Machine Head Unveils New Three-Song Single, ‘Arrows In Words From The Sky’

Posted on June 11, 2021 by philspicks

Veteran metal outfit Machine Head kicked off the weekend by releasing three new songs.

The band premiered its new three-song single, ‘Arrows in Words From The Sky‘ Friday. The single features the songs ‘Become The Firestorm,’ ‘Rotten,’ and ‘Arrows in Words From The Sky.’

Front man Robb Flynn talked about the songs in a prepared statement.

“The lyrics to these songs took to me places inside I didn’t want to go, from the bile and negativity on “Rotten,” to nothing-will-beat-me-down fury of “Become The Firestorm,” to the title track “Arrows” being one of the saddest songs I’ve ever written, yet somehow has the power to lift me up out of what was a very dark time in my life,” he said. “My hope is that by sharing these dark experiences with the Head Cases of the world, it can save someone else out of that same dark place.”

The exclusive digital-only release opens with a song whose guitar riffs exhibit a full-on thrash/death style approach and sound. The ferocity in the guitars and precision in the time keeping, bass, and vocals partners well with the uplifting lyrical theme about overcoming life’s obstacles and adversity.

‘Rotten’ meanwhile boasts a sound that will appeal to Machine Head’s longtime fans. The riffs, vocals, bass, and drums immediately lend themselves to works from the band’s debut album, Burn My Eyes, which the band released more than 25 years ago. The arrangement partners just as well with the anger and frustration presented through the song’s lyrical theme. The thoughts and emotions that front man Robb Flynn presents here will resonate with a wide range of audiences. The pairing of the song’s musical and lyrical content makes the song stand out even more.

‘Arrows in Words From The Sky,’ with is deeply contemplative and introspective content (which ultimately proves uplifting in its own right) makes for its own accessibility. The heaviness here is a blend of sludge, doom, and 80s hair metal riffage along with some heavy bass and drums. Flynn’s own vocal delivery is powerful in its own right here, especially in the presentation of the layered screams.

‘Arrows in Words From The Sky’ features Machine Head’s first new music since the release of its then latest single, ‘My Hands Are Empty‘ and its video in November.

More information on Machine Head’s new music is available online now along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Website: https://www.machinehead1.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MachineHead

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MfnH

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to https://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Machine Head Debuts New Single, ‘My Hands Are Empty,’ Companion Video

Posted on November 13, 2020 by philspicks

Machine Head is kicking off the weekend with a new single and video.

The band debuted its new single ‘My Hands Are Empty‘ and its companion video Friday. The song is a powerful, heavy composition whose chants and distant drum beats in its opening set a foreboding tone for what is to come. What does come after is a composition that is classic Machine Head with its razor sharp guitar work and growling yet controlled vocals from front man Robb Flynn.

In the case of this song, the noted drums that open the song are performed by Navene Koperweis (Animals as Leaders, Whitechapel, Entheos). Koperweis also handled the drum duties on Machine Head’s latest single, ‘Circling the Drain.’ Flynn and bassist Jared MacEachern provided the foreboding choral vocals in the opening bars of ‘My Hands Are Empty.’

The song’s video features the band’s current lineup — Flynn, Logan Mader (guitar), Chris Kontos (drums), and MacEachern (bass) — in a barn/cabin type setting, shot in black and white. They are accompanied by imagery that is used to help illustrate the song’s lyrical message, which according to Flynn deals with the matter of battling opioid addiction.

Flynn talked about the song’s lyrical theme in a recent interview.

“I have some family members who have beaten their opioid addiction, and have some still in the throes of addiction,” he said. “It is painful to watch, and I deal with it with great difficulty. It is a song of sadness, but there is hope as well. I have beaten my own drug addictions and we can fight through this, together, and share our pain with the world.”

Flynn continued, “Musically I wanted to go for a bit of a “Through The Ashes Of Empires” vibe, and it had a grandiose vibe from the beginning, something about that vocal melody haunted me day and night. I sent it off to one of our collaborators, Joel Wanasek, and he came back with a whole depth and dimension with strings and keys that really made the song come alive. I added the guitar harmony in the chorus soon after and I knew we were on to something special.

