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Feed the Machine
Feed the Machine
from Wikipedia

Feed the Machine
Studio album by
ReleasedJune 16, 2017 (2017-06-16)
RecordedJune–October 2016
Genre
Length43:04
LabelBMG
Producer
  • Nickelback
  • Chris Baseford
Nickelback chronology
No Fixed Address
(2014)
Feed the Machine
(2017)
Get Rollin'
(2022)
Singles from Feed the Machine
  1. "Feed the Machine"
    Released: February 1, 2017
  2. "Song on Fire"
    Released: April 28, 2017
  3. "Must Be Nice"
    Released: June 2, 2017
  4. "After the Rain"
    Released: October 22, 2017
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStar[2]
Wall of Sound7/10[4]

Feed the Machine is the ninth studio album by Canadian rock band Nickelback, and was released on June 16, 2017. It is the band's first release through record label BMG.[5] Feed the Machine debuted at number five on the US Billboard 200 with 47,000 album-equivalent units.[6]

Background

[edit]

Following the release of their prior album, No Fixed Address, in 2014, the band cancelled the majority of their touring due to Chad Kroeger needing to have surgery to remove a cyst in his vocal cord.[7] The band subsequently became bogged down in legal battles related to the cancellation of the tour.[7]

The album was released on June 16, 2017.[8][9] Shortly after its release, the band began a 44-city tour on June 23, 2017, in North America, co-headlined with Daughtry, Shaman's Harvest and Cheap Trick as supporting acts.[7]

Promotion and release

[edit]

The album's first single, "Feed the Machine" was released on February 1, 2017. The second single, "Song on Fire", was released on April 28, 2017.[10] On June 2, 2017, Nickelback made the song "Must Be Nice" available on their YouTube channel[11] and gave it away to those who had pre-ordered the album.[12] "Must Be Nice" was released to American rock radio stations on June 6, 2017, as the album's third official single and second rock single.[13]

Commercial performance

[edit]

Feed the Machine debuted at number five on the US Billboard 200 with 47,000 album-equivalent units, of which 43,000 were pure album sales.[5][14] It debuted at number three in the UK, becoming their highest-debuting album of their career in that country. Later, it has been certified Silver by the BPI for sales in excess of 60,000 copies.

Track listing

[edit]
Feed the Machine track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Feed the Machine"5:02
2."Coin for the Ferryman"C. Kroeger4:50
3."Song on Fire"
3:50
4."Must Be Nice"C. Kroeger3:42
5."After the Rain"
3:34
6."For the River"C. Kroeger3:28
7."Home"C. Kroeger3:52
8."The Betrayal (Act III)"
4:20
9."Silent Majority"
  • C. Kroeger
  • Peake
3:52
10."Every Time We're Together"
3:52
11."The Betrayal (Act I)" (instrumental)Peake2:42
Total length:43:04

Personnel

[edit]

Nickelback

Other musicians

Production

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Certifications for Feed the Machine
Region Certification Certified units/sales
United Kingdom (BPI)[48] Silver 60,000

Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Feed the Machine is the ninth studio by Canadian rock band , consisting of 11 tracks and running for 43 minutes. Released on June 16, 2017, it marks the band's first full-length release through after leaving . The album was co-produced by and Chris Baseford, who had previously worked with artists such as . It features a mix of anthems and ballads, with the title track serving as a defiant opener addressing themes of manipulation and control. Notable singles include "Feed the Machine" (released February 1, 2017), "Song on Fire" (April 28, 2017), "Must Be Nice" (June 2, 2017), and "After the Rain" (October 22, 2017). Feed the Machine debuted at number five on the US , selling 47,000 album-equivalent units in its first week and becoming Nickelback's seventh top-ten on the chart. Internationally, it reached number two in , number three in , and the top ten in several countries. The supported the band's Feed the Machine Tour, which began in June 2017 and extended into 2018 with additional legs in and . Critically, Feed the Machine received mixed reviews. AllMusic awarded it 2.5 out of five stars, noting that while the band leaned into heavier riffs, the album still adhered to their familiar post-grunge formula. Some critics praised tracks like the title song for their energy and guitar work, but others found the overall sound inessential and predictable.

