Bloodstone & Diamonds

Released in 2014, Bloodstone & Diamonds marks a pivotal moment for Machine Head, being their first release on Nuclear Blast and the debut of bassist Jared MacEachern. Produced by Robb Flynn and Juan Urteaga, and mixed by the legendary Colin Richardson, the album represents a refinement of the 'progressive groove' style they began exploring on The Blackening. It is notable for its incorporation of non-traditional metal elements, such as the string arrangements on 'Now We Die' and the extensive use of spoken-word samples on the instrumental 'Imaginal Cells'. Lyrically, the album is one of Flynn's most outward-looking, tackling themes of historical violence and modern social decay. It achieved significant commercial success, peaking at #21 on the Billboard 200, and was lauded by critics for successfully balancing mainstream accessibility with technical complexity and raw aggression.