On the recent “Burn My Eyes 25th Anniversary Tour” I mentioned to Logan about needing a riff or two for a new song, he was excited to collaborate, I sent him the song and the next day he sent me back the heavy riff in the bridge and I was floored,” Flynn added. “It fit perfectly, and felt really cool to be writing together 24 years later. Jared came up with the rhythm under the lead section and the song really locked into place.”

Mader, in his own comments, confirmed Flynn’s comment about Flynn reaching out to him for the song.

“During pre-pro for the BME anniversary tour last year, I had a special opportunity to collaborate with Machine Head for the first time in over 20 years,” he said. “This is a big milestone for me, to circle back on a massive orbit around life and end up doing new music with MH is epic and unexpected. The song, “My Hands Are Empty” was almost completed but needed a riff or two. Robb sent it to me, so I jumped in and added a section which ended up in the master after some arrangement tweaks by Robb. The song is amazing. It was a great feeling to be in the studio with Robb after all these years and I hope to do it again!”

‘My Hands Are Empty’ was co-produced by Flynn and Zack Ohren, and mixed by Colin Richardson (Devildriver, Fear Factory, Overkill, etc.). The song’s video was directed by Mike Sloat for Roaring Mouse Productions.

More information on ‘My Hands Are Empty’ is available online now along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Website: http://www.machinehead1.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MachineHead

Twitter: http://twitter.com/MfnH

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Letter Of Marque Debuts ‘White Lie’ Video

Posted on October 20, 2020 by philspicks

Independent hard rock band Letter of Marque is taking on the dangers of drug abuse in its latest single and video.

The band debuted the video for its single ‘White Lie‘ last month. The song is the latest single from the band’s 2019 album Outbreak. The album’s track listing is noted below.

Outbreak Tracklisting:

Ayahuasca

Alice

3.	Self Defense

Vulture

White Lie

Privateer

7.	Pay Attention

8.	Amityville

Succubus

10.

Outbreak

The video features a father and daughter who are both battling heroin addiction. The result for each is not good. Because of the simulated drug use, some viewer discretion is advised.

The song’s musical arrangement features a sound that will appeal to fans of Machine Head, with its heavy, thrash style riffing. The screaming, death metal style vocal delivery of front man Matt Gund meanwhile, is comparable to that of Whitechapel front man Phil Bozeman. The pairing of the two influences makes the musical arrangement even more widely appealing.

Gund talked about the meaning behind the video and lyrical theme in a recent interview.

“Making this video truly helped us emphasize what we want the people to understand,” he said. “One bad decision can last for generations.”

More information on Letter of Marquee’s new single, video and album is available along with all of the band’s news at:

Website: http://www.letterofmarqueband.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/letterofmarqueli

Twitter: http://twitter.com/LetterOfMarque_

Machine Head Front Man Robb Flynn Debuts ‘Circle The Drain’ Acoustic Take, Companion Video

Posted on October 16, 2020 by philspicks

Machine Head front man Robb Flynn has heard the pleas of the band’s fans.

Flynn debuted the acoustic take of the band’s song ‘Circle The Drain‘ Friday along with its video. The debut of the song’s acoustic take comes eight months after the band debuted the full, heavier version as an intentional anti-Valentines Day anthem.

Flynn talked about the creation of the song’s acoustic take in a recent interview.

““When the pandemic hit in March, and all Machine Head tours got canceled, I started doing free Acoustic Happy Hour shows on Machine Head‘s Facebook page to get out the pent-up energy, entertain some friends, have some laughs, and have a few drinks every Friday, “said Flynn. “As we had just released our new song “Circle The Drain” fans started asking for me to play it, so I started messing around with it and came up with a re-imagined version of it. It got a phenomenal response… People genuinely loved it, and were continually asking me to release it, and so I recorded it a few weeks back in my home studio, and here it is.”

The newly released acoustic take of of ‘Circle The Drain’ is a dramatically different take of the original, electric version of the song, and gives the song a completely new identity from that of the full version. The song’s original take presents someone who has been overwhelmed by the anger felt in realizing he has been deceived by his loved one. The acoustic take meanwhile, presents someone who is more torn. It makes for an interesting presentation.

