MACHINE HEAD · Catharsis | CD

Jewelcase CD.

Background information about 'Catharsis'

Machine Head's eighth studio album "Catharsis" stands as a bold statement of resilience and raw emotion from the Bay Area metal veterans. Released in 2018, this ambitious double album showcases the band's willingness to push boundaries while staying true to their thrash metal roots. The record tackles deeply personal themes of loss, addiction, and social upheaval with frontman Robb Flynn's most vulnerable songwriting to date. From the explosive opener "Volatile" to the haunting closer "Eulogy", the album weaves together crushing metal anthems with unexpected acoustic interludes and experimental passages.

What makes "Catharsis" particularly compelling is how Machine Head balances their signature aggression with moments of genuine introspection. Tracks like "California Bleeding" and "Beyond The Pale" deliver the punishing riffs and thunderous rhythms fans expect, while songs like "Bastards" showcase a more melodic, almost alternative rock approach. The production captures both the band's heaviest moments and their most delicate, creating a dynamic listening experience that rewards both casual listeners and longtime devotees. Despite some initial mixed reactions, the album has grown in stature as a testament to the band's artistic courage and emotional honesty.

For fans of: Metallica, Lamb of God, Testament, and Trivium

Track listing

1. Volatile
2. Catharsis
3. Beyond The Pale
4. California Bleeding
5. Triple Beam
6. Kaleidoscope
7. Bastards
8. Hope Begets Hope
9. Screaming At The Sun
10. Behind A Mask
11. Heavy Lies The Crown
12. Psychotic
13. Grind You Down
14. Razorblade
15. Eulogy

Manufacturer: Warner Music Group Germany Holding GmbH, Alter Wandrahm 14, 20457 Hamburg, Germany, Contact: www.nuclearblast.com