MACHINE HEAD - 'BURN MY EYES' ROUNDTABLE 2019 

Chris Kontos, now that's the kind of enthusiasm for metal I like to see. Screw auditions, you need Chris back in the band permanently, Robb.

Chris kontos the most underrated drummer ever!

94 i was 19 ...Burn My Eyes - Chaos AD - Vulgar Display Of Power....the Holy Trinity of 90's metal

HERE'S MY MACHINE HEAD STORY FROM 1995: I got a chance to audition for MH around August or Sept of that year. They were set to leave in two weeks to do a US tour with Stuck Mojo. So I flew out to Oakland. Robb picked me up at my hotel (The Pink Flamingo) in his big ass boat of a car, with band logo stickers all over the dashboard. I remember Poison the Well being one of the stickers. We had about a 20-30 min drive to their rehearsal studio in this warehouse that was about 100 degrees (no a/c, no fans) with a broken PA. It wouldn’t get loud enough to hear Robb's vocals while playing the songs. But I went in prepared, knowing these songs as if I wrote them with them. I was a MH fan through and through. All the guys were cool. I knew I had some big shoes to fill, in Kontos! That dude is such a powerhouse and what a creative tasteful player too. His shit was so fun to play. His beats, his fills, everything. After the audition, Robb took me back to my hotel and said he'd pick me up in an hour or so to go to a house party at Chuck Billy's. I showered, ordered a pizza, and just as I was finishing up my first piece, a horn honked and Robb was back out there with 1 or 2 other guys, in a different vehicle. We went to the party, James Murphy was there. Not even sure I got to meet Chuck. The party was mostly in the backyard, with a big spread of food and liquor under a tent. After the party, I was returned to my hotel, and told I'd hear from Robb soon. I get the call a week later saying that they still have Dave McClain to audition, and he was currently on tour with Sacred Reich, so they would try him out after they return from their US tour. They loved my playing, said they wish they could take me on the upcoming tour, but it would have been costly to fly me and my drums out to CA where the tour started, so they decided to just get a local guy. I was certainly bummed. Would have been cool to at least say I did that tour. But at least I can say I got an audition. I was 22 years old at the time. And obviously, McClain came in and killed it and got the gig. But as I always say, all things happen for a reason. And I guess it just wasn't meant to be. And I wouldn't have the family that I currently have, had I got the gig. Life would be way different. Anyway, I got to see MH on that tour in Columbus OH at the Alrosa Villa (RIP DIME) and got to hang backstage. Honestly, the local drummer they took on tour with them was not very good. I have no idea who he was. It's like he really didn't know the material well, and sadly missed all kinds of cool ass Kontos fills. I'm talking the type of fills that set up the next riff so that it hits fucking hard! The kind of fills that are like a riff, not just a throwaway fill. Instead, he was doing all kinds of old school 80s quad fills. UGH! I was worried this was their new drummer. But after they came off stage, Logan told me "no, he is just doing the tour". Whew! So needless to say, I'm psyched that Kontos and Mader are back, at least for this BME 25th anniversary tour. I will definitely be in the crowd at one of the shows, even if that means I have to drive a few hours to catch one. Mader is so chill. And Kontos is so full of energy and excitement. LOL Can't wait to hear him crush those drums again!!!

OLD IS THE BEST RIFF EVER WRITEN! And now i finally know Logan wrote it.

Having Logan and Chris there just seems right. Miss Logans intensity on guitar and Chris's beats

Probably the best thing that could happened happened to Robb after Dave and Phil left. I hope they stick around.

This band desperately needs Kontos's enthusiasm and talent. Robb, please stop this auditions nonsense, and record with that line-up.

I loved Dave as a drummer, but Chris is an amazing drummer and he seems to have a good personality. That first album is so legendary, to this day, my favorite drum and guitar production of all time. They need Logan and Adam to round out that original lineup and just roll with that. Screw auditions.

Don't let us down again Robb...!!! Keep this lineup forever...😉

We want a new album from all of us united once more again!

Kontos is so excited about it. =D

love the enthusiasm of Chris.

