Burn My Eyes is the debut studio album by American heavy metal band Machine Head, released in 1994 through Roadrunner Records. The album's themes generally tie into the social disorder and corresponding inner tension that the band was exposed to in their native Oakland, California, reflected in Robb Flynn's lyrics. The album shipped over 400,000 copies worldwide, becoming Roadrunner Records's best selling debut album.
The songs make references to some certain well-publicized controversies, suc...
Burn My Eyes is the debut studio album by American heavy metal band Machine Head, released in 1994 through Roadrunner Records. The album's themes generally tie into the social disorder and corresponding inner tension that the band was exposed to in their native Oakland, California, reflected in Robb Flynn's lyrics. The album shipped over 400,000 copies worldwide, becoming Roadrunner Records's best selling debut album.
The songs make references to some certain well-publicized controversies, such as the 1992 Los Angeles Riots (heard in dialogue on "Real Eyes, Realize, Real Lies") and the Waco Siege of 1993 ("Davidian"). Elsewhere, there are tales of physical and mental abuse ("None But My Own", "The Rage To Overcome"), the condemning of profits from religious soliciting ("Death Church"), succumbing to substance abuse ("I'm Your God Now") and aforementioned themes of urban decay, social unrest, rebellion, belligerence, and socio-political commentary.
Stylistically, the album is credited as having bridged the gap between Pantera-style groove and the thrash metal stylings of Slayer's 80's output. Compared to their subsequent releases, it is more raw and aggressive, and the style was resurrected in modified form - the influences of Gothenburg were evident - to on their post-Supercharger output.
The release of this album was followed shortly by numerous tours, which eventually led to drummer Chris Kontos leaving the band, and being replaced after careful consideration by the current drummer Dave McClain.
The album has since became a lasting success. In 1994, it quickly became a Roadrunner Records best seller and was the label's best-selling debut album for a number of years, until the release of Slipknot's 1999 self-titled debut. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.