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Logan Conrad Mader (born November 16, 1970) is a Canadian record producer and musician. He is a guitarist for melodic death metal band Once Human and a former lead guitarist for heavy metal band Machine Head.

Mader is most famous for his time in Machine Head, whose 1994 debut Burn My Eyes was released by Roadrunner Records and quickly became the top-selling debut album in the label's history until Slipknot's debut album. Their second album, The More Things Change..., was released in 1997 and Logan left the band shortly thereafter to divert his energy and time to side projects.

Mader co-founded Dirty Icon Productions, a Los Angeles-based production team. They write, produce, record, mix, master, and engineer music for other artists.[1]

Career

[edit]

Machine Head, Soulfly and Medication

[edit]

Machine Head formed in October 1991, with Mader on lead guitar, Robb Flynn on vocals and rhythm guitar, Adam Duce on bass and Tony Costanza on drums.[2] He played with Machine Head through two albums until early 1998. After Mader's six-year run with the band, he joined Soulfly where he filled the slot as guitarist for their 1998 world tour. Mader's union with Soulfly was short-lived (eight months) and the only track he technically recorded with them was one of the remixes for Quilombo. Wanting to once again pursue his own projects, Mader left Soulfly in January 1999.[3]

Post Soulfly, Mader formed Los Angeles rock band Medication with Whitfield Crane (formerly of Ugly Kid Joe).[4] Due to a series of internal issues, Medication disbanded in February 2003.[2]

Stereo Black and production

[edit]

In June, 2003, Mader formed the band New Black, which was later renamed to Stereo Black.[5] Although the band opened for Tesla and Hed PE, made a demo co-produced by Junkie XL they were never signed to a label. The song "Inside" (previously titled "Save Me") was featured in the commercial for Max Payne, the trailer for The Butterfly Effect 2, and in the movie Never Back Down 2: The Beatdown. The instrumental of the song "Fall Again" is featured in MotoGP '07 soundtrack. The song "Denial" is featured on the Scream 4 soundtrack.

In 2017, Mader dismissed Stereo Black as "just a studio project" that started for the purpose of sync licensing. After having some success with that, members tried to turn it into a band, but then he realized he wanted to become a full-time producer instead.[6]

Return to live music and further production work

[edit]

Mader announced his new project, Once Human, in May 2015, which features newcomers Lauren Hart (vocals), Damian Rainauld (bass) and Ralph Alexander (drums). The group signed to earMUSIC and released their debut album, The Life I Remember, in September 2015.[7]

Mader (left) with Once Human in 2015

In August and September 2015, they toured the southern, midwestern and southwestern United States with Fear Factory, The Bloodline and Before the Mourning.[8]

In 2016, Mader participated in music-production education through the Nail the Mix platform, where he taught a mixing class based on Gojira's song “Toxic Garbage Island.”[9]

In March 2019, it was announced that Mader (along with drummer Chris Kontos) would perform with Machine Head for the first time in 21 years with a tour celebrating the 25th anniversary of the release of Burn My Eyes; however, he and Kontos did not officially rejoin the band.[10][11]

Discography

[edit]
With Machine Head
With Soulfly
  • Soulfly Digipak (1998) – appears on "Quilombo (Extreme Ragga Dub Remix)"
  • Tribe (1999)
  • Live at Dynamo Open Air 1998 (2018) – archive live album
With Medication
With Stereo Black
  • Stereo Black (Demo) (2005)
With Once Human
Guest appearances

