Phil Demmel Machine Head is a legendary thrash metal band that has been leaving its mark on the music industry since 1991. As the guitarist for the band, Phil Demmel has been a crucial part of their evolution and significant milestones.
The band’s sound is characterized by their aggressive riffs, powerful drumming, and Phil Demmel’s signature guitar playing style, which has captivated fans worldwide.
Introduction to Phil Demmel Machine Head
Machine Head, one of the pioneering bands of the thrash metal genre, has been making waves in the music world since its inception in 1991. Born from the ashes of the iconic band Vio-Lence, Machine Head has evolved over the years, experimenting with different sounds while maintaining its thrash metal roots.
Formed in 1991, Machine Head has released a total of 9 studio albums, establishing itself as one of the leading bands in the metal scene.
The Formation of Machine Head
Machine Head was first formed in 1991 by Dave McClain, who would later become the band’s drummer. The band’s original lineup included guitarist Phil Demmel, alongside bassist Adam MacDougall, drummer Chris Kontos, and vocalist/guitarist Robb Flynn. Phil Demmel, a skilled guitarist with a distinctive playing style, quickly became a pivotal member of the band.
Machine Head’s early sound, influenced by thrash metal and punk, was characterized by its aggressive and fast-paced tempo. Their debut album, ‘Burn My Eyes’, released in 1994, showcased the band’s raw energy and potential. Although the album received favorable reviews from critics, the band faced significant challenges, including lineup changes and the departure of original drummer Chris Kontos.
Evolution and Milestones
After Phil Demmel replaced original guitarist Adam McManus in 1994, the band’s sound transformed. With a more refined and mature approach, Machine Head released ‘The Burning Red’ in 1999. This album, considered a major turning point in the band’s evolution, showcased their ability to blend elements of thrash metal with more modern, melodic sounds.
Some of the standout tracks from ‘The Burning Red’ include ‘Crash the System’ and ‘Desire’.
Lineup Changes and Future Developments
Throughout the years, Machine Head has undergone several lineup changes, with Phil Demmel remaining a consistent presence. The band’s sound has continued to evolve, incorporating more complex rhythms and atmospheric elements.
With the departure of founding members Adam MacDougall (1994) and Dave McClain (2018), the band has solidified its current lineup with guitarist Wuv Bernardo, drummer Jason Costa, and Phil Demmel.
Machine Head has demonstrated its resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges, consistently pushing the boundaries of thrash metal and cementing its status as a leading force in the metal scene.
Machine Head’s Music with Phil Demmel: Phil Demmel Machine Head
Machine Head’s sound has undergone significant transformations since Phil Demmel joined the band as the lead guitarist. The California-based heavy metal group has consistently produced music that blends various styles, showcasing Demmel’s versatility. Phil’s work with Machine Head has not only influenced the band’s overall sound but also helped shape the genre of metal.
Notable Albums with Phil Demmel
Machine Head’s music with Phil Demmel has produced several notable albums that demonstrate his guitar work. Here are some of these albums:
- The ‘Through the Ashes of Empires’ album is a prime example of Phil Demmel’s work with Machine Head. Released on November 9, 2003, this record marked a departure from the band’s earlier sound, incorporating more melodic and symphonic elements.
- Tracks like ‘The Architect’ and ‘Teeth’ showcase Demmel’s ability to balance crushing riffs with intricate guitar work. These songs demonstrate the band’s ability to blend aggressive metal with catchy, memorable melodies.
- ‘Through the Ashes of Empires’ is often cited as a turning point in Machine Head’s career, cementing their status as one of the leading metal bands of the time. This album’s success can be attributed to Phil Demmel’s innovative guitar playing style, which added a new dimension to the band’s sound.
- Machine Head’s ‘The Blackening’ album, released on March 27, 2007, further solidified the band’s position in the metal scene. This record features Phil Demmel’s intricate guitar work, particularly in tracks like ‘Aesthetics of Hate’ and ‘Clenching the Fists of Dissent’. These songs showcase the band’s ability to craft complex, atmospheric metal music.
- Machine Head’s ‘Killers & Thieves’ album, released on April 1, 2009, is another notable release with Phil Demmel on guitar. This record features a mix of fast-paced, aggressive tracks and slower, more introspective songs. Phil’s guitar work on songs like ‘Beautiful Mourning’ and ‘Vengeance’ demonstrates his ability to adapt to different styles and moods.
- Machine Head’s ‘Bloodstone & Diamonds’ album, released on March 27, 2014, continues the band’s exploration of new sounds and styles. Phil Demmel’s guitar work on this record is particularly notable, particularly in tracks like ‘Into the Pepper Mill’ and ‘Crimson’. These songs showcase the band’s ability to blend complex time signatures with catchy, memorable melodies.
Influential Machine Head Songs
Phil Demmel’s guitar work has been an integral part of Machine Head’s sound, and he has been responsible for many of the band’s most influential songs.
- ‘Aesthetics of Hate’ is a standout track from Machine Head’s ‘The Blackening’ album, released in 2007. The song features an intricate guitar riff and showcases Phil Demmel’s ability to craft complex, aggressive metal music.
- ‘Vengeance’ is another notable track from the same album, featuring a driving rhythm and a memorable guitar solo. The song is a prime example of Phil Demmel’s ability to balance aggression with melody.
- ‘The Haunting’ is a hauntingly beautiful track from Machine Head’s ‘Killers & Thieves’ album, released in 2009. The song features a soaring guitar solo and showcases Phil Demmel’s ability to craft atmospheric, introspective metal music.
- Bloodstone & Diamonds is also an example of influential Machine head songs that showcase the guitar work by Phil Demmel. Released in 2014, this album contains several hits such as into the pepper mill and crimson.
