Pierce the Veil Selfish Machines Album Cover sets the stage for this enthralling narrative, offering readers a glimpse into the music style and themes of the band’s discography. The album’s cover design, a representation of the musical themes and social issues explored in the album, sparks curiosity and invites readers to delve deeper into the meaning behind the artwork.
The Selfish Machines album, released in 2010, marked a significant turning point in Pierce the Veil’s musical growth and experimentation. The album tackles social and emotional issues, showcasing the band’s ability to craft thought-provoking and catchy songs.
Pierce the Veil: Their Music Style and Selfish Machines Album
Pierce the Veil is a Spanish-American rock band formed in 2006 in San Diego, California. The band’s music style blends post-hardcore and emo elements with a strong focus on atmospheric soundscapes and introspective lyrics. Their sound is characterized by intricate guitar work, pounding drums, and powerful vocal performances. The band’s music often deals with themes of love, relationships, loss, and self-discovery.
Background Information on Selfish Machines Album
Selfish Machines is the third studio album by Pierce the Veil, released on June 7, 2011, through Fearless Records. The album marked a significant shift in the band’s sound, incorporating more post-hardcore and atmospheric elements into their music. The album’s title, Selfish Machines, refers to the idea that people often prioritize their own desires and needs over the well-being of those around them. The album features 11 tracks, including the hit single “Million Dollar Houses, Crystal Lakes”.
Significance of Selfish Machines in Pierce the Veil’s Discography
Selfish Machines is a critical and commercial success for Pierce the Veil, showcasing the band’s growth and maturity as musicians. The album received positive reviews from music critics, who praised the band’s ability to craft catchy, yet intense, songs. The album’s success also helped establish Pierce the Veil as a prominent force in the post-hardcore and emo scenes. In terms of sales, Selfish Machines has been certified Gold by the RIAA and has been streamed millions of times on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
Timeline of Selfish Machines Release, Pierce the veil selfish machines album cover
The release of Selfish Machines was announced in May 2011, with the band touring extensively in support of the album. The album’s lead single, “Million Dollar Houses, Crystal Lakes”, was released in April 2011 and gained significant airplay on alternative radio. The album was released on June 7, 2011, coinciding with the band’s appearance at the Download Festival in Donington, UK.
Chart Performance and Accolades
Selfish Machines peaked at number 23 on the US Billboard 200 chart and number 20 on the US Indie Albums chart. The album also appeared on the UK Albums Chart, reaching number 44. The album received positive reviews from media outlets, including Kerrang!, Alternative Press, and Metal Hammer.
Commercial Success and Sales
Selfish Machines has been certified Gold by the RIAA, denoting sales of over 500,000 copies in the United States. The album has also been streamed millions of times on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, earning Pierce the Veil a loyal fan base.
Legacy and Influence
Selfish Machines is widely regarded as a landmark album in Pierce the Veil’s discography, showcasing the band’s growth and maturity as musicians. The album’s influence can be seen in later post-hardcore and emo releases, and it continues to be celebrated by fans and critics alike as a seminal work in the genre.
Musical Themes

Pierce the Veil’s Selfish Machines album is a masterpiece that showcases the band’s musical growth and experimentation. The album’s musical themes are diverse and thought-provoking, covering a range of social and emotional issues. From the opening track “Million Dollar Houses, Crystal Lakes” to the closing track “She Make Me Brave”, each song tells a story, conveys a message, and leaves a lasting impression on the listener.
Social Commentary
Pierce the Veil’s music often serves as a vehicle for social commentary, and Selfish Machines is no exception. Tracks like “Million Dollar Houses, Crystal Lakes” and “The Dying Side of the Track” address issues of wealth inequality, social class, and the corrupting influence of power. The band uses vivid imagery and clever wordplay to paint a picture of a world where the haves and have-nots coexist in a state of perpetual tension. These songs serve as a commentary on the societal ills of the time, encouraging listeners to think critically about the world around them.
- Million Dollar Houses, Crystal Lakes
- The Dying Side of the Track
- She Make Me Brave
These songs showcase the band’s ability to craft meaningful, thought-provoking lyrics that resonate with listeners. By addressing social issues through their music, Pierce the Veil aims to inspire change and spark important conversations.
Emotional Introspection
Selfish Machines also delves into themes of emotional introspection, with tracks like “Hypochondrate” and “Caraphernelia” capturing the intense emotions that come with mental health struggles. These songs showcase the band’s ability to balance heaviness with vulnerability, creating a unique sonic experience that is both cathartic and relatable.
Bassist Mike Fuentes’ powerful basslines and Vic Fuentes’ emotive vocals bring the songs to life, making the emotional intensity of the album a truly palpable experience.
Musical Growth and Experimentation
Throughout Selfish Machines, Pierce the Veil showcases their musical growth and experimentation. The band pushes the boundaries of their sound, incorporating new instruments and techniques into their music. The album’s diverse tracklist features a range of styles, from the pop-infused hooks of “She Make Me Brave” to the mathcore elements of “Caraphernelia”. This experimentation pays off, resulting in an album that is both polished and innovative.
- Hypochondrate
- Caraphernelia
- She Make Me Brave
The use of different musical instruments and techniques is a highlight of the album, with Vic Fuentes’ vocal processing and Mike Fuentes’ basslines adding depth and complexity to the songs. The addition of strings and choirs to tracks like “The Dying Side of the Track” and “Million Dollar Houses, Crystal Lakes” adds a layer of sophistication to the album’s more anthemic moments.
Instrumentation and Techniques
Selfish Machines features a range of musical instruments and techniques, from the heavy, distorted guitar riffs of “Hypochondrate” to the atmospheric synths of “Caraphernelia”. The band’s use of polyrhythms and time signatures adds a level of intricacy to their music, making the album a challenging and rewarding listen.
| Song | Instrumentation | Techniques |
|---|---|---|
| Hypochondrate | Distorted guitar riffs, double bass drums | Polyrhythms, time signature changes |
| Caraphernelia | Mathcore elements, atmospheric synths | Time signature changes, complex basslines |
| She Make Me Brave | Pop-infused hooks, soaring vocals | Harmolodic basslines, syncopated rhythms |
The use of these instruments and techniques helps to create a unique sonic landscape, one that is both heavy and intricate. Pierce the Veil’s musical experimentation pays off, resulting in an album that is both polished and innovative.
Track Listing and Structure: Pierce The Veil Selfish Machines Album Cover

