Machine Head: Supercharger (2001)

Supercharger, released on October 2, 2001, by Roadrunner Records, represents Machine Head’s foray into nu-metal, blending aggressive riffs with rap-style vocals and turntable scratching. Produced by Johnny K, the album was recorded at Mad Dog Studios and Indigo Ranch. Despite its controversial reception, the lead single “Crashing Around You” faced significant challenges due to its release coinciding with the September 11 attacks, impacting its promotion and airplay.

Track Listing

Declaration
Bulldozer
White-Knuckle Blackout!
Crashing Around You
Kick You When You’re Down
Only the Names
All in Your Head
American High
Brown Acid (Instrumental)
Nausea
Blank Generation
Trephination
Deafening Silence
Supercharger

Album length: 56:38

Music genre

Groove metal, Nu metal

The Lineup for the Album

Robb Flynn: vocals, rhythm guitar
Ahrue Luster: lead guitar
Adam Duce: bass, backing vocals
Dave McClain: drums

Release Date

October 2, 2001

Record Label

Roadrunner Records

Recording Date

March 15 - May 1, 2001

Recording Studio

Mad Dog Studios (Burbank, California) and Indigo Ranch Studios (Malibu, California)

Produced by

Johnny K and Machine Head

Album Themes/Concept

Societal Critique and Disillusionment: Supercharger delves deeply into themes of societal critique and disillusionment. Tracks like “American High” and “Crashing Around You” explore the chaos and superficiality of modern life, reflecting a sense of frustration with the societal status quo. These songs provide a raw commentary on the issues plaguing society, resonating with metalheads who appreciate music that challenges the norm.

Personal Struggles and Inner Demons: Personal struggles and battling inner demons are prominent themes throughout the album. Songs such as “White-Knuckle Blackout!” and “Nausea” confront feelings of anger, anxiety, and mental turmoil. The raw, unfiltered lyrics speak to the listener’s own experiences with hardship, making the music deeply relatable.

Resilience and Defiance: Despite the dark and intense themes, there is an underlying message of resilience and defiance. Tracks like “Bulldozer” and “Kick You When You’re Down” embody a spirit of unyielding strength and determination. These songs are anthems of perseverance, encouraging listeners to stand firm in the face of adversity.

Betrayal and Trust Issues: The theme of betrayal and broken trust is explored in songs like “Only the Names” and “Blank Generation”. These tracks delve into the pain of being let down by those closest to you, a theme that resonates with anyone who has experienced deceit or disloyalty.

Existential Reflection: Existential reflection is a subtle yet significant theme on the album. The title track “Supercharger” and “Deafening Silence” invite listeners to ponder deeper questions about life and existence. The introspective lyrics offer a moment of contemplation amidst the album’s aggressive soundscape.

Album Mood

Aggressive and Intense: Supercharger is defined by its aggressive and intense mood, characterized by powerful riffs, pounding drums, and Robb Flynn’s commanding vocal delivery. Tracks like “Bulldozer” and “White-Knuckle Blackout!” epitomize this ferocity, delivering relentless energy that will appeal to metalheads who thrive on high-octane music.

Dark and Brooding: A dark and brooding atmosphere pervades much of the album, with lyrics exploring themes of inner turmoil, societal decay, and personal betrayal. Songs such as “Nausea” and “Only the Names” convey a sense of despair and anger, creating a haunting listening experience that resonates with the darker side of metal.

Defiant and Resilient: Despite its dark themes, the album also exudes a sense of defiance and resilience. Tracks like “Crashing Around You” and “Kick You When You’re Down” embody a fighting spirit, with lyrics that speak to overcoming obstacles and standing strong against adversity. This mood of resilience is a rallying cry for listeners who find strength in the face of challenges.

Reflective and Thought-Provoking: Amidst the aggression, Supercharger offers moments of reflection and introspection. The title track “Supercharger” and “Deafening Silence” encourage listeners to ponder deeper existential questions, adding a thoughtful dimension to the album’s overall mood. This blend of intensity and contemplation makes for a nuanced and engaging listening experience.

Energetic and Electrifying: The album’s production and musical execution contribute to an energetic and electrifying atmosphere. The dynamic interplay of heavy guitar riffs, thunderous drumming, and powerful vocals creates a soundscape that is both invigorating and immersive, making Supercharger a captivating listen for any metal enthusiast.

Album Trivia

Controversial Lead Single Release: The release of “Crashing Around You” as the lead single from Supercharger coincided with the September 11 attacks in 2001. The music video was quickly pulled from rotation due to its imagery of buildings and chaos, which was deemed inappropriate following the tragic events. This unfortunate timing significantly hampered the album’s promotion and reception.

Nu-Metal Experimentation: Supercharger is known for its heavy nu-metal influence, which includes elements like turntable scratching and rap-style vocals. This direction was a significant departure from the band’s earlier groove metal sound. While some fans appreciated the experimentation, many others criticized it for being too trendy and lacking the intensity of their previous works. The track “American High” notably features both turntable scratching and a “Tarzan” yell, which were seen as attempts to appeal to a younger audience.

Mixed Critical Reception: The album received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics acknowledging standout tracks like “Bulldozer,” “Trephination,” and “Nausea,” while others felt the album was plagued by clichéd nu-metal elements and lackluster execution. Despite its controversial reception, Supercharger remains a notable part of Machine Head’s discography, representing a period of experimentation and change.

20th Anniversary Play-Through: In 2021, Machine Head celebrated the 20th anniversary of Supercharger with a special play-through event. This marked the first time many tracks from the album were performed live since the original tour cycle, providing fans with a nostalgic experience and a chance to appreciate the album in a new light.

Listen or Pass

This album might be for you if you…

Embrace Nu-Metal and Rap Elements: If you appreciate the nu-metal genre’s blend of heavy riffs with rap-style vocals and turntable scratching, Supercharger will likely resonate with you. Tracks like “American High” embody this style, making it a notable entry in the nu-metal movement.
Enjoy Aggressive and Defiant Music: Supercharger delivers a highly aggressive and defiant energy, perfect for listeners who thrive on intense and confrontational music. Songs such as “Bulldozer” and “White-Knuckle Blackout!” are prime examples of this powerful sound.
Are a Dedicated Machine Head Fan: For long-time fans of Machine Head, exploring their experimental phase with Supercharger offers a deeper understanding of the band’s evolution. This album represents a significant, albeit controversial, chapter in their discography.
Appreciate Experimental Metal Albums: If you enjoy hearing bands step out of their comfort zones and experiment with new sounds, Supercharger provides an intriguing blend of Machine Head’s traditional heaviness with mainstream nu-metal elements.

You might want to pass this one if you…

Prefer Pure Groove Metal: If you favor Machine Head’s earlier groove metal work, or their return to a more traditional metal sound in later albums, the nu-metal influences on Supercharger might not appeal to you. The album’s departure from their signature style has been a point of contention among fans.
Dislike Trendy Nu-Metal Sounds: If you are not a fan of the trendy nu-metal sounds that were popular in the late ’90s and early 2000s, such as turntable scratches and rap-influenced vocals, you might find Supercharger less appealing. The album heavily incorporates these elements, which may not resonate with those who prefer more classic metal styles.
Seek Consistent Critical Acclaim: If you prioritize albums with universal critical acclaim, Supercharger might not meet your expectations. The album received mixed reviews due to its stylistic choices and the timing of its release, which affected its reception negatively.