Background and development

Prior events

Nickelback's eighth studio album, No Fixed Address, was released in November 2014, marking a shift toward pop-oriented sounds that drew mixed reception. The subsequent No Fixed Address Tour commenced in 2015, but was abruptly halted in June when frontman was diagnosed with a on his , requiring and vocal rest; this led to the cancellation of the remaining North American dates through . The cancellations prompted Nickelback to file a $13 million insurance claim with Lloyd's of London to cover losses from 65 total canceled concerts, but in December 2015, Lloyd's countersued, alleging Kroeger had failed to disclose a preexisting throat condition and accusing the band of submitting misleading medical documentation. Nickelback responded with their own lawsuit in January 2016, claiming bad faith denial of the policy, which ultimately contributed to a prolonged legal battle amid recovery from the health setback; the dispute was settled in October 2017 with undisclosed terms. These events from 2015 to early 2016, including the tour disruptions and litigation, influenced the band's creative direction, fostering frustration that shaped the aggressive tone of their next project. Following the European leg of the postponed tour in late 2016, Nickelback signed a worldwide recording deal with BMG Rights Management in January 2017, departing from their prior label arrangements and signaling a fresh start. Seeking to reconnect with their origins after pop-leaning releases like No Fixed Address, the band consciously pivoted toward heavier rock elements, with Kroeger describing the material as "definitely heavier than a lot of our previous records."

Songwriting

Chad Kroeger served as the primary songwriter for Nickelback's ninth studio album Feed the Machine, drawing heavily on his vocal delivery to shape melodies and during the creative process. Contributions from bandmates , Mike Kroeger, and were integral, with the group collaboratively voting on song selections to ensure cohesion, including the decision to exclude a that did not align with the album's direction. The songwriting process was inspired by political and social issues prevalent in the mid-2010s, particularly the rise of divisive figures like , which influenced the album's overarching tone of rebellion and critique. The title track, for instance, embodies themes, railing against systemic and control through its aggressive riffs and confrontational lyrics. Writing sessions commenced in in 2016, shortly after Kroeger's recovery from vocal cord in 2015—a procedure necessitated by health issues from prior touring—which had temporarily halted his ability to write, as he relies on singing to develop material. The band intentionally shifted toward a harder rock sound, moving away from the pop-leaning elements of their previous release to recapture their early aggression, resulting in a more unified and intense collection of tracks. Specific songs originated from spontaneous band interactions, such as "Song on Fire," which developed during a jam session exploring emotional ballad structures co-written with Peake and external collaborators. "Must Be Nice" stemmed from Kroeger's personal reflections on and privilege, capturing a sarcastic take on perceived effortless success amid the album's broader thematic unrest.

Recording and production

Sessions

The recording sessions for Feed the Machine took place primarily at The Studio in , , during 2016 and into early 2017. The process involved initial demos, full band sessions to lay down core tracks, and mixing efforts to finalize the album's sound. To preserve the raw energy central to the band's rock sound, the sessions utilized live band tracking, where the full group performed together in the studio to capture authentic interplay and dynamics. Overdubs were then added for refinement, allowing for layered vocals, additional instrumentation, and fine-tuning without compromising the initial live feel. A key challenge during these sessions was blending electronic elements—such as synthesized textures and programmed beats—with the organic rock instrumentation, requiring careful balancing to maintain cohesion across the tracks while enhancing the album's modern edge. This approach drew briefly from songwriting inspirations rooted in social and political themes, ensuring the production amplified the material's intensity.

Producers and collaborators

The production of Feed the Machine was a collaborative effort led by the band alongside producer Chris Baseford, who also handled engineering and mixing duties for multiple tracks. Baseford, recognized for his work with rock bands including and , brought his expertise in crafting polished sounds to the project. Engineering responsibilities were shared between Baseford and members, ensuring a hands-on approach from throughout the recording process. Mixing was distributed across several professionals: Baseford on select tracks, on others such as the title track, and Randy Staub on additional songs, resulting in a cohesive yet dynamically varied sonic palette. The features a guest appearance by guitarist , who provided the solo on "For the River," complementing the core band's instrumentation and vocal performances.

