Track Listing

1. Ten Ton Hammer
2. Take My Scars
3. Struck a Nerve
4. Down to None
5. Frontlines
6. Spine
7. Bay of Pigs
8. Violate
9. Blistering
10. Blood of the Zodiac

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #150878 in Music
• Released on: 1997-03-25
• Number of discs: 1
• Format: Explicit Lyrics
• Dimensions: .20 pounds

Customer Reviews

The More Things Change, The More Machine Head Starts Losing Their Edge
If you're familiar with Machine Head's 'Burn My Eyes' album and if you've read the above title, then that should give you an idea on how 'The More Things Change...' is. If you still can't figure it out, then here's an even clearer explanation: it's a less inspired version of 'Burn My Eyes,' though still solid.

What makes the venerated 'Burn My Eyes' so great is its blend of quiet, slow, melody and loud, fast, aggressive thrash. This album tries to follow in that same vein, but unfortunately it falters a bit. It's mostly that the songs aren't as catchy as they are on its predecessor for whatever reason. My theory is that the guitar riffs are a bit more nu-metal sounding.

What can also be said is that 'The More Things Change...' is more divided. More of the songs either don't possess that same melodic/speed blend of 'Burn My Eyes,' or the song (e.g. 'Violate') presents a false sense of climax building. It's only when the song is near end that it becomes apparent that there isn't much of the aggressive rush as there was in songs such as in 'Burn My Eyes.'

Though not as compentate as its predecessor, this album still isn't bad. There are certainly memorable songs such as 'Spine,' 'The Frontlines,' 'Ten Ton Hammer,' and 'Struck a Nerve' (at least the first half.) If you don't already have 'Burn My Eyes,' then you'd be wise to get that album before considering this. If you're looking for material sort of in the same vein, then this is your best bet, as Machine Head's other releases have drifted too far from their original style (though some of it is still decent.)

(...) yes, Machine Head does it again.
After one of the best debut CD's in metal history, Machine Head took 3 years to come out with anything new. Worth the wait? You betcha. 'The More Things Change...' is a more complete and refined album than it's predecessor, but still packs the crushing punch MH came to be known for.

The opener, "Ten Ton Hammer" is yet again a killer opener for Machine Head. A concert staple, this song is just packed to the brim with riffs, drums and pure unadultered heaviness. "Take My Scars" takes off where "TTH" left off with more brutal riffs, excellent chorus and intresting lyrics. "Struck A Nerve" is the highlight for me though. This is just an all out brutal thrash assault on the listener. McClain shreds on the drums as the end hits you with some of the most moshpit friendly guitar work around. Extremely fun, modern thrash metal at its finest. "Bay Of Pigs" is another thrash type song packed with seething anger. Read the lyrics while you listen to this one, it's awesome. "Violate", a slow, brooding song that explodes into a thrash fury by it's 7 minute end. "Blistering" has the most catchy riff on the CD, and an epic closer "Blood of the Zodiac" contains the best lead guitar work from the band.

All in all, there is no bad song on this CD. This is Machine Head's shining moment, the only time they ever put together a complete metal album. Absolutely recommended for any fans of heavy music. You can't deny this recording.

Brutal, brutal, brutal.
This disc along with Burn My Eyes will change your life. True metal classics worthy of your time and money. Ten Ton Hammer is probably (as the name would suggest) the single heaviest song ever. There is blistering speed, crushing weight, and mature songwriting contained within. Enjoy.