Flynn talked back in February, about the inspiration behind the song’s lyrical theme.

“The song is inspired by an acquaintance of mine who returned from Afghanistan, only to have his relationship fall apart with his girl,” he said. “She had messed around on him, then got paranoid about him messing around on her, and drove him crazy. We had a conversation on Valentine’s Day and he said to me, ‘They were just circling the drain…’ The phrase struck me. A few days later I incorporated it into the song I’d been working on.”

Flynn continued, “It was a strange parallel with my life at the time, having recently had two band members quit, and even more bizarrely, two long-time couple friends of my wife and I, also divorced. It was breakup season, and it played out with friends taking sides, people not being invited to certain events anymore, social and emotional pressure and all the typical stuff that happens when a relationship goes bad.”

Flynn, referring back to his story about his friend who was in Afghanistan, said hearing the story and writing the song from the story was cathartic.

“Watching this guy pull through it helped me pull through my own upheaval,” he said. “the lyrics to ‘Circle The Drain’ came out of that frustrating time. It’s a sad song about relationships gone bad, but accepting that it’s over, and making yourself move on. I wrote it in a more metaphorical tone, as I didn’t want it to be about my life, but to be about anybody’s life who may be going through a rough time like that. It may not be a song that connects with everyone, especially those in a solid relationship. But if the day ever comes when your life goes awry, this song will be a lifeline for you, something to help pull you up out of that dark place. the irony that he and i had the original conversation on Valentine’s Day, and we are now releasing it on Valentine’s Day isn’t lost on me. It really is the anti-Valentine’s Day song.”

The acoustic take of ‘Circle The Drain’ is just the latest song that Machine Head has released. The band also released two other new songs, ‘Bulletproof‘ and ‘Stop The Bleeding.’ The songs make up the band’s two-song single, Civil Unrest. Both songs are available to stream and download here.

‘Stop The Bleeding’ features guest vocals from Killswitch Engage front man Jesse Leach. While Flynn said in an interview about the song, that he brought Leach on-board because the song has a KsE sound, a close listen also reveals an old school Machine Head sound. The song’s lyrical content addresses the events that followed the death of George Floyd at the hands of a group of Minneapolis, MN police officers.

Flynn discussed the song’s inspiration in a recent interview.

“I wrote and sang the lyrics on Wednesday May 27th, 2020, the day that the four officers who murdered George Floyd were (originally) not charged with anything,” he said. “This day was engulfed in protests and riots across America. I drove into Oakland, past large demonstrations already happening and, in a fury, wrote down everything I was feeling after watching the horrific footage. Within hours, what I wanted to say, what I needed to say had been recorded in the song.”

Additionally, Flynn talked about bringing Leach on for the song, noting that the collaboration was in the works even before the events of May 27.

“I had been speaking with Jesse for maybe 6 months about singing on the song, as it always had a little bit of a Killswitch vibe to me,” said Flynn. “Unfortunately (or fortunately), our schedules hadn’t lined up, but with the subsequent lockdown from coronavirus, we had time to make it work. After what happened to George Floyd, I sent him the lyrics I’d written, and he replied saying he was “100% on board”. Jesse is someone I consider to be a pioneer and, in many ways, one of the men who changed the face of metal. His contribution to this song made it extremely powerful and it’s an honor to have him be a part of it.”

Leach spoke highly of Flynn in discussing the song’s creation in his own comments, adding he was glad to take part in the song.

“Being asked to be part of this song is an honor,” said Leach. “Yes, because it’s Machine Head, but more importantly, this is a message that needs to be heard and spread. These issues concerning abuses of power and racism are timeless. I have written about these previously and I’ll write about them again. I think Robb really nailed this one, both lyrically and sonically. My hope is this song helps awaken those who hear it. Robb has been a frequent voice of the voiceless in these times, so teaming up with him is a no brainer. We need more of our Metal Community to speak out on social issues and help raise awareness, especially during these crucial times. Music is the soundtrack to our lives, it transcends language and culture. This is the reason we as musicians need to do our part to spark thought and discussion on these types of issues. We can make a difference through music and we can help stop the bleeding.”