Albums produced

[edit]
Year Artist Title Label Role
2000 Deep Pieces of Nothing Pavement Music Mixing
2002 Medication Medication (EP) Locomotive Music Producer, engineer, guitar, writer
Misura The Subtle Kiss of a Sledgehammer Too Damn Hype Records Mixing
Medication Prince Valium Locomotive Producer, engineer, guitar, backing vocals, lyrics (tracks 10 and 12), writer (tracks 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10–13)[12]
2003 Pitchshifter Bootlegged, Distorted, Remixed and Uploaded (Compilation) PSI Records Remixing[13]
The Deadsexy Inc. BreakMe (EP) Electro Shock Records, XIII Bis Records Mixing (track 6)
2004 Salem's Cradle 4-Song Adavanced Promo (EP) N/A Mixing and mastering
Various The Blackest Album 4: An Industrial Tribute To Metallica Cleopatra Records Producer, mixing (track 2)
Wartorn Early Release Full Length Album Independent Mixing and mastering[14]
Scarling Sweet Heart Dealer Sympathy for the Record Industry Engineer
Hypnofugue Laugh at the World Music Gallery International Producer
Rikets Anything for the Devil (EP) Corporate Punishment Records Mixing and mastering
2005 A Dying Dream Now or Never (EP) Frontline Records, Mediaskare Records (2006 reissue) Mixing
K-Again Memories of an Evolution (EP) Self-released, Underscore Lab/Musicast (France) Producer, engineer, mixing and mastering
Bleed the Sky Paradigm in Entropy Nuclear Blast Records Mastering[15]
FM Revolver Leaving Madeira (EP) Self-released Engineer, mixing
New Dead Radio Avalon Bridge Will Burn Mediaskare Editing
So Abused Community Service Self-released Mastering (track 1)[16]
Contra This Machine Kills (EP) Mediaskare Producer, engineer, mixing and mastering[17]
Trigger Point A Silent Protest Corporate Punishment Producer, engineer, mixing, mastering, programming, sound designer[18]
Cloud Nine Quick as Lightning Tokuma Japan Communications Mixing[19]
Roadrunner United The All-Star Sessions Roadrunner Records Editing (tracks 2, 5, 11 and 17), mixing, mastering, guitar (track 5)
Allele Point of Origin Corporate Punishment Mastering[20]
2006 Media Lab Bleeding Memory Sunland Records Producer, engineer, mixing, mastering, writer (tracks 1 and 7)
Junkie XL Today Roadrunner, Ultra Records Recording engineer (vocals)
Silent Civilian Rebirth of the Temple Mediaskare Producer, mixing, mastering, lyrics (track 3)
Twin Method The Volume of Self Crash Music Producer, engineer, mixing and mastering[21]
Ill Niño The Under Cover Sessions (EP) Cement Shoes Records Mixing[22]
Dommin Mend Your Misery LMN Records Producer[citation needed]
2007 W.A.S.P. Dominator Demolition Records Mixing and mastering
Five Finger Death Punch The Way of the Fist Firm Music, Spinefarm Records, Prospect Park Mixing and mastering
Still Remains The Serpent Roadrunner Mixing[23][24]
Divine Heresy Bleed the Fifth Century Media Records (US), Roadrunner (worldwide) Producer, engineer, mixing, mastering, writer (tracks 6, 9 and 10)[25]
Demia Insidious Scarlet Records Producer, mixing, mastering[26][27]
Insolence Ins 03 Naked (EP) Powerslave Records Producer (tracks 3 and 5)
2008 Junkie XL Booming Back at You Artwerk Recording (tracks 6 and 11)
Cavalera Conspiracy Inflikted Roadrunner Co-producer, engineer, mixing, mastering[28]
Flatline Pave the Way Stand and Deliver Records Engineer, mixing and mastering[29]
Soulfly Conquer Roadrunner Mixing (track 14)
Gojira The Way of All Flesh Listenable Records (Europe), Prosthetic Records (US) Engineer (drums), mixing and mastering
Psycroptic Ob(Servant) Nuclear Blast, Stomp Entertainment (Aus & NZ) Mixing and mastering
Burning the Masses Mind Control Mediaskare Mixing and mastering[30]
