Machine Head frontman Robb Flynn recently opened up about the complex legacy of the band’s acclaimed 2007 album “The Blackening” and how its success has impacted his creative process. He shared these insights in an interview with Louder Sound.
Flynn discussed the dual nature of creating such a highly regarded album and the challenges it presents for future releases.
“Look, I’d rather be the guy who wrote ‘The Blackening’ than the guy who didn’t!” Flynn said. “But to some degree, it’s a gift and a curse, because you gotta follow up that record.”
The vocalist elaborated on how the album’s success has shaped expectations for Machine Head’s subsequent work.
“And all anybody does is compare it to that record – that is not an unfair thing to do, it’s just what people do,” he continued. “I learned that you gotta go someplace else. And maybe at first it doesn’t stand apart, but I’m really confident that this record will stand apart and be its own album in the Machine Head catalogue.”
Flynn’s comments reflect the ongoing challenge many artists face when following up critically acclaimed releases.
Flynn’s perspective on “The Blackening” becomes more understandable when considering the album’s remarkable commercial and critical impact on Machine Head’s career trajectory.
Wikipedia reported that “The Blackening” debuted with nearly 16,000 sales in its first week in the U.S. The album became Machine Head’s highest charting album at the time and set new expectations for the band’s commercial success. The album’s performance marked a significant breakthrough for the Bay Area metal band. They had struggled to match their early 1990s success.
The record’s lasting influence extends beyond initial sales figures. Best Selling Albums documented that “The Blackening” has been certified Silver by the BPI in the UK for sales exceeding 60,000 copies. This achievement further cemented its status as a monumental release in the band’s discography. This certification represents a rare achievement for a metal album in the streaming era.
Invisible Oranges noted that many critics and fans consider “The Blackening” to be Machine Head’s magnum opus. The album’s complex song structures and politically charged lyrics resonated strongly with audiences during its release period.
The weight of this success has clearly influenced Flynn’s approach to subsequent releases. This is evidenced by his candid admission about the pressure to create something equally impactful while maintaining artistic integrity and evolution.
