In the early 1990s, amidst the resounding successes of Sepultura and Pantera , who brought us incredible and heavy albums, Machine Head . Led by guitarist and vocalist Robb Flynn , who left his former band Vio-Lence to form his own band with ideas he hadn't had the opportunity to showcase with his former bandmates.
Flynn managed to reunite members Logan Mader (guitar), Adam Duce (bass), and Chris Kontos (drums), who left the band at the end of the tour. The four show perfect chemistry and exuberant talent in their performances of the album's songs.
It's difficult to label a particular band's style; I personally don't like to. Machine Head is one of the pioneering bands of the so-called New Wave of American Heavy Metal , and since the band originates from Oakland, California, the birthplace of thrash metal in the 1980s, with fast riffs, incredible guitar solos, heavy drums and bass providing groove and speed to the songs, Machine Head can be considered part of the thrash metal genre.
However, it's in the music and compositions that you find other styles, and things that are softer and more melodic. It's difficult to say that it's a genuine thrash band, because although it flirts with that style, the band is much more versatile and dynamic to be labeled as belonging to just one genre, in my opinion.
Burn My Eyes is still considered Machine Head's best work.
The debut album, Burn My Eyes Roadrunner Records' best-selling debut album for five years.
The album was well-received by critics and heavy music fans, making it a must-have in collections. The record features extremely well-crafted compositions and impeccable production. It gave us several hits such as "Davidian" (which opens the album) followed by "Old" (which has an incredible introduction) and "A Nation On Fire" (being this writer's favorite track), to name just a few. The entire album is great.
Machine Head came in strong, proving why they're an essential band for anyone who loves heavier music, and deserve a place in the hall of fame of great metal bands. Indispensable in any heavy metal playlist.
Burn My Eyes is one of those albums that if you haven't heard it, you shouldn't waste any time. Add it to your streaming platform and add it to your favorites. And if you happen to not yet know Machine Head, this album will be a great introduction to loving the band.
Track List:
1 – Davidian
2 – Old
3 – A Thousand Lies
4 – None But My Own
5 – The Rage to Overcome
6 – Death Church
7 – A Nation on Fire
8 – Blood for Blood
9 – I'm Your God Now
10 – Real Eyes, Realize, Real Lies
11 – Block
READ ALSO : Machine Head releases full 'Burn My Eyes' anniversary tour show; watch it here