2009 Hamlet La Puta y el Diablo Roadrunner Mixing and mastering[31]
Dommin Dommin E.P. Roadrunner Producer, mixing and mastering
Devildriver Pray for Villains Roadrunner Producer, mixing, mastering, additional lyrics (tracks 2 and 12)
Agony The Devil's Breath Cinismo Records Mixing[32]
Divine Heresy Bringer of Plagues Century Media (US), Roadrunner (worldwide) Producer, engineer, mixing, writer (additional vocal melodies), additional lyrics[33]
Saosin In Search of Solid Ground Virgin Records Producer (track 4)
Echoes of Eternity As Shadows Burn Nuclear Blast (US), Massacre Records (Europe) Producer, mixing
W.A.S.P. Babylon Demolition Mixing and mastering
Incite The Slaughter I Scream Records Producer, mixing and mastering[34]
Achozen "Salute/Sacrifice" N/A Mixing[35]
The Changing For Obvious Reasons Self-released Producer[36][37]
2010 Dommin Love Is Gone Roadrunner Producer, mixing, mastering, writer (track 15), lyrics (track 14)
Taking Dawn God of War: Blood & Metal (Split EP) Roadrunner Producer, mixing (track 4)[38]
Raintime Psychromatic Lifeforce Records Mixing and mastering[39]
Soulfly Omen Roadrunner Co-producer, engineer, mixing and mastering
2011 Aizen Winter in Hell N/A N/A[citation needed]
Cavalera Conspiracy Blunt Force Trauma Roadrunner Producer, engineer, mixing, mastering[40]
Dwail Helter Skelter Klonosphère, Season of Mist Mixing and mastering[41]
Gojira "Of Blood & Salt" N/A Producer[42][43]
Channel Zero Feed 'Em with a Brick Roadrunner, CNR Music Producer, engineer, mixing and mastering[44]
World Under Blood Tactical Nuclear Blast Engineer
Kartikeya Durga Puja (EP) Grailight Productions Mixing and mastering (track 1)[45]
Saving Grace The King Is Coming Facedown Records Mastering[46]
2012 Cancer Bats Dead Set on Living Distort Vocal engineer (track 9)
Various Avengers Assemble (Music from and Inspired by the Motion Picture) Hollywood Records, Marvel Music Mixing (track 12)
Fear Factory The Industrialist Candlelight Records, AFM Records, Bodog Recording, tracking (additional), digital editing, writer (additional vocal arrangements)[47]
Bonded by Blood The Aftermath Earache Records Producer, mixing and mastering
Periphery Periphery II: This Time It's Personal Sumerian Records (US), Century Media (Europe), Roadrunner (Australia) Mastering
Tensions Arise Stand in Defiance (EP) N/A Mixing and mastering[48]
Unchained Oncoming Chaos M & O Music Mastering[49]
Hecatombe "Inner Pain" Civil Alien Records Mixing[50]
Incite All Out War Minus Head Producer, engineer, mixing and mastering[51]
2013 Closure The Silent Witness March N/A Mixing and mastering[52][53]
Jamie Christopherson Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance – Vocal Tracks Konami Digital Entertainment, Sumthing Else Producer (tracks 2, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 19, 22, 24, 25, 27, 28), vocal producer (track 6), drum producer (6, 16, 23), vocal recording (1, 9, 13, 14), mixing (tracks 2, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 19, 22, 24, 25, 27, 28), guitar (tracks 2, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 19, 22, 24, 25, 27, 28), bass (tracks 2, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 19, 22, 24, 25, 27, 28), programming (tracks 2, 5, 10, 11, 19, 22, 27, 28), writer (tracks 2, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 19, 22, 24, 25, 27, 28), lyrics (tracks 2, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11)
In Death... Thanatos (EP) Independent Mixing and mastering[54]
Bleed from Within Uprising Century Media Mixing and mastering[55]
Dagoba Post Mortem Nihil Est Verycords, earMUSIC Mixing and mastering
Attila About That Life Artery Recordings Programming, sound designer (tracks 2, 6, 10)