Flynn talked about the lyrical theme of ‘Bulletproof’ during a separate, recent interview.

“The lyrics for ‘Bulletproof’ were finished in the aftermath of not only the Ahmaud Arbery murder at the hands of white supremacist, but everything twisting out of control in our world,” he said. “The isolation and craziness of the pandemic, the lockdown protesters storming government buildings with AR-15‘s, as well as the blatant lies and conspiracies pouring out of our political leaders’ mouths, hour by hour, day after day.”

More information on Machine Head’s new single is available along with all of Machine Head’s latest news at:

Website: http://www.MachineHead1.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MachineHead

Twitter: http://twitter.com/MfnH

Rig Time! Takes On Dry Kill Logic’s ‘Pain’

Posted on September 21, 2020 by philspicks

Independent hard rock band Rig Time! is paying tribute to Dry Kill Logic.

Rig Time! debuted its cover of DKL’s classic song ‘Pain‘ Sept. 17. The cover stays largely true to its source material from beginning to end. For those less familiar with Dry Kill Logic, the song’s musical arrangement will appeal to fans of bands, such as Nothingface and Machine Head.

Courtesy: TAG Publicity

Rig Time! drummer/vocalist Bryan W. Fleming talked about the act’s cover in a recent interview.

“Our cover of ‘Pain’ originated from being approached about contributing a nu metal cover song for an upcoming compilation,” he said. “We tossed around a few ideas and decided on Dry Kill Logic. When I think of bands from the early “Nu metal days”, DKL always comes to mind with the utmost admiration. They were a band that had that killer “nu” groove but always felt like a more of a hardcore & 90’s metalcore vibe. We’ve always been known for being groove oriented and very heavy, so this song fit well. We stuck to the original formula but still made it ours. A little more dirty, grimy and noisy. Since we’re all in a moment where touring isn’t an option, this was a fun way to stay active as we prepare for our next original release to come out.”

Rig Time!’s cover of ‘Pain’ is available to stream and download here.

More information on Rig Time!’s cover of Dry Kill Logic’s ‘Pain’ is available along wih all of Rig Time!’s latest news at:

Website: http://rig-time.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RIGTIME

Twitter: http://twitter.com/rigtimeband

Machine Head Debuts ‘Bulletproof’ Lyric Video

Posted on August 11, 2020 by philspicks

Machine Head debuted the video for its recently released song ‘Bulletproof.’

The band debuted the song’s lyric video Tuesday. The video’s debut comes less than two months after the band debuted the video for the companion to ‘Bulletproof,’ ‘Stop The Bleeding (ft. Jesse Leach).’ The songs were released in June on a 2-song digital single titled Civil Unrest.

Courtesy: Nuclear Blast Records

The ‘Bulletproof’ lyric video features the song’s lyrics over footage of the protests and riots that have happened nationwide this year. The song’s arrangement plays over it all in the meantime. The song’s lyrical theme is illustrated through the noted footage while the furious riffing takes listeners back to Machine Head’s glory days.

Front man Robb Flynn talked about the song’s lyrical theme in a recent interview.

More information on Machine Head’s new single is available along with all of Machine Head’s latest news at:

Website: http://www.MachineHead1.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MachineHead

Twitter: http://twitter.com/MfnH

Ellefson Debuts New Compilation’s Lead Single; Unveils Initial Track Listing

Posted on July 31, 2020 by philspicks

Courtesy: Combat Records

Audiences got their first preview of Megadeth bassist David Ellefson’s new eponymous rock project this week.

The band — Ellefson (bass), Thom Hazaert (vocals), Andy Martongelli (guitar), Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal (guitar), and Paolo Caridi (drums) — released the song ‘Wasted‘ Friday. The song, a cover of the Def Leppard song, is the lead single from the group’s debut record, No Cover.

Ellefson’s cover of ‘Wasted’ features guest appearances from Frank Hannon (Tesla), Jacob Bunton (Mick Mars, Lynam), and Dave McClain (Ex-Machine Head, Sacred Reich).

The famed names featured on ‘Wasted’ are just some of well-known musicians and performers who make appearances on this record. Also lending their talents to the album are equally well-known figures, such as Charlie Benante (Anthrax), Al Jourgensen (Ministry) and Gus G. (Firewind).