Composition and themes

Musical style

Feed the Machine marks a shift for Nickelback toward a harder-edged and sound, characterized by heavier riffs and more aggressive instrumentation compared to the pop-rock leanings of their previous , No Fixed Address (2014), which incorporated and elements. The blends these styles with influences, featuring downtuned guitars, frantic riffs, and sharp percussion that drive the rhythmic foundation. The production highlights big, anthemic choruses and driving rhythms, accentuated by Chad Kroeger's signature raspy vocals, which add a gritty texture throughout. Industrial elements are incorporated, particularly in the form of mechanical beats and industrial metal-inspired riffs, lending a modern, mechanical edge to several tracks. Acoustic passages appear in intros and transitions, providing contrast to the heavier sections, while symphonic touches, including orchestral strings, enhance the emotional depth in ballads like "After the Rain," where soaring choruses build over pounding drums. Track-specific variations underscore the album's sonic range: the title track serves as an aggressive opener with industrial beats, tight djenty riffs, and a pit-ready breakdown that establishes the album's heavier tone. In contrast, "The Betrayal (Act III)" stands out as a with an acoustic intro evolving into territory, featuring 6/8 thudding riffs and a Meshuggah-lite breakdown, tying into themes of emotional intensity through its dynamic structure.

Lyrical content

The lyrical content of Feed the Machine primarily revolves around themes of against and societal manipulation, marking a shift toward more socially conscious narratives compared to the band's earlier work, which often focused on personal relationships and romance. The title track "Feed the Machine" portrays a dystopian world where leaders exploit and control the masses through deception and power, with decrying "baiting every hook with filthy lies" and calling for resistance against an oppressive system. This sets the tone for the album's overarching motif of defiance, as noted in reviews highlighting the record's emphasis on resistance to authoritarian forces. Tracks like "Coin for the Ferryman" explore loss and the search for redemption through reflections on reckless youth and its consequences, evoking the mythological payment for passage to the as a for paying for past mistakes. In contrast, "Must Be Nice" delves into interpersonal dynamics, using to critique idealized relationships and the they inspire, with lines mocking a "goddamn " life that seems unattainable to others. Meanwhile, "For the River" incorporates political undertones, critiquing broader societal divisions and injustices through its urgent call to action, aligning with the album's theme of collective struggle. These lyrics blend personal with universal appeals, drawing from Chad Kroeger's experiences while addressing wider issues like inequality and control. This evolution reflects a maturation in Nickelback's songwriting, moving beyond romantic to confront external powers and systemic flaws, as evidenced by the album's replacement of individual vices with commentary on global threats. The employs direct, anthemic language to foster a sense of urgency and , enhancing the record's edge without delving into overt .

Promotion and release

Pre-release promotion

In January 2017, signed a worldwide recording agreement with , marking a new partnership for the distribution and release of their ninth studio album. This deal positioned BMG as the label handling global promotion and sales, with the band teasing an upcoming "major announcement" scheduled for February 1. On January 22, 2017, the band released a short teaser video on platforms, featuring distorted guitar riffs and aggressive percussion that hinted at a heavier, more intense sound compared to previous releases. This clip, captioned to build anticipation for new music arriving on February 1, sparked online discussions about the band's shift toward metal-influenced elements. Frontman later confirmed in interviews that the album would overall be "heavier" than prior works, fueling fan speculation and shares across platforms like and . The full album title, Feed the Machine, along with its depicting dystopian, industrial imagery of mechanical gears and shadowed figures, was revealed on February 1, 2017, alongside the of the same name. Pre-orders opened immediately through the band's official store, offering incentives such as instant gratification downloads of the title track and exclusive early access codes for tour tickets. These efforts, including limited-edition merchandise bundles, aimed to engage core fans and generate buzz ahead of the June 16 release date.

Singles

The lead single from the album, "Feed the Machine", was released to digital platforms on February 1, 2017, serving as the title track and initial promotional vehicle for the project. The song impacted U.S. rock radio on the same date and was supported by an official music video directed by Kyle Cogan, which portrays a dystopian future where the band performs amid societal collapse. This visual emphasized themes of resistance and energy, aligning with the track's aggressive rock sound, and it peaked at number 17 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. Prior to the album's June release, "Song on Fire" was issued as the second single on April 28, 2017, in digital format with accompanying radio promotion targeting mainstream rock stations. The single featured a music video directed by Nigel Dick, shot in Vancouver's lush forests to capture the band's raw, live-performance intensity amid natural settings. It peaked at number 21 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. "Must Be Nice" debuted as the third single on June 2, 2017, just prior to the album's launch, available digitally and premiered via the band's YouTube channel. Promotion focused on rock radio, with the track sent to U.S. stations on June 6, 2017, to capitalize on album momentum, though no official music video was produced; instead, emphasis was placed on audio streams and live renditions to highlight its melodic rock appeal. The fourth and final single, "After the Rain", was released on October 22, 2017, primarily to rock radio in digital format as a post-album push. A lyric video was issued on September 19, 2017, via the band's official channel to promote its introspective style, with strategies centering on radio and fan engagement through streaming platforms rather than full-scale video production.