Asking Alexandria From Death to Destiny Sumerian Vocal producer (track 12), programming, sound designer (tracks 1–3, 5–13), writer (track 5)
InsIDeaD Ελευσις (Eleysis) Noisehead Records Mixing and mastering[56]
2014 Channel Zero Kill All Kings CNR, Metal Blade Records Producer, mixing and mastering[57]
Devil You Know The Beauty of Destruction Nuclear Blast Producer, engineer, additional lyrics
Septicflesh Titan Season of Mist (Europe), Prosthetic (US & Canada), Ward Records Producer, mixing and mastering[58]
Starset Transmissions Razor & Tie Composer (track 1)
Limp Bizkit "Endless Slaughter" Cash Money Records Mixing
Overunit Machine Aldaraja Sliptrick Records Mixing and mastering[59][60][61]
Butcher Babies Uncovered (EP) Century Media Producer, mixing
2015 Achozen Boombot Pro N/A Mixing
Black Bomb A Comfortable Hate Verycords Mixing and mastering
All Tomorrows Sol Agnates Self-released, La Somba Records Mastering[62]
Dagoba Tales of the Black Dawn earMUSIC, Verycords Mixing and mastering
Bullet for My Valentine Venom Sony Music, RCA Records Mixing (track 15)
Butcher Babies Take It Like a Man Century Media Producer, mixing, mastering, writer (tracks 5, 6, 7 and 10)
Once Human The Life I Remember earMUSIC Producer, engineer, mixing, mastering, guitar, programming, writer
W.A.S.P. Golgotha Napalm Records Mixing
Devil You Know They Bleed Red Nuclear Blast Mixing (track 14)
2016 Hope Deferred Demo Independent Mixing and mastering[63]
Khepra Cosmology Divine Rain Without End Records, Naturmacht Productions Mixing and mastering[64]
2017 Recrucide The Cycle LQC Records Mastering[65]
Once Human Evolution earMUSIC Producer, engineer, mixing, guitar, writer
Art of Anarchy The Madness Another Century Records Writer (track 1)
Invidia As the Sun Sleeps SPV Producer, engineer, mixing[66]
The Nocturnal Affair "Ghosts on the Horizon" Into the Darkness Records Producer, engineer[67]
Harmonic Generator Heart, Flesh, Skull & Bones N/A Mixing and mastering
Half Blood Half Blood Independent Producer (vocals), mixing and mastering[68]
2018 Rise of Avernus Eigengrau Code666 Records Mixing and mastering[69][70]
W.A.S.P. Reidolized: The Soundtrack to The Crimson Idol Napalm Mixing
Age of Arcadia Eleysis Self-released Mixing and mastering[71]
Persefone In Lak'Ech (EP) ViciSolum Productions Mixing and mastering (track 1)[72]
Will Haven Muerte Minus Head Mastering
Kamelot The Shadow Theory Napalm Engineer (additional)
Dee Snider For the Love of Metal Napalm Writer (track 10)[73][74]
Dark Sky Choir End of Days Independent Engineer[75]
Aember "Melancholia" Independent Mixing and mastering[76]
2019 Echoes of Eternity Ageless Independent Mixing and mastering[77]
Serpents Temet Nosce Independent, Trve Media Producer (additional), mixing and mastering[78]
Necronomicon Unus Season of Mist Mixing[79]
Once Human "Sledgehammer" earMUSIC Producer, mixing, guitar[80]
2020 Aember "Demonic" Independent Mixing and mastering[81]
Voices of Ruin Path to Immortality M-Theory Audio Producer, engineer, mixing and mastering[82][83]
Brave the Cold Scarcity Mission Two Entertainment Producer[84]
2021 Hemlock Karmageddon Independent Mixing and mastering[85][86]
Hemlock Violence & Victory Independent Mixing and mastering[85][86]
Cerebellion Something You Can Say (EP) Independent Producer, mixing and mastering[87]
Ma'anish Heal Independent Mixing and mastering[88]
2022 Alphoenix "Return of the Savior" Project Phoenix Engineer, mixing and mastering[89]
Once Human Scar Weaver earMUSIC Producer, mixing, guitar, writer
2023 G-nomes Nouveau départ Independent Mastering[90]
2024 Cerebellion "Burst" Independent Mixing[91]

