Machine Head Albums- The Essence of Metal

If you’re a collector of heavy metal music tracks, you should consider getting Machine Head albums. The band behind these is widely credited as the pioneers of new wave heavy metal that has swept the US by storm. Unlike other forms of heavy metal, this one espoused by the group seemingly carries extreme brutality. Surprisingly, it took some time for the group to become popular in America.

Vocalist and guitar player Rob Flynn is given credit for organizing the band in 1992 in California. He was already playing for Vio-lence when he decided he wanted a new band. The urge was rooted in the fact that he was not fulfilled with the kind of work and music generated by Vio-lence. Adam Duce, joined him shortly and they contacted Tony Constanza and Logan Mader to play with them.

The band inked a deal first with Roadrunner Records. Constanza however decided to leave even before they could complete recording of the first album. Chris Kontos was recruited and Burn My Eyes was completed in 1994. Roadrunner sold thousands of copies and the album is considered to be one of the music company’s best sellers. It was not however, so warmly received in the US.

It took some time for the follow up on the first Machine Head album to come out. It was only in 1997 that The More Things Change… came out. After this, the band participated in the Ozzfest. It was while the group was still touring that Mader took off. Ahrue Luster came in quickly to complete the tour commitment.

With Luster around, a shift in the group’s direction ensued. This was felt strongly in the third album, The Burning Red. To a certain extent, rapping was incorporated into the album. This was not taken positively by both critics and goth clothing wearing fans. Many were of the opinion that the band was trying to sell out to reach greater prominence in the commercial market. The band however has defended its move. It is possible that the inclusion of new elements is only the result of a natural growth shift.

Supercharged in 2001 still carried some rap influences. This is perhaps one reason why it did not sell as well as the other albums. It is also likely though that this work sold the least copies because the group was dropped by its label. This came after the band released the video for Crashing Around You. This work showed buildings getting destroyed violently. This was not a very timely piece of work to release considering the deep wound inflicted on the nation by the September 11 attacks. The year that followed saw the exit of the Luster and the inclusion of new member Phil Demmel.

What seemed to be super bad publicity for the group did not keep them down for long. This was even if they had been cut out by Roadrunner. Through the Ashes of Empires was released in 2003 and The Blackening followed in 2007. The latter sat on the 53rd position in the Billboard 200. Although the album contained long pieces, fans hail it to be the best from the group yet.

Indeed, The Blackening is perhaps the most excellent Machine Head album. After all, it is what gave the group its first Grammy nod as a nominee which served to promote even more Machine Head merch.