Along with debuting its lead single, Ellefson has also unveiled the initial track listing for No Cover. The initial listing opens with a cover of Judas Priest’s timeless hit song ‘Freewheel Burning’ and also features covers of songs such as AC/DC’s ‘Riff Raff,’ Queen’s ‘Sheer Heart Attack’ and Billy Idol’s ‘Rebel Yell.’

The album’s initial track listing is noted below. Two tracks are still TBA. Pre-orders are open now.

Tracklist:
1. Freewheel Burning (Judas Priest) ft. Jason McMaster, Gus G, Andy James, Dave McClain
2. Tear It Loose (Twisted Sister) ft. Eddie Ojeda, Dave McClain
3. Love Me Like A Reptile (Motorhead) ft. Doro Pesch, Greg Handevidt, Chuck Behler
4. Holiday in Cambodia (Dead Kennedys) ft. Charlie Benante
5. Rebel Yell (Billy Idol)
6. Wasted (Def Leppard) ft. Frank Hannon, Jacob Bunton, Dave McClain, Bumblefoot
7. Riff Raff (AC/DC) ft. Jason McMaster, Dave Lombardo
8. Nailed To The Gun (Fight) ft. Andrew Freeman, Russ Parrish, Jimmy DeGrasso
9. Not Fragile (Bachman-Turner Overdrive) ft. John Aquilino
10. Say What You Will (Fastway) ft. Troy Lucketta, Mark Slaughter
11. LOVE Machine (W.A.S.P.) ft. Dirk Verbeuren, Dave Alvin
12. Love Hurts (Nazareth) ft. Brandon Yeagley, Chuck Behler, Tyson Leslie
13. Sheer Heart Attack (Queen) ft. Bumblefoot, Doro Pesch, Charlie Benante
14. Sweet FA (Sweet) ft. Todd Kerns, Bumblefoot, Shani Kimelman
15. TBA
16. TBA
17. Auf Wiedersehen (Cheap Trick) ft. Al Jourgensen, Brandon Yeagley, Charlie Benante

Bonus Tracks
18. Eat The Rich (Krokus) ft. Dead By Wednesday

No Cover was co-produced by Ellefson, Hazaert, and Martongelli. The record was engineered by Alessio Garavello, Matt LaPlant (Nonpoint, Lil Jon, Skindred) and John Aquilino. Alessio and Garavello mixed the album alongside Randy Burns and others.

Ellefson talked about the record’s genesis in a recent interview.

“Before any of us started writing our own songs, we all began playing cover songs by our heroes during our formative years as musicians,” said Ellefson. “So, it’s fun to go back in time and revisit those songs which helped us to become the artists we are today, especially when, ironically, many of those artists have now become peers and friends. During the process of recording some covers for B-Sides and bonus tracks for the upcoming Ellefson solo LP, Thom and I just said, “This is a blast, let’s just do a whole album of covers!” Literally, within 2 weeks, we had the songs recorded, and began calling our friends to join us, many of whom we had just performed with on the MEGA-Cruise back in October. From there, the album just fell into place.”

“A lot of our buddies have been playing covers and quarantine jams on the Internet during the pandemic, so this is really just an extension of that, but we took it the next level and actually recorded a full studio album,” he added.” We’ve been working remotely anyway, as we’re all over the Globe, so it was easy to incorporate some guests jumping in with some outstanding performances of their own. It’s been a really fun nod to making great music with our friends, who are kick-ass players, and many legends in their own right, which is the whole reason we got into this in the first place!”

Hazert expanded on Ellefson’s comments with his own thoughts.

“It’s all songs and artists that really mutually influenced both myself and David, especially a lot of early “Metal” and harder Classic Rock,” he said. “Some stuff I picked, some stuff he picked, but for the most part is was all artists that we both loved. What’s funny, as there’s a bit of an age gap, we were sometimes more influenced by different eras of the same bands. But it was really him saying, “Let’s do this song”, and me saying, “Yes!!! And let’s do this song.” And before we knew it, we had over 15 songs. And it’s a lot of album tracks, deep cuts, early tracks, stuff people might not expect, which was what was so fun.”