References

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Logan Mader

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from Grokipedia
Logan Conrad Mader (born November 16, 1970) is a Canadian record producer, songwriter, and guitarist, renowned for his contributions to heavy metal music as a performer and behind-the-scenes collaborator.[1] Best known as a founding member and original lead guitarist of the heavy metal band Machine Head, Mader co-wrote and performed on the group's seminal debut album Burn My Eyes (1994) and follow-up The More Things Change... (1997), helping establish the band's aggressive groove metal sound during the 1990s.[2][3] After departing Machine Head in 1997 due to personal and band tensions, Mader briefly joined Soulfly as a touring guitarist in 1998, contributing to live performances during the band's early years under Max Cavalera.[4] He then co-founded the alternative metal band Medication in 1999 alongside Ugly Kid Joe vocalist Whitfield Crane and Soulfly drummer Roy Mayorga, releasing the self-titled album Medication in 2002 on Locomotive Records.[5] In 2014, Mader formed the melodic death metal band Once Human in Los Angeles, serving as its primary guitarist, programmer, and producer; the group has released three studio albums, including The Life I Remember (2015), Evolution (2017), and Scar Weaver (2022), featuring vocalist Lauren Hart and showcasing Mader's blend of technical riffs and atmospheric elements.[3][1] Transitioning to production in the early 2000s, Mader has become a sought-after figure in metal, owning The Edge of the Earth Studios in Los Angeles and founding Dirty Icon Productions.[6] His production and mixing credits include Gojira's The Way of All Flesh (2008), Five Finger Death Punch's self-titled debut (2007), DevilDriver's The Last Kind Words (2007), Cavalera Conspiracy's Inflikted (2008), Fear Factory's Mechanize (2010), and Septicflesh's Codex Omega (2017), emphasizing his signature style of raw intensity, punchy low-end, and clarity in dense arrangements.[2][4] Mader reunited with Machine Head for the Burn My Eyes 25th-anniversary tour in 2019, performing alongside original drummer Chris Kontos, and continues to balance production work with occasional live appearances.[7]

Early life

Birth and upbringing

Logan Conrad Mader was born on November 16, 1970, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.[1] He possesses Canadian-American dual nationality, having been born in Canada to American parents. Mader grew up in Oakland, California.[8][9]

Musical beginnings

Logan Mader developed an early interest in heavy metal music during his teenage years, influenced by the vibrant Bay Area thrash metal scene in Oakland, California, where he grew up after being born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.[9] As a self-described "Bay Area thrash metal kid," Mader acquired his first guitar and taught himself to play through dedicated daily practice in his bedroom, honing his skills over several years without formal instruction.[9] This informal, self-directed education in guitar playing ignited his passion for music performance and laid the groundwork for his future explorations into recording techniques.[9]

Musical career

Machine Head

Logan Mader joined Machine Head in October 1991 as a founding member and lead guitarist, forming the band alongside vocalist and rhythm guitarist Robb Flynn, bassist Adam Duce, and drummer Tony Costanza in Oakland, California.[10] Originally from Canada, Mader's relocation to the United States earlier that year enabled his participation in the group's inception.[2] As lead guitarist, Mader made significant contributions to Machine Head's debut album Burn My Eyes (1994), co-writing several tracks and delivering prominent guitar solos that helped define the band's aggressive sound.[3] The album, released via Roadrunner Records, propelled Machine Head to prominence in the groove metal scene, blending thrash influences with heavy, riff-driven grooves and earning critical acclaim for its intensity.[11] Mader continued his songwriting role on the follow-up The More Things Change... (1997), where he provided key riffs and solos amid heightened creative pressures within the band.[4] Machine Head's ascent in the mid-1990s included extensive touring that solidified their status in heavy metal, with Mader participating in high-profile support slots opening for Slayer across Europe and the UK, as well as U.S. dates with Napalm Death and Obituary.[4] These tours, along with headline shows, exposed the band to international audiences and built a dedicated following, though the relentless schedule contributed to internal strains, including Mader's struggles with substance abuse and heavy drinking.[3] By early 1998, burnout from years of non-stop touring and creative differences over the band's direction led to Mader's departure, as he sought to explore production work and new musical outlets.[4] He cited a desire for fresh creative pursuits behind the scenes, amid personal self-destructive tendencies that had intensified during the band's rise.[3] In March 2019, Mader reunited with Machine Head for a guest performance slot on the Burn My Eyes 25th anniversary tour, joining Flynn and original drummer Chris Kontos for select European dates to celebrate the landmark album.[12] Describing the experience as "awesome and very emotional," Mader highlighted the positive vibes and nostalgia of performing the classic material live after more than two decades.[3]

