Bloodstone & Diamonds
by Machine Head
Metascore
96

Universal acclaim - based on 5 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
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  1. Kerrang!
    Dec 16, 2014
    100
    This is a modern metal classic. [8 Nov 2014, p.52]
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  2. The Guardian
    Dec 16, 2014
    100
    Striking an exquisite balance between brute force, insistent melody and bold experimentation, this is the finest mainstream metal album of 2014 by a huge margin.
  3. Classic Rock Magazine
    Dec 16, 2014
    90
    It's the more textured and dynamic moments that raise this Herculean slab of cutting edge heaviness into the realms of a stone cold classic. [Jan 2015, p.114]
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  5. AllMusic
    Dec 16, 2014
    80
    This set is a major go; it extends the qualitative trajectory of The Blackening and Unto the Locust.
  6. Rock Sound
    Dec 16, 2014
    80
    Even after 20 years in the game, there are still few better. Welcome back, sirs.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 53 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 44 out of 53
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 53
  3. Negative: 8 out of 53
  1. brockcheese
    Jan 25, 2015
    10
    This album is great, and I'm not even a metal fan. There is so much layered in the instrumentals, with interesting solos riff, and aThis album is great, and I'm not even a metal fan. There is so much layered in the instrumentals, with interesting solos riff, and a surprising amount of variety from the vocals. Containing both deep meaningly lyrics and kick ass music, Bloodstone & Diamonds does not disappoint and makes my top album of 2014.… Full Review »
  2. bryan101384
    Dec 29, 2014
    10
    This album continues the streak of incredible music that has been consistently created by these modern metal masters. There is a balanceThis album continues the streak of incredible music that has been consistently created by these modern metal masters. There is a balance present here that not many metal albums have. It is a delicate thing to create a metal album that satisfies that unrelenting demand for audio brutality without becoming a repetitive blur of recycled riffs. Machine Head has achieved this on each of their last 4 releases. This is an astonishing achievement considering the line-up changes and legal issues that the band has been dealing with. Machine Head suffered through an identity crisis in the early 2000's only to reinvent themselves into one of the strongest forces in metal today. They have truely mastered their own sound while continuing to push the boundries and try to new things on each album. The one thing that stands out the most to me is Rob Flynns vocals, I can't really express enough how impressed I am with his own progression vocally. From the very crude vocals on Burn my Eye's, to the cringe worthy rap metal style of Burning Red, Flynn seemed to be finding his own identity as both a musician and vocalist. He has evolved into one of the best vocalists in metal today, and at this point his roar and melodic tone are nothing short of iconic. Machine Heads sound is now iconic, and Bloodstone and Diamonds does not dissapoint on any front.… Full Review »
  3. semechma
    Dec 21, 2014
    10
    Awesome album! After all of the legal issues surrounding the band, I had all but written these guys off.. I am so glad I didn't.. The bandAwesome album! After all of the legal issues surrounding the band, I had all but written these guys off.. I am so glad I didn't.. The band has combined the best elements from their last two records and have made a fantastics blend of the two.… Full Review »
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