Chris Kontos makes burn my eyes. He just naturally has that thing I call “spunk”. His playing has that feel. Reminds me of Bonham. That one record propelled him into one of my favorite metal drummers. MH never captured that feel and intensity again. Chris is so damn right about the rolls during verses and toms played during verses. The hi hat and ride work. I play guitar and he immediately makes me air drums when I listen to BME. Love this vid.

I hope Rob has cornrows and wears a cro mags windbreaker the whole tour

Like what Chris said about the music being "street" Is nail on head. BME has that dark urban street feel to it, to me it's comparable with the vibe of the early Cypress Hill albums but METAL. That's only 1 of reasons why this album is so special, it's got many flavours. When Machine head played 5 songs from BME at Bloodstock 2013 I went crazy, seeing them play it in it's entirety in London and Manchester (yes 2 gigs y0) it'll be like an adrenaline shot to the head and bollocks at the same time.

Damn Chris Kontos looks healthier than he did back then. In fact he looks very healthy and full of energy.

A few times in the conversation the guys all keep forgetting that Jared isn’t Adam

It would be great to see a new cd with this lineup

Would be cool if this lineup sticks for awhile. Don't think Logan will hang for too long, but Chris is a ripping drummer. I'd love to see him fill the shoes that Dave left behind.

If Machine Head are to continue, this is the lineup for it.

34:54 Kontos telling the story of Davidian. He was right. When you hear that drum opening... you know that what is to follow is going to be HUGE!

Awesome! I want this line-up to stick. Chris' passion is awesome to witness, and he's a phenomenal drummer!

Chris is a goddamn beast on the kit. Great attitude, too.

Love this!! Kontos is awesome! Great drummer...

I saw them a few times in the nineties opening for Slayer (Rotterdam and Brussels). I spoke to them backstage, very nice guys. That lineup was The best! Hope to see that anniversary tour somewhere. Goosebumps!

This is so epic!! Love seeing these guys back together, would love to see a new record with this lineup!!

This line-up is so great. Saw them at Dynamo in 95. Something was happening than. They were huge. On of the biggest debuts in the nineties. Metalwise. With Pantera ofcourse. They toured with Slayer than en even topped them. Great year 1995.

"Burn My Eyes" is an album of all time !!! Whenever I listen to him, I'm excited at the premiere !!!

Sooooo amazing to see you guys back together. You were always such an inspiration. I remember learning the whole record in high school. PLEASE DO A WEST COAST TOUR!!!

Chris Kontos... I am grinning from ear to ear. Thank you for this MH

Everyone wants this lineup back and I have to agree. The chemistry is solid, nothing better for a band this far into its existence!

Awesome video! Chris Kontos is a beast on the drums, would love to see him be a permanent member. Love how much Celtic Frost was an influence, one of my favorite bands :)

I blazed with Logan when he was in Soulfly on their tour bus. Haha It was like 1998 or 99. My friends dad played in this band Insolence from San Jose and opened up for Soulfly. The bassist from Insolence new my buddy any I were sepultura fans and wanted to meet Max Cavalera and I was a Logan fan cause MH.Two birds one stone deal. Anyway got on the bus and sat down. Max came out of the back room said whut up, and went back in. haha From there, one of the coolest memories of my metalhead childhood.

Good for you Robb,, Trying to make other band members happy is more harder than people think,, So keep this going,,enjoy the moment,, And see where it all goes,, Steering a band to success is such a chore,, Looking forward to seeing this in the states,,,

So so special seeing and hearing true metal legends going through stories of Burn My Eyes

Contos has such a cool style! This album was the one! It’s still the only one if their albums I listen to, sick groove, really cool fills, inventive, in the pocket, bring this motherfucker back!

As a drummer I always knew Chris was the variable in this band that made the difference. It's refreshing to see his interaction here, without him MH would have been a little better than average. He made this band from the get go, much respect to Rob cause it's his thing but! Without Chris it just wouldn't have been the impact it was without him. I think people who aren't drummers get it too. He is absolutely the MH sound. It was the biggest shame of my life he was booted from the band, I loved them after however just didn't quite have that sound. DO NOT EVER remover Chris from the band, you need him Rob, rocognise please! Love y'all 💯 ❤️

I love the idea of these round tables. Definitely want to see the anniversary tour.

Looking forward to this tour guys! Also the one take re-recording of the entire album to be released using this line-up!

