EMP Band Focus - Machine Head
Machine Head are one of the very few bands in the Metal scene considered to have the musical class and charisma to belong in the upper echelons of the genre. One thing's for sure: The band and their front/axe man Robb Flynn don't deliver easy listening stuff, what they deliver has a unique identity that is always one step beyond the limits of the genre. Is it Metalcore? Thrash Metal? Groove Metal? It doesn't make any sense to try and categorize Machine Head because they have a little bit of everything, uniting metal fans worldwide. So far, they have produced album after album of metal genius and the first impressions of their eighth studio album “Bloodstone & Diamonds” indicate that this will be the another fine addition to their rapidly growing back catalogue. We talked with the awesome Robb Flynn about life, plans, and the new album.
The 10” “Killers & Kings” release for Records Store Day was a great idea, was it your idea?
“Our new label, Nuclear Blast, is a huge supporter of the Records Store Days, and so they offered us the opportunity to come up with something. We had already done similar stuff and the idea to release a new song in advance was just perfect. The track is just a demo version and the B-side features us covering 'Ignite'. The final result turned out damn cool! A great collector's item on vinyl.”
In recent years vinyl has made a big comeback. Are you a vinyl collector and what do you think about the resurgence of this format?
“If the fans want to buy vinyl, that's cool. For me, that's just a cool souvenir. There is a whole generation of young fans who haven't grown up with vinyl, and their appreciation for it is cool.”
Are you still a typical records store regular?
“Oh no. I have iTunes and Spotify! I prefer Spotify and have something like a premium account with them. I like that people collect LP's or CD's, but I am a guy who is on the road very often, so even one CD box with my favourite CDs would be too much baggage! I don't miss those days too much, to be honest.”
Ok, let's talk about the less pleasant moments... How did you feel when you realised Roadrunner Records were facing closure? How fast did you get the new deal with NB?
“Oh man, when the whole Roadrunner thing went down, we called it the bloodbath! After all, ninety Roadrunner employees got fired and offices were closed. We weren't completely shocked, but we were pretty perplexed about the procedure. But NB and us, started talking very quickly and looking back, I'm happy that we signed with them. It's the best thing that could have happened to us. When this bloodbath was actually happening, we were about to renew our contract with Roadrunner. We almost signed that deal.... But everything happens for a reason, that's what I always say. Anyway, we signed with NB and now, we work with a killer team. They have great ideas, for example the different variants of the new album etc. That's like a next step to us. With RR, we had to fight even for a digipak! When we signed with NB, they hadn't even heard one note of the new album. I really respect that...a lot.”
In the past, every band wanted to sign with a major label, is that still important?
“Maybe it depends on the music you make. For Metal? I don't know. Regarding Machine Head: RR was an independent label, and when we signed with them in 1993, they were the biggest and most powerful one... and this is what NB is today. Times are different, but the spirit is the same, just as when we were with RR in the past.”
I think the new album speaks for itself. What are its particular strong points?
“Uh......no clue! Hahaha! I have no idea how to assess this album. I can only say that we're proud of it. I think we have delivered a milestone. I'm proud of each album and eventually the world has to decide whether it is a good one or not. Be that as it may, I feel comfortable with the album. If you dig Machine Head, you'll love it. We have our own genre, our own identity, we move in between the styles which is damn cool. We have tried different things on seven albums, so I'm sure the new album is not really surprising, it's just an affirmation of our identity. We take the fans on a trip, as we did with our other albums 'The blackening' or 'Through the Ashes of Empires'. This album is aimed at the die-hard fans, the fans who live, eat, breathe, drink, or even shit Machine Head! My only fear is that I write a shitty version of a good song. I don't want to write the best Metal album ever because of the success, no, I WANT to write the fucking best Metal album ever! And I had that in my mind when we recorded 'Bloodstone & Diamonds'! When we were on this arena tour with Metallica, I saw what is possible and that's where I want to go!“
You have headline slots at all the huge festivals. You also do your own tours as well as playing these huge venues... you must be busy?
“There is still some room, I have this feeling that we're still not where we belong. The tour with Metallica was an eye-opener and an inspiration for us.”