Critical reception

Aggregate ratings

On aggregate review sites, Feed the Machine received mixed or average ratings from critics. Album of the Year reports a score of 54 out of 100, based on 4 reviews, categorizing the reception as mixed. User scores reflect similar ambivalence. Rate Your Music users give it 2.5 out of 5 based on hundreds of ratings. In comparison to Nickelback's prior releases, such as No Fixed Address (Metacritic score of 54 out of 100 based on 5 reviews) and Dark Horse (49 out of 100 based on 8 reviews), Feed the Machine received a similar score on Album of the Year to No Fixed Address. This genre shift toward heavier, riff-driven tracks influenced the scores, providing a more focused sound that resonated better in rock circles despite overall middling consensus. Retrospectively, as of 2024, the album has been noted for generating some of the band's better critical reception relative to its commercial performance.

Reviews

Upon its release, Feed the Machine received a mix of positive, negative, and mixed reviews from music critics, with praise often centered on its return to rock roots and criticisms focusing on formulaic elements and lack of fresh ideas. Wall of Sound awarded the album 7/10, lauding its high energy and infectious hooks, particularly in tracks like "Coin for the Ferryman" with its sharp riffs and breakdowns, describing it as "actually a pretty good album" and a "GREAT album" given Nickelback's history. Similarly, a Sputnikmusic review gave it 3/5, highlighting the catchy choruses and memorable riffs in songs such as "Coin for the Ferryman" and "The Betrayal (Act III)," calling it the band's "most refined and energized product since their breakthrough hit Silver Side Up." On the negative side, another critique rated it 2.5/5, dismissing it as Nickelback's "blandest album to date" for its lack of innovation and failure to evolve beyond predictable radio-rock tropes. The Thin Air offered a scathing take without a numerical score, labeling the album formulaic and evoking "awful, long-forgotten nu-metal bands" with clichéd structures and overplayed anthems that lack originality. Mixed responses captured the album's strengths and shortcomings in balance. AllMusic noted the heavier, more muscular sound as a welcome shift from prior pop-leaning efforts but criticized the predictable, cliché-ridden that undermined the aggression. The Soundboard Reviews described it as a solid return to with energetic tracks like the title song, yet ultimately "inessential" and unlikely to sway detractors due to familiar vocal delivery and repetitive themes. Common themes across reviews included appreciation for Nickelback's rock revival and heavier production compared to recent works, contrasted with critiques of Chad Kroeger's vocal style and reliance on overused lyrical conventions.

Commercial performance

Charts

Feed the Machine debuted at number five on the US Billboard 200 chart, earning 47,000 album-equivalent units in its first week. The album also topped the US Hard Rock Albums chart upon release. Internationally, it achieved strong initial placements, reaching the top ten in several markets including Australia and Germany.
Chart (2017)Peak Position
Australian Albums (ARIA)3
Canadian Albums (Billboard)2
German Albums (Offizielle Top 100)6
UK Albums (OCC)3
US Billboard 2005
US Top Hard Rock Albums (Billboard)1
The album's singles saw significant success on rock radio formats, particularly the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart, where "Feed the Machine" and "Song on Fire" peaked at #2, and "Must Be Nice" at #3. These peaks marked continued presence for Nickelback on the format, contributing to the album's visibility in rock markets. On year-end tallies, Feed the Machine ranked at number 197 on the Billboard 200 for 2017, reflecting sustained performance amid competition from diverse genres.