Killer video🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼Greetings from Norway

Can't wait to see you guys in Poland! Legendary lineup \m/

The Slayer Biohazard Machine head tour during the burn my eyes era was probably the best concert I attended. NYC Roseland Ballroom!

I've always thought Death Chruch is the heaviest song of MHs.

This is great. It's so good too these guys having a laugh like this and all the memories and stuff.

The real band is back

For me it is a dream come true. I have been waiting for more than 23 years to come back to see you again. Robb makes them stay permanently. This would be the best move of your life!

Now this is the type of video I like to see! That was cool as hell !!!

I'm proud to say that my first leather jacket was a purchase from Chris Kontos, he is a friend of mine since I was a kid. Anyhow, he was in Attitude back then and even then he had all the Metal pins and the jacket I bought had all these holes in it from them. Anyhow after AA toured he came back by my house and bought the Jacket back for more then I paid. I then used that money to buy a new Jacket that I still have 40 years later. I also went to School with Rob for 1 year at American high. I handed him an AA demo and he got back to me in a few days and kinda dissed AA, saying his band Violence was so much better. Robb also gave me a demo from Violence and I didn't care for it. Lol. The parties back then were legendary! That my Plug on Machine head other then they need to stop canceling Detroit shows please.

I first heard this song in 1994 when I had my first job at the Rib Crib in Tulsa Oklahoma... they had Digital Music Express... kinda like Pandora today...I was opening the store and from the intro I KNEW this song was gonna be something special....I was trying to mosh with my co-workers....yeah....they weren't havin it... I went out and bought Burn My Eyes that day....was NOT disappointed.... I fucking LOVE Machine Head....I just so happen to play the guitar... been playing since about '92.... Rob Flynn and Logan Mader were HUGE influences on my style and tone....I cant thank you guys enough for all the great music.... Cheers!

I came here for burn my eyes I stayed here cause Kontos

Really diggin' the vibe between the guys!

Very Cool! I saw them on that tour...opening for SLAYER in Offenbach, Germany. Crazy days!

Thank you

I get the impression that these latest videos are just testing the water to see if we're cool with Chris and Logan rejoining the band. Yes. We are more than cool with it.

I remember getting this on the way home from school. Yes!!!!!!!!

This album originally came out in 1994, but it as a timeless "lost" gem that it needs to be appreciated now... It was good back them, even better now,,, 20 years from now, still enjoying it. Hell yeah!!

Rob this makes perfect sense. I would love this line up.

The first thing I ever heard from MH was Old in 2005 on Comcast Metal channel my junior year. I immediately bought Burn My Eyes. I had no idea wtf metal had to offer outside what was popular at the time. It was a life changing moment. I knew it was special. I’ve been listening to it regularly ever since

Hahahahaha! “Knee lifters Metal”

One of the best debut albums in that era.

It's kinda sad and incomplete not seeing Adam Duce around the table. 😕

I saw them live with the BME lineup in 94, great show, great record

I watched them on their last two tours, amazing shows!! Sad the old lineup ran it's course but that's the way she goes...I hope the classic Burn My Eyes group sticks together!!!

Absolutely agree that the band needs to keep this line up and make a new record, it would be fantastic. Hope you guys can make this happen!

I started to listen to this album with 14 years, back in 1994, and its still the only album I would take with me to a lonely island. Can't wait for you to show up in Munich again!

This is so great to watch, Burn my eyes was my teenage life!!

"Working on it!" 😂 Chris is such a cool dude. So much of good energy from him. Hope he's sticking around for a while.

This is just magical, thank you all for this, from an OLD-ahhhh longtime MH fan (bought BME the day of UK release!). Do you remember the 'Burn My Mouth' soup cups they gave out at the Tower records signing in November 94? I had y'all sign one, I remember some nutter slung some tomato soup at a passing bus (lol) as we were queuing up for the signing then dumped his cup which I picked up so I had two! 😅

Legends!! Rob Flynn riding a carnival ride on Dynamo in the Netherlands was awesome.. Never heard a grunt so loud passing in vertical space.. Burn my eyes is on my all-time top 10 list (of any music style).. Much love from the Netherlands!!