The Selfish Machines album by Pierce the Veil features a diverse range of tracks, each with its unique tone and style. The track listing is a crucial aspect of the album, showcasing the band’s ability to experiment and innovate within their genre.
The track listing for Selfish Machines is a carefully curated collection of songs, each one showcasing the band’s growth and development as musicians. This album marked a significant shift in Pierce the Veil’s sound, pushing the boundaries of their post-hardcore style and incorporating new elements that would become a hallmark of their future work.
Track Listing Table
The track listing for Selfish Machines is presented below in a table format for easy reference.
| Track Number and Title | Release Date | Music Style or Genre | Notable Features or Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. “I’ve Lost Myself in You” | June 8, 2010 | Post-Hardcore, Emo | Opening track with a distinctive mix of clean and unclean vocals. |
| 2. “Million Dollar Houses, Crystal Lakes” | June 8, 2010 | Post-Hardcore, Emo | Features a soaring chorus and a memorable guitar riff. |
| 3. “Guernsey” | June 8, 2010 | Post-Hardcore, Emo | A slower-paced track with a focus on acoustic guitar and emotive vocals. |
| 4. “The Boy Who Could All This Time” | June 8, 2010 | Post-Hardcore, Emo | Includes a prominent guitar solo and a driving rhythm section. |
| 5. “It’s Always Haunted, You Only Scream When You’re Being Attacked” | June 8, 2010 | Post-Hardcore, Emo | Features a catchy chorus and a blend of clean and unclean vocals. |
| 6. “The Price Is Never Too High” (Acoustic) | June 8, 2010 | Folk, Acoustic | A stripped-down version of the song, showcasing the band’s ability to adapt their sound. |
| 7. “Millions at My Feet” | June 8, 2010 | Post-Hardcore, Emo | Includes a powerful piano riff and a memorable chorus. |
| 8. “I’ll Make It Up to You” | June 8, 2010 | Post-Hardcore, Emo | Focusing on atmospheric soundscapes and emotive vocals. |
| 9. “Tangled Minds” | June 8, 2010 | Post-Hardcore, Emo | Includes a driving rhythm section and a catchy guitar riff. |
| 10. “She Makes Dirty Words Sound Pretty (Like a Sinner’s Serenade)” | June 8, 2010 | Post-Hardcore, Emo | Features a unique blend of clean and unclean vocals and a memorable chorus. |
| 11. “To the Bones” | June 8, 2010 | Post-Hardcore, Emo | Includes a soaring chorus and a driving guitar riff. |
| 12. “Pittsburgh to Pretoria (The Taming of the Shrew)” | June 8, 2010 | Post-Hardcore, Emo | Focusing on atmospheric soundscapes and emotive vocals. |
| 13. “You Make a King Out of a Cigars and a Bus and a Train” | June 8, 2010 | Post-Hardcore, Emo | Features a catchy chorus and a blend of clean and unclean vocals. |
| 14. “I’ve Lost Myself in You (Bonus Track)” | June 8, 2010 | Post-Hardcore, Emo | A reprise of the opening track with additional instrumentation. |
Wrap-Up

Pierce the Veil’s Selfish Machines album cover design and themes provide a captivating glimpse into the band’s musical journey. With its striking artwork and relatable lyrics, the album continues to resonate with fans and critics alike.
Question & Answer Hub
What is the significance of the album cover design?
The album cover design, featuring the title “Selfish Machines,” represents the themes of conformity and rebellion present in the album’s lyrics and music.
Can you compare the cover design to previous Pierce the Veil albums?
While the Selfish Machines cover design is distinct from previous Pierce the Veil albums, the band’s use of bold colors and striking imagery remains consistent throughout their discography.
How does the album showcase Pierce the Veil’s musical growth and experimentation?
The Selfish Machines album marks a significant departure from Pierce the Veil’s earlier work, with the band incorporating new sounds and styles to create a more mature and experimental sound.