Robb Flynn

Current Vio-lence and former Machine Head guitarist Phil Demmel talks reunion, the possibility of future shows and why Robb Flynn isn’t involved this time.

Robb Flynn announces Machine Head‘s final tour with their current lineup.

Every artist eventually faces a bad review of their work. But a very public reaction to that review invites even more negative criticism.

From Alice Cooper’s face paint and Iron Maiden’s elaborate stage sets to Watain’s demon-summoning rituals and Ghost’s hooded robes, heavy metal has always had a close relationship with “performance.” Substance comes first, without a doubt, but performance ain’t far behind. Dimmu Borgir dress up like Satanic carnival barkers. Glen Benton branded an upside-down crucifix into his forehead. Robb Flynn had that Insane Clown Posse hair during The Burning Red days. Simply put, the spectacle of creating extreme music seems to be one of its most potent aspects, and countless bands have used it to their advantage.