Damn the Machine
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1991 |
| Founder | Chris Poland, David Judson Clemmons |
| Defunct | 1996 |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles , United States |
| Products | Progressive metal music |
| Website | www |
Damn the Machine was a progressive metal ensemble from the United States, established by former Megadeth guitarist Chris Poland alongside David Judson Clemmons. They are acknowledged as trailblazers within the realms of progressive rock and metal.
Their 1993 eponymous debut album gained recognition for merging politically infused lyrics with an innovative sound. The group was active between 1991 and 1994, after which they entered a period of inactivity until October 2021, when they released Day One, a collection of 12 original demo recordings created prior to their contract with major label A&M Records.
History
Following his departure from Megadeth in 1987, guitarist Chris Poland unveiled his solo project Return to Metalopolis in 1990. By 1993, he had assembled Damn the Machine, featuring his brother Mark on drums, David Judson Clemmons handling vocals and guitar duties, and David Randi on bass. Their musical direction was notably heavier and more progressive compared to Poland’s earlier work, drawing parallels to bands like Queensrÿche and Fates Warning, while incorporating jazz elements alongside politically motivated themes.
In 1993, the band secured a deal with A&M Records and issued their debut album under the production of Brian Malouf, renowned for collaborations with artists such as Pearl Jam and Queen. Their touring schedule included European dates supporting Dream Theater, as well as North American shows alongside Voivod, Flotsam and Jetsam, and Excel. A music video was created for the track "The Mission," and a promotional CD-5 titled Silence featured cover versions of Ten Years After’s "I'd Love to Change the World" and King Crimson’s "Cat Food."
Prior to their album release, Damn the Machine recorded an 18-song live studio demo comprising six tracks excluded from the final album: "Fear of Fear," "Welcome the Red," "New World Revival," "The Price," "Legend Maker," and "Heavens Gate." In 1995, before Clemmons departed, six further demos were produced: "No Rest," "Blinder Than I," "Wall," "Brains," "Bleed," and "Decay."
Aftermath
Facing challenges in attracting alternative music listeners, Damn the Machine eventually lost support from A&M Records, resulting in termination of their recording agreement and subsequent disbandment. Following Clemmons’ exit, the remaining members formed Mumbo's Brain, which appeared on Chris Poland’s 2000 solo compilation Rare Trax.
After DTM dissolved, Clemmons went on to establish Jud and The Fullbliss, releasing multiple solo projects. Chris Poland ventured into jazz fusion with the trio OHM, delivering one live album and two studio records. Meanwhile, Mark Poland continued developing his own musical endeavors, and David Randi took a position with Playboy Plus Entertainment.
Albums
- Damn the Machine (1993)
- Day One (2021)
Promotional singles
- "Silence" (1993)
- "Lonesome God" (1993)
- "The Mission" (1993)