120,000+ Classic Rock Album Covers Database (1948-2026): Nickelback - Feed the Machine (2017)

Friday, March 27, 2020

Nickelback - Feed the Machine (2017) | Review, Fun Facts & Trivia

Nickelback - Feed the Machine (2017)

Nickelback – Feed the Machine (2017): Album Review, Tracklist, Credits, and Trivia

Introduction to Feed the Machine

Feed the Machine is the ninth studio album by Canadian rock band Nickelback, released on June 16, 2017 through BMG Rights Management. The album marked a return to a heavier, hard rock-oriented sound after the pop-rock experiments of No Fixed Address (2014).

Featuring dark, aggressive riffs and socially conscious lyrics, Feed the Machine showcased Nickelback’s willingness to tackle political, social, and personal themes while maintaining their signature arena-ready rock style.

Background and Recording

Following the mixed reception of No Fixed Address, Nickelback wanted to return to a more intense and guitar-driven sound.

The album was produced by Chris Baseford, a longtime collaborator, with additional input from the band’s core members. Recording sessions focused on crafting songs that were heavier, darker, and more aggressive, while still appealing to mainstream rock audiences.

The album’s title and themes reflect criticism of societal and political issues, adding depth to the band’s lyrical content compared to previous releases.

Musical Style and Sound

Feed the Machine features a blend of:

Hard rock
Post-grunge
Alternative metal
Arena rock

The album includes:

Dark, heavy guitar riffs
Aggressive drumming and bass
Anthemic choruses for live performance
Lyrics addressing politics, war, and personal struggles

Songs like the title track “Feed the Machine” and “Song on Fire” illustrate the band’s return to a darker and more intense sound.

Feed the Machine (2017) Tracklist

The album includes 11 tracks:

Feed the Machine
Song on Fire
Must Be Nice
For the River
The Betrayal (Act III)
After the Rain
Home
Money on the Table
Burn It to the Ground
Lies and Truths
The Devil Went Down to Georgia (cover – bonus track)

Notable Singles

Feed the Machine – heavy rock anthem
Song on Fire – melodic ballad with intense emotional impact
Must Be Nice – socially themed rock track

Album Credits

Band Members

Chad Kroeger – lead vocals, guitar
Ryan Peake – guitar, backing vocals
Mike Kroeger – bass
Daniel Adair – drums

Production

Produced by Chris Baseford and Nickelback
Recorded in Canada and the United States
Released by BMG Rights Management

The production emphasized powerful guitar tones, tight arrangements, and stadium-ready sound for live performances.

Reception and Commercial Success

Feed the Machine achieved moderate commercial success:

Debuted in the top 10 on multiple international charts
Singles received strong rock radio play
Supported by an extensive international tour

Critics generally noted the album as a return to heavier rock, praising the band for a more focused, aggressive sound.

Fun Facts About Feed the Machine

The album marked a return to a heavier, guitar-driven sound.
“Feed the Machine” addressed political and societal issues, a first for a Nickelback single.
The album was the band’s first release with BMG Rights Management.
Several songs from the album were performed during major international tours.

Trivia

The album features the song “The Betrayal (Act III)”, part of a trilogy Nickelback developed over multiple albums.
The title track was inspired by themes of manipulation and power in society.
Critics noted that the album’s heavier tone resembled the band’s early post-grunge sound.
Nickelback returned to a more aggressive live performance style during the supporting tour.

Did You Know?

Feed the Machine marked over 20 years of Nickelback as a band.
The album’s darker sound represents a shift back from the pop-oriented approach of 2014.
“Song on Fire” became a fan favorite during live shows for its emotional intensity.
The band used modern recording techniques to capture a raw, yet polished rock sound.