*My idols. Burn My Eyes is The Reign In Blood or Bonded By Blood of the 90's. Thanks, this interview was a real privilege for me. Metal till the end.*

I feel like I time travelled to the future. Like I haven’t really kept up with Machine Bead through the years. I LOVED Burn my Eyes and Supercharger. But aside from that I really didn’t follow them. And now, 25 years later I’m looking at these guys and see how they have aged. Then I look at myself and still see myself as a 16 year old little dope smoker back roading drinking beers and listening to Machine Head.

Having Jared there is cool because it's like having a big fan's perspective on it.

Dude with dreads looks like an anime character. Like security hides when he comes through. Lol. I can't wait for more MH, you are and always have been my favorite band ever. Thank you Rob for your dedication and passion.

I remember this album coming out and blowing me off my feet and Chris' drums were what stood out the most for me. I'm not taking a thing away from Robb, the great writing, the playing out anything else. But the drums just don't stop driving every song and I've been obsessed with drumming ever since.

Kontos is on a different level. That guys energy is just plain infectious!! 🤘✌

This brings back a lot of memories!

So cool to see these guys together again, definitely nice chemistry and enthusiasm going on! Would be really cool if Chris and Logan stuck around permanently, I'm just not sure if Logan can pull of the more intricate guitar stuff that came along with Mr. Demmel?

it s very cool to listen to this guy , Robb took a very good decision , reunit the people from the beginning , they are happy to be there that s music brothership is awesome , it s a particular feeling to share music with friends , it s a very strong link.....

Can’t say enough about Chris and his playing I’m ashamed I’m not familiar with his other work this album changed my approach to music THANKS MH can’t wait for the tour 🛒

They look like a young band again with the new members \m/

The early to mid-90s was such a great time for heavy music. I saw a Machine Head open for Napalm Death and Obituary twice in 1994 I believe and then twice on the Slayer tour along with Biohazard in '95.

I love how the drummer HAS to sit on a drum throne.

Happy to see Rob and Logan together again

Saw you guys in the beginning with Slayer and Stuck Mojo and with Pantera... always absolutely killed it live! Burn My Eyes is a classic...🤘

Saw you last year, hope to be able to see you guys again this year, but, i will need a few weeks for the cash. Hope there will still be tickets ! This is still one of the albums i listen to the most. I kind of got stuck in those years, but, this album is also just a fucking instant hit classic.

Robb Flynn,Chris Kontos,Logan Mader,Adam Duce 1994-1997 The Best Machine Head ❤❤❤❤

This is just great !!!

BME is so damn heavy. Picked it up used in SF on a lunch break on a whim, hadn't heard them before; was able to catch them live during this era \m/

My first MH album was More Things Change when it came out, which I liked a lot. But when I bought and heard this one I knew it was something very special. Chris' drums were just on this crazy different level of technique and variety, they just fit those huge riffs. I always wondered why the hell did this guy leave band. To see him that stoked about this after all these years, big thumbs up. This really seems like things coming full circle, after all these years. Good move, Robb!

You're tinpot 'till Kontos is back full time.

Very pleasant to see Dom Lawsons face in this. Like the guy a lot

I saw them for Burn my eyes/More Things Change tour! At that point Dave was in the band! Absolutely life changing show!

With people dissecting Robb's lyrics nowadays hearing this old stuff really brings home that Metal lyrics once were about taking the absurdity of life and cranking up all kinds of ideas and situations all the way up to 11. Metal lyrics weren't some README File for a fulfilled life and absolute self-security like people expect them to be today. Not hating on inspirational lyrics from bands like Skyharbor or Tesseract, but there should also always be a space for making topics of insanity become so grotesque lyrically that you can actually go away from it with more energy, knowing that this is just insanity and not letting it steal the energy from you by bowing down infront of it. Thank you for not giving as much of a fuck as other older bands do about "lyric critiques" in recent years, numbing down everything they do just to not rub some inexperienced people the wrong way.

Davidian has got to be one of the best metal records of all time. also, plz record an album with these 2 guys back!

Jared trying to fit in lol

Love MH BME album...the best debut album by any metalbands... Watched them on BME Tour 1996@Manchester UK...still got the ticket&t'shirt merch....❤❤ from Malaysia MetalHead...🤘🤘

Knee lifters metal! 😂😂😂

Excellent marketing lessons from Machine Head!!!

Best lineup and album period!!