Global Domination | Reviews | Machine Head: Hellalive

Recent updates

Recent discussions

Reviews

Machine Head: Hellalive

29/01/10 || InquisitorGeneralis

Since Rob Flynn and Machine Head have made quite a splash with the well-received and acclaimed “The Blackening”, I(G?) feel it is time to reflect back upon their only live album appropriately titled “Hellalive”. Released at what many consider a serious low-point in the band’s career (when the band was at it’s most nu-metal) and recorded during the touring for the almost universally disliked “Supercharger” album you would think “Hellalive” is destined for suckiness.

Personally, there are only two Gimme Head albums I really like. “Burn My Eyes” is an absolute winner and one of the best debut albums ever. And while “The Blackening” seems to get the most dicksucking, “Through the Ashes of Empires” is a stronger release. Well, fuck those two newer albums because there is nothing from them on “Hellalive”. I just wanted to rant a little bit. And since Lordi K seems to like me ‘round this here site I’ll rant whenever the fuck I want to.

Anywho, “Hellalive” is ok and features some decent live performances of classic older tunes from the band’s first two records. However, there are some major duds on here that are unfortunately unavoidable. I have reviewed about 15,000 live albums during my two tenures here at Global D and usually can get past a poor set-list or song selection. However, a large amount of crappy songs plus a decent at best production keeps “Hellalive” on the shelf unless I am dying to hear the old stuff with a live kick.

“None but my own”, “Ten ton hammer”, “Old”, and the live staple “Davidian” are all done well and enjoyable. Still, the studio versions sound better. “The blood, the sweat, the tears” is unbelievably the best track on here because it manages to pack a bit more punch than usual. In fact, it was seeing a video of this live performance that even made me aware Machine Head even fucking existed.

Ok, now for the bad. Besides “Bulldozer” the tracks from the “Supercharger” and “Burning Red” albums are forgettable and weak. Especially lame is having “Supercharger” as the final song. “Death church” anyone? Fuck me though, they probably have not played that in years. I can not fault the band’s skill: the boys are tight and obviously talented but skill always has trouble overcoming bad material. Dave McClain though does stand out on the drums: dude can play even though he gets a little _crabcore _ with his mega spread-out, about to give birth drum-sitting position.

“Hellalive” is just ok. I can not really point out anything that truly fucking sucks but I can not give you a reason to own this over any Machine Head studio albums either. The band plays well, although Rob’s vocals do kind of suck on the cleaner tracks. Go buy “Burn My Eyes” and the two newest albums and you will be set for “Head”. I saw these guys on the “Ashes to Empires” tour and they really kicked ass so I guess “Hellalive’s”’ greatest flaw is misrepresenting a band that nowadays is tearing shit up on stage. The cover is pretty badass though, points for that.

Probably more than it deserves but this is the album that introduced me to Machine Head and I still dig ‘em so here’s what ya get bitches.

Information
Released: 2003
Label: Roadrunner
Website: www.machinehead1.com
Band
Robb Flynn: vocals, guitar
Phil Demmel: lead guitar (tracks 8 and 12 only)
Ahrue Luster: lead guitar (tracks 1-7, 9-11, 13 and 14)
Adam Duce: bass
Dave McClain: drums

Tracklist
01. Bulldozer
02. The Blood, The Sweat, The Tears
03. Ten Ton Hammer
04. Old
05. Crashing Around You
06. Take My Scars
07. I’m Your God Now
08. None but My Own
09. From this Day
10. American High
11. Nothing Left
12. The Burning Red
13. Davidian
14. Supercharger

Reviews