MACHINE HEAD BIOGRAPHY

1991 – Formation
Robb Flynn forms Machine Head in Oakland, California, after leaving thrash band Vio-lence.

Original lineup: Robb Flynn (vocals/guitar), Logan Mader (guitar), Adam Duce (bass), Tony Costanza (drums, briefly replaced by Chris Kontos).


1994 – Debut Album: Burn My Eyes
Breakthrough success with Burn My Eyes, released on Roadrunner Records.

Received widespread acclaim; major success in Europe, especially France and the UK.

Chris Kontos leaves in 1995, replaced by Dave McClain.


1997 – The More Things Change…
Second album marks a heavier, more refined groove metal direction.

Logan Mader departs shortly after release, replaced by Ahrue Luster.


1999 – The Burning Red
Machine Head explores nu-metal influences.

Commercially successful but polarizing among fans due to stylistic shift.


2001 – Supercharger
Continuation of nu-metal experimentation.

Album release delayed and overshadowed by 9/11 attacks.

Resulted in a commercial downturn; band nearly dropped by Roadrunner.


2003 – Return to Heaviness with Through the Ashes of Empires
Critically acclaimed comeback with a renewed thrash/groove sound.

Guitarist Phil Demmel (ex-Vio-lence) joins, forming a classic lineup.

Re-signed with Roadrunner in the US.


2007 – Landmark Album: The Blackening
Considered a modern metal masterpiece.

Earned Grammy nomination and cemented their legacy in metal history.

Extensive world tours follow.


2011 – Unto the Locust
Progressive and melodic elements expand the band's sound.

Debuts at #22 on the Billboard 200—Machine Head’s highest at the time.


2013 – Internal Tensions and Lineup Friction
Longstanding friction between Robb Flynn and bassist Adam Duce.

Duce is fired and replaced by Jared MacEachern.


2014 – Bloodstone & Diamonds
First album without any original members except Flynn.

Blends orchestration, melody, and political themes.

Critical and commercial success.


2015–2017 – Touring and New Material
Constant touring and songwriting.

Robb Flynn begins experimenting more with styles and lyrical concepts.


2018 – Catharsis and Departures
Ninth studio album Catharsis released to mixed reviews.

Marks a dramatic blend of rap-metal, ballads, and political themes.

Longtime guitarist Phil Demmel and drummer Dave McClain leave the band due to creative differences.


2019 – New Members and Touring
New lineup: Vogg (Wacław Kiełtyka of Decapitated) joins on lead guitar for touring; Matt Alston joins on drums.

"Burn My Eyes 25th Anniversary Tour" with original members Logan Mader and Chris Kontos for special sets.


2022 – Øf Kingdøm and Crøwn
Concept album inspired by Japanese anime with a return to aggressive thrash.

Acclaimed by fans and critics for its cohesiveness and heavy direction.


2025 – UNATØNED
Eleventh studio album released on April 25, 2025.

First album to feature drummer Matt Alston and lead guitarist Reece Scruggs.

The shortest Machine Head album to date at 41:38.

Chart success in Europe: #3 in Austria, #5 in Germany, #7 in Switzerland, #71 UK.