On The Blackening, Machine Head boldly balance sonic brutality with compositional complexity. While straight-ahead thrashers “Wolves” and “Aesthetics of Hate” are bare-knuckled cage matches, the band also incorporate a slew of progressive tactics, including suite-like songs, ingeniously shifting rhythms and interwoven guitar solos. Ten-minute opener “Clenching the Fists of Dissent” announces their ambitious approach with a mix of anti-establishment rancour and dizzying changes. “A Farewell to Arms” is equally intricate (and awesome), and shows off Machine Head’s atmospheric side.