Certifications and sales

Feed the Machine has achieved moderate commercial success in select markets, with worldwide sales of approximately 200,000 copies as of 2018. In the United States, the album sold approximately 100,000 copies by 2020, falling short of gold certification thresholds set by the RIAA. In the , the album was certified Silver by the (BPI) in 2017 for shipments exceeding 60,000 units, with no updates to this status as of 2025. In , the album debuted at #2, with first-week sales exceeding 40,000 units, but has not received an official certification from . As of September 2025, the album has generated approximately 14,000 equivalent album units from streaming. Compared to prior releases, Feed the Machine reflects a decline in overall sales from Nickelback's peak albums like , yet it demonstrates stable support from the band's dedicated fanbase, contributing to sustained touring revenue and streaming growth.

Credits

Track listing

The standard edition of Feed the Machine contains 11 tracks with a total duration of 43:04.
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1"Feed the Machine", Mike Kroeger, 5:02
2"Coin for the Ferryman"4:50
3"Song on Fire", , Hayley Warner, Steph Jones, Ryan Spraker3:50
4"Must Be Nice"3:42
5"After the Rain", 3:34
6"For the River"3:28
7"Home"3:52
8"The Betrayal (Act III)", , 4:20
9"Silent Majority", 3:52
10"Every Time We're Together", 3:52
11"The Betrayal (Act I)"2:42

Personnel

Nickelback
Chad Kroeger – lead vocals, rhythm guitar, production
Ryan Peake – lead guitar, keyboards, backing vocals, production
Mike Kroeger – bass guitar, production
Daniel Adair – drums, backing vocals, production
Additional musicians
Nuno – guest guitar solo on "For the River"
Production and technical staff
Chris Baseford – co-producer, recording engineer, mixing (tracks 2, 3, 6, 9, 11)
Chris – mixing (tracks 1, 5, 7, 10)
Randy Staub – mixing (tracks 4, 8)
Ted – mastering (Sterling Sound)
The was recorded in , , with additional engineering at The Root Cellar Studio in Maui, Hawaii.

Feed the Machine Tour

Tour overview

The Feed the Machine Tour was a by Canadian , launched in support of their ninth studio of the same name. The North American leg featured 44 dates, beginning on June 23, 2017, at the Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center (formerly Klipsch Music Center) in , and running through September 2017, with additional Canadian shows extending into October. The tour was produced exclusively by Live Nation and included opening acts Daughtry for all U.S. dates plus select Canadian shows, and for the full run. The tour was subsequently extended into 2018 and 2019, incorporating a residency (five shows from March 1–10, 2018), dates (March 2018), international legs across (starting May 3, 2018, in , ), (including in August 2018 and February 2019), and (February 2019), additional North American shows, and (October 2019), concluding on October 6, 2019, at Parque Olímpico in Rio de Janeiro, . Production elements emphasized an industrial aesthetic inspired by the album's title track, featuring a central large LED screen flanked by two smaller screens, truss towers integrating lighting and video projections, and extensive use of to enhance the high-energy rock performances. Overall, the North American portion generated a box office gross of $18.8 million across 56 reported shows, attracting an attendance of 465,923, with an average ticket price of $40.35. This leg underscored Nickelback's enduring draw in arena and amphitheater venues throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Setlist and reception

The Feed the Machine Tour's standard setlist comprised 20 to 22 songs, integrating 5 to 6 tracks from the album Feed the Machine with longstanding hits from Nickelback's catalog. Openers typically featured the album's title track "Feed the Machine," followed by energetic staples like "Woke Up This Morning," "Photograph," and "Something in Your Mouth," while tracks from the album such as "Song on Fire" along with older songs like "Lullaby" and "Hangnail" were interspersed among crowd favorites including "How You Remind Me," "Far Away," and "Savin' Me." Setlists varied modestly across the 107 dates, with occasional swaps for regional appeal or guest appearances, and encores emphasizing ballads like "" and "If Today Was Your Last Day" to provide emotional closers. Audience reception was overwhelmingly positive, with fans lauding the tour's high-octane energy, synchronized lighting, and immersive production that created a vibrant, environment at venues often packed to capacity. Critics delivered mixed assessments, commending enhancements in the band's live and dynamics—particularly the mechanical-themed visuals and Kroeger's vocal delivery—but noting the performances' adherence to predictable rock structures. Among notable moments, several shows sold out major arenas, and Kroeger's direct fan engagements—such as crowd call-and-responses and personal shoutouts—fostered intimate connections amid the large-scale spectacles.

References

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