We have some bad news for The Big Four of thrash metal. Metallica, Anthrax, Slayer and Megadeth, it is time for one of you to step down or become “The Big Five” because Machine Head’s latest release is topping the Billboard charts. Machine Head have topped themselves with a #22 Billboard Top 200 chart debut for their new album, “Unto The Locust”, with over 17,000 albums scanned. Just to reiterate how big this debut is, we’ll put it in perspective for you. The band’s 2007 Grammy-nominated release, “The Blackening” debuted at #54 on the Billboard Top 200 chart.

The good news for Machine Head only continues. “Unto The Locust” debuted at #4 on the Hard Rock Music chart and the Current Hard Music chart, as well as the top internet chart at #26. The album came in at #19 on the overall digital albums chart with nearly 6,000 albums sold digitally, 35% of the overall scan. “Unto The Locust” is Machine Head’s third consecutive album to show at least a 20% increase in sales over the pervious release. Selling 2.4 million albums worldwide, Machine Head has proven their worthiness to break into metal’s top four bands.

For you tough metal critics out there, we have more reasons for you to consider Machine Head’s entry. “Unto The Locust” isn’t just a national hit; it is an international as well. The album charted at #5 on the German charts, #6 on the Austrian charts, #10 in Australia and Switzerland, #13 on the French charts, #18 on the Japanese charts, #19 on the New Zealand charts, #22 on the Belgian charts, #28 in Norway and #82 on the United Kingdom charts (number corresponds to digital sales only).

If we haven’t sold you yet then you are just a lost cause and maybe haven’t heard “Unto The Locust” in its entirety. So, head on over to iTunes or Best Buy or your local music retailer and purchase the widely successful album now!

by Lonnie Nemiroff