbone of Machine Head’s eleventh album, UNATØNED.

With the introduction of guitarist Reece Scruggs in 2024 – following Wacław “Vogg” Kiełtyka’s departure – there seems to be a new flair behind Machine Head’s familiar sound. During the early writing stages of UNATØNED, Flynn decided on three parameters for the band to follow: every track had to be under four minutes, each must feature a key change outside of a typical chord progression and the final chorus had to differ from the first. This somewhat radicalised approach produced twelve tracks that are wide in scope, with some heavy-hitters and some, more subdued.

The most passionate moments on UNATØNED lie in those where balance is found between harnessing Machine Head’s classic thrash sound and teetering on experimentation with genre and vocal styling. The opening, ‘LANDSCAPE ØF THØRNS’, is a haunting layer of discordant riffs and chimes with the heavy sound of boots stomping on gravel. This immediately segways into ‘ATØMIC REVELATIONS’, introduced by a simple piano medley that spins into a pummelling drum blast. The chorus is sung by droning vocals echoed by Flynn’s growls, a contrast that amplifies the range that he possesses. 

Tracks such as ‘UNBØUND’ and ‘BØNESCRAPER’ serve the relentlessly brutal drums and riffs that we know and love Machine Head for – a welcome reminder of the force behind their power as a unit. However, they falter in their experimental side. Classic fans can still headbang to their heart’s content, but the album’s true gems are those that one wouldn’t expect from Machine Head in the first place.

On the surface, ‘DUSTMAKER’ is a strange addition: a woman’s voice sings over a sensual trip-hop beat and toned-down bass chords. She ponders “twin souls” and asks, “Can we flow together?” It is a sudden tonal shift from the album, but it gives an exciting edge that easily becomes a standout moment. ‘ADDICTIØN TØ PAIN’ returns to the band’s unforgiving drums and razor-sharp chords, but the chorus introduces clean vocals that are a surprising display of vulnerability. Less hinged on anger, Flynn relies on simplicity to convey the hurt that courses through the song. Still, as Flynn snarls, “I’ll crush you… You’re fucking dead to me,” he doesn’t let us forget that he’s still running on fumes. The closing track, ‘SCØRN,’ is a beautiful piano ballad that embraces Flynn’s vulnerability full-throttle, and is the prime example of Machine Head’s experimental side shining through.

UNATØNED sees Machine Head at their most fine-tuned, an album that incorporates all of the adrenaline that old school fans seek, with a modern twist. 

Verdict: 💀💀💀

For Fans Of: Metallica, Slayer, Pantera

UNATØNED is released on April 25 via Nuclear Blast/Imperium Recordings