Robb Flynn doesn’t care what anyone thinks of him. The frontman for heavy metal band Machine Head has been speaking his mind for years, and has grown bolder and more outspoken recently whether the subject is politics, music or his own former bandmates. Machine Head’s latest album, Catharsis, reflects Flynn’s independence, taking the band’s music in another new direction. Instead of coasting on the critical acclaim for Machine Head’s last several releases, which have showcased dark, intricate compositions, the band has crafted a more accessible, radio-friendly sound, recalling early ’00s-era albums The Burning Red and Supercharger. Whether Flynn is embracing rap-metal or composing 10-minute epics, he’s always following his own muse, which has made Machine Head one of the most acclaimed and derided bands in metal for the last 20-plus years, depending on prevailing trends. That uncompromising dedication to craft extends to Machine Head’s live shows, which often last up to three hours, with songs pulled from every era of the band’s varied career. “We are carving our own path here, playing by our own rules, and as an artist, it’s the best feeling in the world,” Flynn said when announcing the latest Machine Head tour.
House of Blues at Mandalay Bay, 8 p.m. March 1, starting at $25 plus tax and fee, 18+. 800.745.3000 Ticketmaster