“It was also great that we were able to work in a lot of nods to David’s [Ellefson] history, getting Chuck Behler to play with us, bringing in original Megadeth guitarist Greg Handevidt to play on “Love Me Like A Reptile”, a song they used to play in cover bands together before they moved to LA (which we wrote about in More Life With Deth), and Randy Burns is going to mix a track or two,” added Hazert. “As a singer, these are literally bands I’ve listened to, and covered all my life, and for me, getting to play with Eddie Ojeda, the Tesla guys, Charlie Benante, Jason McMaster, Mark Slaughter, etc, and sing these songs that mean so much to me. I mean, literally, the entire record is my bucket list of people I’d love to play with, and some of my favorite bands. So, it’s truly an honor to put together something so fun, and really as effortless as this was. It truly is a love letter to Rock N’ Roll, an homage to what made us, musically, who we are today.”

Ellefson resurrected Combat Records in 2017 as part of the EMP Label Group family.

Combat Records was a seminal punk and thrash record label in the 1980s. Its doors closed in the mid-2000s after its catalog was absorbed by Sony Music. Combat Records’ official relaunch took place in 2018.

Ellefson said in an interview in 2017, Combat Records would handle only new music because Sony has control of the label’s back catalog.

“…And to clarify, we do not own any rights to the Combat Records back catalog,” Ellefson stressed. “That is owned and controlled by Sony, and they have done a great job of curating it through other imprints. Combat Records will solely focus on new releases under the Combat banner. As always, thank you for your support and stay tuned for more details!”

More information on Combat Records, along with its latest news, is available online now

at:

Website: http://www.combatrecs.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/combatrecordsofficial

Twitter: http://twitter.com/combatrecs

Ellefson is scheduled to release its debut full-length studio recording in spring 2021. More information on Ellefson is available along with all of the group’s latest news at:

Website: http://davidellefson.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/davidellefson

Twitter: http://twitter.com/ellefsondavid

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Machine Head Takes On Police, Politics In New Two-Song Single

Posted on June 17, 2020 by philspicks

Courtesy: Nuclear Blast Records

Robb Flynn and his band mates in Machine Head are taking on issues facing the world with a pair of new songs.

The band released a new two-song single Wednesday titled Civil Unrest. The single features the songs ‘Stop The Bleeding’ as its A-side and ‘Bulletproof’ as its B-side.

Flynn discussed the song’s inspiration in a recent interview.

Additionally, Flynn talked about bringing Leach on for the song, noting that the collaboration was in the works even before the events of May 27.

Leach spoke highly of Flynn in discussing the song’s creation in his own comments, adding he was glad to take part in the song.

Both songs are available to stream and download here. A portion of the proceeds from sales of the single will go to benefit grassrootslaw.org, which is representing the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery.

The video for ‘Stop The Bleeding’ is streaming here.

More information on Machine Head’s new single is available along with all of Machine Head’s latest news at:

Website: http://www.MachineHead1.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MachineHead

Twitter: http://twitter.com/MfnH

BPMD’s ‘American Made’ Covers Collection Is Entertaining, But Hardly Memorable

Posted on June 9, 2020 by philspicks

Courtesy: Napalm Records

Covers collections are among the most peculiar releases that musical acts of any genre can release during their careers. Unlike singles compilations, which in their own way, actually serve a purpose – that purpose being that they could lead new audiences to pick up an act’s albums in whole – covers compilations serve little if any purpose. They are just collections of songs that acts put together to “pay tribute” to other acts and make money in the process. They are really just space fillers that acts use in order to satisfy contractual obligations for album release numbers. Keeping that in mind, one can’t help but wonder why respected and talented musicians, such as Bobby Blitz (Overkill), Mike Portnoy (ex-Dream Theater, The Winery Dogs, Transatlantic, Sons of Apollo, Liquid Tension Experiment, etc.), Phil Demmel (ex-Machine Head, Vio-lence) and Mark Menghi (Metal Allegiance) would come together just to create a compilation of cover songs for what is right now its first and only release. The 10-song compilation, titled American Made, is scheduled for release Friday through Napalm Records. It does delve into music from some notable bands who have come before this hard rock supergroup dubbed BPMD. That dichotomy of the bands whose music is covered versus the band performing said songs does make for at least some interest at best. This item will be addressed a little later. The specific arrangements of said songs is certain to be its own discussion point. They will be discussed later, too. Each item noted here is important in its own right to the whole of this compilation. All things considered, American Made proves itself to be a record that while worth hearing at least once, is sadly anything but memorable.

