Machine Head experienced a renaissance with the 2007 thrashterpiece The Blackening, and after a long wait, Unto The Locust picks up right where they left off.
“Trip The Darkness” is streamlined and effective: even if modern-day Lacuna Coil is miles away from the more thoughtful, expansive sounds of Unleashed Memories.
Krisiun’s no-nonsense death metal has earned the Brazilian band tour spots alongside Immolation, Nile, and Unleashed, and they’re still going for the jugular.
Ex-Nevermore guitarist Jeff Loomis shreds alongside like-minded souls Marty Friedman, Chris Poland, and, on “Surrender,” former Emperor frontman Ihsahn.
Iced Earth picked up Into Eternity screamer Stu Block for this album after the (second) departure of Matt Barlow. Like Ripper Owens, Block is a great fit.