Machine Head + Killswitch Engage Release Song Inspired by George Floyd + Ahmaud Arbery Deaths
Machine Head and Killswitch Engage vocalist Jesse Leach have teamed up for a new song inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Matter protests. “Stop the Bleeding” was written following the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd addressing the incidents directly through the song’s lyrics.
“Being asked to be part of this song is an honor,” Leach says. “Yes, because it’s Machine Head, but more importantly, this is a message that needs to be heard and spread. These issues concerning abuses of power and racism are timeless. I have written about these previously, and I’ll write about them again. I think Robb [Flynn, Machine Head] really nailed this one, both lyrically and sonically. My hope is this song helps awaken those who hear it.”
“Robb has been a frequent voice of the voiceless in these times, so teaming up with him is a no brainer. We need more of our metal community to speak out on social issues and help raise awareness, especially during these crucial times. Music is the soundtrack to our lives, it transcends language and culture. This is the reason we as musicians need to do our part to spark thought and discussion on these types of issues. We can make a difference through music and we can help stop the bleeding.”
Robb Flynn describes how the collaboration came together. “I had been speaking with Jesse for maybe six months about singing on the song, as it always had a little bit of a Killswitch vibe to me. Unfortunately – or fortunately – our schedules hadn’t lined up, but with the subsequent lockdown from coronavirus, we had time to make it work. After what happened to George Floyd, I sent him the lyrics I’d written and he replied saying he was, “100 per cent on board.” Jesse is someone I consider to be a pioneer and in many ways, one of the men who changed the face of metal. His contribution to this song made it extremely powerful and it’s an honor to have him be a part of it.”
Check out the lyrics to “Stop the Bleeding” below.
The endless scroll of human tragedy
I swipe along as the days go by
Another brother murdered out in the streets
I connect to the shame, we don’t know what it’s likeBorn lucky cause the color of skin
America your heart is caving in
Somehow I thought this was the land of the free
Where is our humanity?
Our humanityBeating after beating
Throat choked under knee
Help me please
Because I can’t breathe
Just stop the bleedingBody after body
Piles up in the streets
Stand and fight
Not another life
Just stop the bleedingAnd some will claim it’s a conspiracy
The fake news out to undermine
When riots fight off white supremacy
Never given a choice, so they’re drawing a lineI stare and look out at the world in disgust
These men are dying over nothing just
Good men stand up and show your bravery
For a lost democracy
Our democracyBeating after beating
Throat choked under knee
Help me please
Because I can’t breathe
Just stop the bleedingBody after body
Piles up in the streets
Stand and fight
Not another life
Just stop the bleedingOur strife
Our struggle
Fight through these open woundsBeating after beating
Throat choked under knee
Help me please
Because I can’t breathe
Just stop the bleedingBody after body
Piled up in the streets
Stand and fight
Not another life
Just stop the bleeding nowOur strife
Our struggle
Fight through these open wounds
Machine Head have also released a b-side to “Stop the Bleeding” called “Bulletproof.” “The lyrics for ‘Bulletproof’ were finished in the aftermath of not only the Ahmaud Arbery murder at the hands of white supremacist, but everything twisting out of control in our World. The isolation and craziness of the pandemic, the lockdown protesters storming government buildings with AR-15s, as well as the blatant lies and conspiracies pouring out of our political leaders mouths, hour by hour, day after day.”
Listen to the new Machine Head song featuring Jesse Leach in the video below.
MACHINE HEAD - Stop The Bleeding feat. Jesse Leach (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)
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