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.
The More Things Change…, released on March 25, 1997, by Roadrunner Records, is Machine Head’s sophomore album that solidified their groove and thrash metal fusion. Produced by Colin Richardson, it features tracks like “Ten Ton Hammer” and “Take My Scars,” which delve into themes of societal critique and personal struggle, while its raw production and intense energy make it a hallmark of 90s metal. Despite challenges like technical mishaps and drummer Dave McClain’s injury during recording, the album achieved significant success, debuting in the Top 20 in Europe and the UK, and gaining a loyal following through extensive touring and live performances.
Album length: 52:42
Thrash metal, Groove metal
March 25, 1997
Roadrunner Records
August - October 1996
Hyde Street Studios (San Francisco, California) and The Plant Studios (Sausalito, California)
Colin Richardson
Social and Political Commentary: Machine Head’s The More Things Change… delves into the darker aspects of society and politics. The lyrics often reflect a critical stance towards political corruption, societal decay, and the influence of media. For instance, songs like “Ten Ton Hammer” and “Take My Scars” offer intense critiques of power structures and the struggle against societal norms.
Personal Struggle and Resilience: Themes of personal struggle, inner turmoil, and resilience are prevalent throughout the album. Robb Flynn’s lyrics convey raw emotions and personal battles, with tracks like “Struck a Nerve” and “Down to None” exploring themes of pain, anger, and the determination to overcome adversity. These songs resonate deeply with listeners who have faced similar personal challenges.
War and Conflict: Several tracks on the album address themes of war and conflict, both internal and external. “The Frontlines” is a vivid portrayal of the horrors and brutality of war, drawing parallels to personal battles and the fight for survival. The aggressive and relentless tone of the music complements the themes of combat and resistance.
Betrayal and Mistrust: Betrayal and mistrust are also significant themes in this album. Songs like “Bay of Pigs” reflect the feelings of being deceived and the subsequent disillusionment. The lyrics are often filled with a sense of betrayal by those in power or by society itself, adding to the album’s intense and confrontational nature.
Existential Reflection: Tracks such as “Violate” and “Blistering” provide a deeper, more introspective look into existential themes. They explore the meaning of existence, the nature of human suffering, and the quest for purpose in a chaotic world. This introspection is balanced by the aggressive musical style, creating a powerful and thought-provoking experience for the listener.
Aggressive and Intense: The album exudes an aggressive and intense mood right from the opening track. The combination of heavy guitar riffs, pounding drums, and Robb Flynn’s fierce vocal delivery creates a relentless, high-energy atmosphere. This intensity is a hallmark of Machine Head’s style, appealing to metalheads who crave powerful and forceful music that hits hard.
Dark and Brooding: There’s a pervasive sense of darkness and brooding throughout the album. The lyrical themes of personal struggle, societal corruption, and existential reflection contribute to a mood that is both somber and contemplative. Tracks like “Violate” and “Blistering” encapsulate this feeling, with their haunting melodies and introspective lyrics, adding depth to the album’s aggressive exterior.
Defiant and Rebellious: A strong sense of defiance and rebellion runs through the album. The music and lyrics frequently push back against societal norms, political corruption, and personal betrayal. Songs such as “Ten Ton Hammer” and “Take My Scars” embody this rebellious spirit, making the album resonate with listeners who value resistance and individuality.
Raw and Unfiltered: The More Things Change… is characterized by its raw and unfiltered sound. The production, while polished, retains a gritty edge that enhances the authenticity of the band’s message. This rawness is evident in the uncompromising lyrical content and the visceral instrumentation, which together create a genuine and powerful listening experience.
Cathartic and Empowering: Despite the dark themes, the album also offers a cathartic and empowering experience. The intensity and aggression serve as a release for pent-up emotions, providing listeners with a sense of empowerment and resilience. The heavy, driving rhythms and potent vocals can inspire feelings of strength and determination, making the album not just a reflection of struggle but also a source of empowerment.
Recording Issues and Stress: The recording process for The More Things Change… was fraught with technical difficulties. Entire guitar and vocal tracks were accidentally erased, which was particularly problematic as this occurred before the advent of Pro Tools. Robb Flynn, the band’s frontman, experienced severe stress, leading to constipation that lasted a week.
Dave McClain’s Injury: During the album’s production, drummer Dave McClain shattered his knee in a car accident on the freeway, rendering him unable to play for months. The timing of the remixes allowed him to recover and continue his work with the band.
Chart Performance: The album debuted in the Top 20 in Europe and the UK, and at #138 on the US Billboard charts, selling 10,000 copies in its first week in the US.
Extensive Touring: Machine Head embarked on multiple tours to promote the album, including headlining slots and support tours with prominent acts like Pantera and Corrosion of Conformity. They also played on the main stage at Ozzfest, further solidifying their presence in the metal scene.
Dynamo Open Air Headliners: Machine Head headlined the Dynamo Open Air festival in 1997, a significant milestone given the festival’s prominence in the metal community. This performance helped boost their visibility in Europe.
Favorite Tracks and Band Opinions: “Blood of the Zodiac” was a favorite song among band members, despite being rarely played live. Over time, The More Things Change… sold half a million copies worldwide. The album is often seen as a bridge between the band’s earlier groove thrash sound and the later nü-metal influences that characterized their subsequent releases.