Following 2019’s bloated, boring Catharsis and half the band’s long-term line-up subsequently jumping ship, it was easy to think that Machine Head were done, or at the very least in trouble. It comes as a welcome surprise, then, that ØF KINGDØM AND CRØWN is one of the best things you will hear in 2022. Storming back into raging form, Robb Flynn and the revamped band have delivered a monster. It really does have everything you could want in a Machine Head record. Craving epics that balance aching, melancholic melodies with metallic bludgeon? Check out 10-minute opener SLAUGHTER THE MARTYR or standout UNHALLØWED, which is one of the best anthems they have ever put their name to. Prefer something thrashier? Then CHØKE ØN THE ASHES ØF YØUR HATE is for you. Just want chunky ...