Machine Head: Supercharger : Music Reviews : Rolling Stone

Album Reviews

There's no disputing the tensile strength these stalwart men of metal display on Supercharger, their fourth full-length outing. Hot-tempered guitar riffs, eerie noises and the bellicose roar (and occasional rap) of vocalist/guitarist Robert Flynn mesh together throughout in a manner mighty enough to make Pantera -- an obvious influence -- approve. Sonic brawn, however, isn't the only thing driving this record. "Bulldozer" boasts propulsive, pissed-off thrash glowing with ominous effects, yet the heaviosity is countered by moments of serenity; at one point, Flynn calmly intones, "there's a pain that's inside us and we're letting it out." You'll be, too. Dynamic, cathartic songcraft is nothing new for the foursome. But not even their 1999 album, The Burning Red (produced by Ross Robinson) measures up to the mega-dimensional Supercharger (produced by Johnny K.). Opener "Declaration" is a nightmarish soundscape blaring with sirens and a swirling high-voltage hum. It sure sets the stage for the grooving, down-tuned "White-Knuckle Blackout!," the hardcore rant "Kick You When You're Down," and the heart-wrenching anti-drug plaint "Only the Names."

JEFF PERLAH
(October 2, 2001)