Take My Scars

Released in 1997 as a companion to 'The More Things Change...', the Take My Scars EP is a significant artifact of the groove metal era. It is most notable for its lead track, a cover of Nirvana's 'Negative Creep,' which Machine Head reimagines through a lens of Bay Area thrash and sludge. This cover highlights the band's ability to translate grunge's nihilism into a high-decibel metal format. The EP also features the title track, a centerpiece of their sophomore album, which exemplifies the 'Machine Head sound': syncopated riffs, artificial harmonics, and Robb Flynn's signature blend of melodic shouting and guttural roars. Critically, the EP was seen as a testament to the band's live power and their status as leaders of the 'New Wave of American Heavy Metal.' It remains a fan favorite for its raw production and the inclusion of 'Blood for Blood,' one of the fastest and most aggressive tracks in their early discography.