Machine Head Begin Bassist Try-Outs

After reviewing bass player audition video submissions for over a month, US metallers Machine Head have narrowed down their choice to eight final bassists.

“Today is the last day for tracking guitars on the demo as we’re getting ready to begin try-outs tomorrow (Friday). Got eight guys lined up so far, some ‘known’ guys, some dudes who are under the radar, all have touring/stage experience,” frontman Robb Flynn said via official Facebook page. “It’s exciting in some ways, and weird in others, I never thought I’d be going through this process again, and it f–ks with my head from time to time.

“It’s just a fill-in slot for Mayhem, but these guys have to deliver on several levels, they got a bit of big shoe to fill, the dude who used to be onstage left was a presence, so we’re going to test these guys out musically, performance-wise, creatively, and see if there’s any kind of chemistry there. I’ll let you know how it goes next week.”

The singer/guitarist wasn’t specific on whether the former Fear Factory bassist Christian Wolde Olbers is among the “some known guys,” as Olbers himself has also sent a submission at a certain point. Although the band has stressed out that the audition is for a single performance only, some speculations indicate that the selected bassist might have a chance for getting a permanent position.

After the departure of Adam Duce in February, the remaining three band members got together and kicked off the auditions for the Mayhem fest replacement, occasionally getting much more than they expected, as one of the bassists, Frank Memolo, has supposedly “moved them to tears” after sending an audition clip despite being able to use only one hand.