Burn My Eyes (1994)
“Burn My Eyes,” Machine Head’s debut, released on August 9, 1994, via Roadrunner Records, blends thrash and groove metal with socio-political lyrics. It was Roadrunner’s best-selling debut until Slipknot’s 1999 album.
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.
Album length: 56:38
Groove metal, Nu metal
October 2, 2001
Roadrunner Records
March 15 - May 1, 2001
Mad Dog Studios (Burbank, California) and Indigo Ranch Studios (Malibu, California)
Johnny K and Machine Head
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.
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.
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.