Hard rock super group BPMD’s debut recording American Made is a recording that is worth hearing at least once, but sadly not much more than that. One of the record’s only saving graces is the contrast of the bands whose works are covered to the band performing said covers. The bands whose works are covered throughout this roughly 37-minute collection include, but are not limited to Aerosmith, Ted Nugent, Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top, and Grand Funk Railroad. Even Mountain gets its own recognition here. Simply put, the bands whose works are covered here are in a realm that is completely opposite of the bands from which BPMD’s members have come. Blitz is front man of the veteran thrash metal outfit Overkill. Portnoy spent the majority of his professional career keeping time for the famed prog-metal outfit Dream Theater. Even the other projects in which he has taken part have been in genres directly opposite of that of the covered bands. Much the same can be said of Demmel and Menghi. Considering the contrast of the resumes of BPMD’s members and the bands that they cover here, that in itself is worth at least engagement for audiences. It shows that the band was willing to go out on a limb and do something different than what they normally do in their dayjobs. One could also argue that maybe it is a display of the acts that influenced the band’s members. If that’s that case, then the group has definitely gone far from those influences over the years, again making for its own share of discussion for listeners. To that end, that contrast of the band’s collective background and the bands that this group covered does at best a little bit for the collection. Directly tied to those discussions is the discussion on the collection’s one unavoidable negative, the very fact that it is a covers collection.

It has already been noted here that the members of BPMD have decidedly outstanding resumes. So to that end, it is just baffling that considering the band members’ pedigrees, the group’s first impression of sorts would be a collection of songs that have been covered time and again by so many other acts. These men are elite figures within the hard rock and metal communities. It made audiences hope for something original right out of the gate so to speak. Instead, the group opted to essentially phone it in and put out a covers compilation. Had the group gone that route of releasing a debut loaded with original content first and then this record later, it would have made the compilation easier to accept. What’s more, unlike the case of Fozzy, which also started off with a collection of covers so long ago, it has to be assumed that BPMD is just a one-off project for its members. At least in the case of a band, such as Fozzy, it was known that said band’s debut was just the beginning for that act. This knowledge detracts from the draw of American Made. It essentially makes the compilation come across as little more than a cash grab for the band and nothing more. Keeping that in mind, this unavoidable aspect of American Made makes it difficult to call this record memorable. While this aspect cannot be ignored, it does not make the album a complete failure for the group. BPMD’s take on the record’s songs makes for its own share of engagement.

One of the most interesting updates that the band features in American Made is that of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s ‘Saturday Night Special.’ BPMD’s update does largely stay true to its source material by and large. The amped up re-imagining also gives the song a new identity and feel, needless to say. It gives the song more of a 1980s hair metal type of sense. Whether fans love or hate this one will be left to them, but it is definitely an interesting take, needless to say. BPMD’s update of Aerosmith’s ‘Toys in the Attic’ is another key addition to the collection. As with the band’s cover of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s ‘Saturday Night Special,’ this cover also stays largely true to its source material. It just once again gives the cover an amped up remake. The song even goes so far as to include Joe Perry’s guitar solo from the original work. It’s just weird hearing Bobby Blitz’s gritty vocals and the full-on hard rock re-imagining here. That aside, this update actually works almost as well as the original. BPMD’s cover of Grand Funk Railroad’s ‘American Band’ is another important addition to this compilation. The band’s take once more does strive to stay true to its source material, and it is certain in its own right to create a lot of discussion among listeners. That’s because while it does stay true to the source material, it seems to have trouble balancing its attempt to echo the song’s classic rock sound and the band members’ own hard rock and metal leanings. It is definitely going to have listeners talking. That is not to say that the song is a total loss or that any of the compilation’s works are losses. The songs will certainly leave listeners talking, though. Between the discussions insured through the musical updates and the very lineup of featured bands, which could actually lead some listeners to embark on musical journeys into catalogs of bands to which they otherwise might not have listened, the compilation proves itself worth hearing at least once. To that end, the compilation is not a total failure. However, one cannot ignore the fact that considering the resume of each of BPMD’s members, this just seems like little more than a cash grab. To that end American Made makes itself worth hearing at least once, but anything but an American classic itself

