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Machine Head


Formed: 1991
Location: Oakland, California, USA
Genre: Metal, Groove Metal
Years Active: 1994 -
Meaning of the Name: Another name for the tuner of a guitar.
Core Members: Robb Flynn
Way of Working: Led by Robb Flynn

Essential Releases

Machine Head - Burn My Eyes

Burn My Eyes (1994)

Ferocious debut. Groove metal.

Machine Head - False Lankum

The Blackening (2007)

Critically acclaimed reinvention of the band. More mature.


Formed at a Metallica concert in 1991, Machine Head's triumph was long in the making. Their groove metal debut, Burn My Eyes was lauded by genre fans in 1994, who appreciated their extra down-tuned guitars and eardrum bursting drums of pounding steel, but it would be well over a decade before they achieved recognition from the broader music industry, a feat of persistence inspired by band leader Robb Flynn.

The frontman initially played lead guitar for Vio-Lence but quit when they refused to play his material. Knowing if he wanted something done right he had to do it himself, Flynn formed Machine Head as their vocalist, guitarist, and primary creative force. He is the band's only constant member. Others, such as Chris Kontos and Logan Mader came and went, often acrimoniously, but the resolute Flynn was determined to see it through.

While similar bands, like Sepultura and Pantera, crashed and burned Machine Head survived the changing tides of metal for over three decades, their latest album released in 2025. In large part because the Oakland outfit was unafraid to match current trends, incorporating elements from various sub-genres: thrash (The More Things Change), nu-metal (Supercharger), and prog metal (Øf Kingdøm and Crøwn) over the years.

Their chameleon-like versatility was, however, met with scathing criticism during their descent into nu-metal at the turn of the millennium. Robb Flynn infamously ditched his growl for a more rap-oriented vocal. However, Machine Head's constant evolution eventually led to a second creative peak in 2007 with the release of The Blackening. The reinvigoration of the band, and success of the record, surprised many by earning a Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance in 2008.

The group's longevity is a direct result of Flynn's refusal to give in; he suffered through drug and alcohol addiction to make Machine Head happen. When the complete history of heavy metal is finally written, they'll be remembered as a candle that burned longer instead of brighter, although they had their moments of searing light.


Skills

*This is a work in progress. Values are subjective.

Emotional Impact

i Does it connect with the heart? What does it make you feel and how much of it?
88

Mental Impact

i Does it connect with the head? Social issues, interesting observations, clever lyrics, similies etc.
40

Originality

i Are they unique? Did they break new ground, use new techniques or create new genres.
45

Artistry

i Using creativity and imagination to present themselves in a unique way. Example, Wu-Tang Clan as Shaolin and Marvel characters etc.
55

Authenticity

i Do they really mean what they say? Is it autobiographical, personal?
35

Live

i Stage presence, working the crowd, performance. Miming, forgetting lyrics reduce this.
85

Production

i Studio techniques. More important for electronic music including hip hop.
70

Musicianship

i Their ability to play individually and as a group. Technical skills. DJing. Freestyling for hip hop.
85

Screaming

i Technical attributes.
88

Songwriting

i Storytelling. Cohesive themes. Is the song about something? Stan by Eminem is an example of excellent songwriting.
87

Danceability

i Does it make you move? Do you tap your foot, nod your head or move your whole body?
70

Fun

i Is listening to it a good time? Are the lyrics funny? Depressing themes lowers value.
45

Consistency

i Have they put out good music across their careers. Two good albums and 5 band ones will reduce this value.
40

Range

i Fast, slow, ballads, party jams. Do they go beyond their own genre?
70

Cool

i Laid-back, icy detachment, unflustered.
30

Charisma

i Factors include appearance, force of personality. Elvis making people faint etc.
55


Commercial & Critical Success

Awards >>>

  • Grammy Award Nomination 2008: Best Metal Performance - Aesthetics of Hate

Certifications >>>

  • Burn My Eyes: Gold in Australia, UK
  • The Burning Red: Silver in UK
  • Through the Ashes of Empires: Silver in UK
  • The Blackening: Gold in UK

Charts >>>

  • Catharsis: #3 in Germany
  • Unatoned: #3 in Germany

Critics >>>

  • Kerrang!: The Blackening - Best Albums of 2007: #1
  • Metal Hammer: The Blackening - Best Albums of 2007: #1
  • Loudwire: Unto the Locust - Best Albums of 2011: #3

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