Machine Head: The More Things Change… (1997)

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.

Track Listing

Ten Ton Hammer
Take My Scars
Struck a Nerve
Down to None
The Frontlines
Spine
Bay of Pigs
Violate
Blistering
Blood of the Zodiac

Album length: 52:42

Music genre

Thrash metal, Groove metal

The Lineup for the Album

Robb Flynn: lead vocals, rhythm guitar
Logan Mader: lead guitar
Adam Duce: bass, backing vocals
Dave McClain: drums

Release Date

March 25, 1997

Record Label

Roadrunner Records

Recording Date

August - October 1996

Recording Studio

Hyde Street Studios (San Francisco, California) and The Plant Studios (Sausalito, California)

Produced by

Colin Richardson

Album Themes/Concept

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.

Album Mood

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.

Album Trivia

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.

Listen or Pass

This album might be for you if you…

Crave Heavy and Aggressive Music: If you thrive on powerful riffs, thunderous drums, and aggressive vocals, The More Things Change… delivers a relentless auditory assault. The album’s intense energy is perfect for headbanging and mosh pits.
Appreciate Groove and Thrash Metal: Fans of groove metal and thrash metal will find this album particularly appealing. Machine Head expertly blends the rhythmic grooves with thrash metal speed and aggression, creating a compelling and hard-hitting sound.
Enjoy Social and Political Commentary: The album is rich in themes of social and political critique. If you appreciate lyrics that challenge power structures, question societal norms, and reflect on political issues, you’ll find the messages in songs like “Ten Ton Hammer” and “Take My Scars” resonate deeply.
Value Authentic, Raw Production: For those who prefer a raw and unpolished sound that retains authenticity and grit, this album’s production style will be highly satisfying. The recording process, despite its challenges, has resulted in a sound that feels genuine and unfiltered.
Are a Fan of Machine Head’s Early Work: If you enjoyed Machine Head’s debut album Burn My Eyes, you’ll likely appreciate the continuation of their signature sound in The More Things Change…. The album serves as a natural progression from their earlier work, maintaining the band’s core elements while exploring new depths

You might want to pass this one if you…

Prefer Melodic or Symphonic Metal: If your taste leans more towards melodic or symphonic metal, with its emphasis on harmonies and orchestral elements, the aggressive and raw nature of this album might not appeal to you. The focus here is on heavy grooves and thrash aggression rather than melody.
Dislike Dark and Brooding Themes: Listeners who prefer uplifting or lighter themes in their music might find the dark, brooding, and often introspective themes of The More Things Change… to be too heavy. The album delves into personal struggle, societal decay, and existential angst, which might not suit everyone’s taste.
Are Sensitive to Harsh Vocals and Aggressive Instrumentation: If you are not a fan of harsh, screamed vocals and aggressive instrumentation, this album might be too intense. Robb Flynn’s vocal style is raw and forceful, complemented by equally powerful guitar and drum work.
Seek Polished and Overproduced Sound: For those who prefer a highly polished and produced sound, the raw and unpolished production of this album might come across as too rough. The intentional rawness is a key characteristic but may not be to everyone’s liking.
Are Looking for Mainstream Appeal: If you’re seeking metal with mainstream appeal or radio-friendly singles, this album’s heavy and uncompromising style might not fit the bill. It’s designed more for hardcore metal fans than for casual listeners looking for easily accessible tracks