BPMD’s covers collection American Made is a headscratcher of a record. The first release from the hard rock super group, it will potentially lead some listeners to take their own journeys into the catalogs of the record’s featured bands. The songs that are covered here play even more into that potential musical journey of discovery, as the covers will definitely lead to lots of discussion among audiences. For all of the positives that the record’s featured bands and songs generate, one still cannot ignore the very issue that the band’s members are among the music industry’s elite figures. To that end, coming together for potentially just one record and making said record a covers collection will leave a somewhat bitter taste in many listeners’ mouths, so to speak. It leaves one feeling like this was just a rushed, phoned in work that was little more than a cash grab for the band’s members. Keeping all of this in mind, the record proves itself worth hearing at least once, but sadly not much more than that. American Made is scheduled for release Friday through Napalm Records. More information on American Made is available along with all of BPMD’s latest news at:

Website: http://bpmdmusic.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BPMDofficial

Twitter: http://twitter.com/bpmdofficial

To keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Machine Head Debuts New Single, ‘Circle The Drain’

Posted on February 15, 2020 by philspicks

Courtesy: Nuclear Blast Records

Machine Head dropped a heavy new anti-love song this week.

The band debuted its new song ‘Circling The Drain‘ Thursday. The song’s musical arrangement takes audiences back to the band’s early days, featuring a sound that would fit on Burn My Eyes and The More Things Change. The song’s lyrical content tackles the issue of broken relationships,

Machine Head founding member and front man Robb Flynn talked about the song’s lyrical theme in a recent interview.

Flynn, referring back to his story about his friend who was in Afghanistan, said hearing the story and writing the song from the story was cathartic.

‘Circle The Drain’ was co-produced by Flynn and Zach Ohren (All Shal lPerish, Suicide Silence, Machine Head). Joel Wanasek (Atilla, Bloodline) handled post-production duties on the song. Russ Russell (At The Gates, Dimmu Borgir, The Wildhearts) mixed the song, while Greg Grimaldi mastered the composition.

Christian Sampson crafted the single’s artwork. The artwork was based on his photography project based around mental disorders. He compiled the images that he used in the project to form the artwork, which he dubbed “Panic.”

Two discussions on the making of ‘Circle The Drain’ are streaming now. The links to the discussions are noted below.

Watch “The Making of ‘Circle the Drain” Part 1 here.

Watch “The Making of ‘Circle the Drain” Part 2 here.

‘Circle The Drain’ is available to stream and download here. It is Machine Head’s first new music since the release of its song ‘Do Or Die‘ last year. The song’s video debuted Oct. 11.

More information on ‘Circle The Drain’ is available online now along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Website: http://www.machinehead1.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MachineHead

Twitter: http://twitter.com/MfnH

philspicks

All the latest reviews and news in entertainment

Tag Archives: Machine head

Machine Head Unveils New Three-Song Single, ‘Arrows In Words From The Sky’

Machine Head Debuts New Single, ‘My Hands Are Empty,’ Companion Video

Letter Of Marque Debuts ‘White Lie’ Video

Machine Head Front Man Robb Flynn Debuts ‘Circle The Drain’ Acoustic Take, Companion Video

Rig Time! Takes On Dry Kill Logic’s ‘Pain’

Machine Head Debuts ‘Bulletproof’ Lyric Video

Ellefson Debuts New Compilation’s Lead Single; Unveils Initial Track Listing

Machine Head Takes On Police, Politics In New Two-Song Single

BPMD’s ‘American Made’ Covers Collection Is Entertaining, But Hardly Memorable

Machine Head Debuts New Single, ‘Circle The Drain’