Machinehead- Enter the Locust

 Machinehead
Enter the Locust
Roadrunner Records

Enter the Locust is the latest album of the long-running metal band Machinehead. They’re back to the grind with this record: lots of harsh, yet understandable growls by frontman Robb Flynn. The guitar work by Robb and lead guitarist Phil Demmel is the most noticeable aspect; the heavy, distorted riffing throughout is intoxicating and the classic solos, including the use of a whammy bar in “I Am Hell,” cut through the deep sound and ring in your ears. Most of the songs open with an acoustic piece by Robb, some more classical-inspired, like in “This is the End,” some more psychedelic-inspired, like those in “Locust.” Enter the Locust is absolutely metal, but it’s polished, with lots of excellent growl/clean-sung vocal layering and instrumental effects- not too off-putting for those who aren’t fans of extreme rock music. Machinehead has made a masterpiece—catch them at the House of Blues on Feb. 10.