Collaborations and Guest Appearances
As a member of Machine Head, Phil Demmel has been part of numerous collaborations and guest appearances with other renowned artists. This demonstrates his versatility as a musician and his ability to adapt to various styles and genres. Demmel’s collaborations showcase his skill as a guitarist and highlight the impact he has made in the metal music scene.
One notable example of Demmel’s work outside of Machine Head can be seen in his collaborations with other bands. In 2013, he joined forces with the Swedish metal band Scar Symmetry on their single “The Acoustic Experiment”. This unique collaboration allowed Demmel to showcase his acoustic guitar skills and explore a different facet of his musicianship.
### Notable Collaborations
Machine Head Collaborations
Machine Head’s extensive discography showcases the band’s collaborative efforts with other notable artists. Some notable examples include:
- The band’s work with Dino Cazares, the guitarist of Fear Factory, on the song ‘Elegy’ from the album ‘Through the Ashes of Empires’, released in 2003. This song represents a unique fusion of styles between the two bands.
- Machine Head’s 2007 collaboration with the band Shadows Fall on their song ‘Beautiful Mourning’, released as a single from the album ‘The Blackening’.
Phil Demmel’s Outside Collaborations, Phil demmel machine head
In addition to his work with Machine Head, Phil Demmel has also collaborated with other bands and artists outside of the metal genre.
- Demmel’s work with the band The Haunted on their song ‘Bury Your Dead’ from the album ‘The Haunted: Strength’. This showcases Demmel’s ability to blend his metal skills with the more complex, progressive style of The Haunted.
- Demmel’s 2020 collaboration with the band Death Angel on their song ‘Under Your Scorn’. This collaboration highlights Demmel’s adaptability and his ability to work with different styles.
Differences in Style
A comparison of Demmel’s work with Machine Head and his collaborations with other artists reveals a distinct shift in style. Demmel’s work with Machine Head is characterized by its high-energy, aggressive sound, while his outside collaborations showcase a more varied and experimental approach.
- Demmel’s work with other artists often features more complex, intricate guitar work compared to his Machine Head contributions.
- His collaborations also frequently incorporate different styles and genres, from progressive metal to experimental rock.
Demmel’s collaborations demonstrate his ability to adapt and experiment with different styles, showcasing his versatility as a musician and his commitment to exploring new and innovative sounds.
Equipment and Gear
Phil Demmel, the renowned guitarist of Machine Head, has been known to wield a variety of guitar models and equipment settings that have contributed significantly to the band’s distinctive sound.
When it comes to guitar models, Phil Demmel has frequently utilized B.C. Rich and Gibson guitars, among other notable brands. Demmel’s preference for B.C. Rich Warlock and Ironbird models is a testament to the iconic guitar manufacturer’s influence on the metal music scene. On the other hand, his occasional use of Gibson Les Paul and SG models showcases the versatility of his playing style and adaptability to different guitar models.
Guitar Models
Phil Demmel has primarily used the following notable guitar models:
- Warlock (B.C. Rich)
- Ironbird (B.C. Rich)
- Gibson Les Paul
- Gibson SG
Demmel’s affinity for B.C. Rich guitars stems from their unique blend of innovative design and exceptional playability. His frequent use of these guitars can be observed during the band’s live performances, where he seamlessly transitions between distinct chord progressions and soloing.
Amplifier Settings
Phil Demmel’s amplifier settings have played a vital role in shaping the sonic identity of Machine Head. His preference for high-gain amplifiers with a mix of clean and overdriven channels ensures the delivery of a rich and aggressive sound. When utilizing Mesa/Boogie dual-channel amplifiers or EVH amp heads, Demmel adjusts the settings to balance treble and bass frequencies, providing clarity to the guitar tone without sacrificing the overall heaviness.
Effects Pedals
Demmel frequently incorporates effects pedals into his setup to enhance the overall sonic palette of his playing. His preferred effects pedals include:
- Pro Co Rat
- MXR Distortion+
- TC Electronic G-System
- MXR Micro Amp
The inclusion of overdriven effects such as distortion and fuzz pedals, alongside the Pro Co Rat’s notable presence in Demmel’s rig, contribute to his distinctive guitar tone which serves as a foundation for the band’s aggressive metal sound.
Comparison with Notable Thrash Metal Guitarists
Demmel’s choices in gear can be compared to other thrash metal guitarists, showcasing distinct differences and similarities:
- Kerry King (Slayer)
- Jeff Hanneman (Slayer)
- Rob Cavestany (Death Angel)
- James Hetfield (Metallica)
For instance, Phil Demmel’s high-gain amplifier preferences contrast with Kerry King’s prominent use of low-gain channels, highlighting distinct sonic identities within the thrash metal genre. Additionally, Demmel’s reliance on B.C. Rich guitars diverges from James Hetfield’s extensive use of ESP models, further emphasizing the varied approaches to gear and sound within metal music.
Last Word
Overall, Phil Demmel Machine Head’s music is a testament to the band’s dedication to their craft and their influence on the metal genre. With a legacy that continues to inspire new generations of metal enthusiasts, Phil Demmel Machine Head remains an iconic force in the music world.
FAQ Section
What genre of music does Machine Head belong to?
Machine Head is a thrash metal band.
What is Phil Demmel’s preferred guitar brand?
Phil Demmel’s preferred guitar brand is Ernie Ball.
What is the name of Phil Demmel’s side project band?
Phil Demmel’s side project band is Vio-Lence.
Has Machine Head collaborated with other notable bands?
Yes, Machine Head has collaborated with other notable bands, including Slayer and Cannibal Corpse.
