To put it mildly, Machine Head’s debut album Burn My Eyes is one of the most important metal albums of the ’90s. Released at a time where nu-metal hadn’t quite existed yet and metal music in general was in a state of flux, Burn My Eyes was one of those debut albums that arrived as a fully fledged product. While they’ve released multiple albums over the years that come close to its musical depth and precision, the timeliness of their debut album’s release can not be overstated.
The rifts on this record are more than lethal. “A Thousand Lies” and “Davidian” are just two reasons why this groove metal album excels. It truly does bridge the gap between thrash metal and more modern metal, evident on the intriguing consistency Robb Flynn and company bring to the table here. Guitar solos abound, but the lengthy execution of them aren’t a letdown in the least.
Even the lyrics were notable for the time, where “Davidian” tackles the Waco Siege and other songs reference the Los Angeles Race Riots of 1992, substance abuse, and personal strife.
The drumming of Chris Kontos is particularly compelling, with tour-de-force performances on “None But My Own” and “Block”. With a sound that is heavy but also pretty accessible for the time, it proves a key influence on many of today’s biggest metal bands – particularly Lamb Of God.