Soulfly

Following his departure from Machine Head, Logan Mader joined Soulfly as guitarist in 1998 to support the band's debut album during its world tour.[13] Formed by Max Cavalera after leaving Sepultura, Soulfly blended heavy metal with tribal and Brazilian influences, and Mader's addition came shortly after the album's April release, replacing initial guitarist Jackson Bandeira for live performances.[14] He contributed to the band's early touring phase, including appearances at major festivals like Dynamo Open Air and Ozzfest.[15] During this period, Mader also participated in recording a remix of the track "Quilombo" for the band's limited-edition digipak release.[13] This collaboration highlighted his role in extending the album's promotional material amid the intense touring schedule. Mader's time with Soulfly ended in January 1999, as he sought to pursue his own creative projects.[13] He was replaced by Mikey Doling, allowing the band to continue without interruption while Mader shifted focus toward forming new endeavors.[16]

Medication

Following his departure from Soulfly in early 1999, Logan Mader formed the alternative metal band Medication as a creative reset, teaming up with vocalist Whitfield Crane, formerly of Ugly Kid Joe, whom he had befriended during the 1998 Ozzfest tour.[5][17] The duo recruited guitarist B. Blunt (formerly of A Day in the Life) and bassist Kyle Sanders (ex-The Piece Dogs), while drummers rotated, including Roy Mayorga (ex-Soulfly) for early performances.[5][18] The band members lived together in Los Angeles for about 18 months to collaborate intensively on songwriting and rehearsals.[17] Medication developed a forceful yet melodic alternative metal sound, blending heavy riffs with accessible rock elements.[5] They debuted live under the temporary name Pale Demons at The Gig on Melrose in Los Angeles, followed by shows on the Hollywood circuit to build local buzz.[17] Signing with Spain-based Locomotive Music, the band released a self-titled five-song EP in 2002, which included tracks like "Something New" and "Underwater," serving as a promotional sampler for their full-length debut.[19][20] Later that year, they issued their sole studio album, Prince Valium, produced by Bill Kennedy and featuring songs such as "Loaded Gun" and "Nothing Left," emphasizing groove-oriented alternative metal.[20] Promotional efforts included a 14-date UK tour to support the releases and generate international exposure.[17] The band's activities halted after February 2003, when a planned European tour was canceled and they parted ways with Locomotive Music amid the label's U.S. branch closure and operational mismatches with their modern rock style.[18][20] Member shifts and internal decisions to pursue solo projects further contributed to the amicable dissolution, ending Medication's run after four years.[18]

Stereo Black

Stereo Black was formed in June 2003 by Logan Mader and Lucas Banker, initially under the name New Black, as a collaborative songwriting project aimed at creating music for film and television synchronization licensing.[21][22][23] The project emerged shortly after the dissolution of Mader's previous band, Medication, marking a shift toward non-touring, studio-based work focused on commercial placements rather than live performances.[24] By early 2004, the band had renamed itself Stereo Black and recorded a demo featuring tracks such as "Save Me," "Slip Away," and "Broken Wings," which were tailored for potential media use.[22] The project evolved into a low-profile endeavor emphasizing original compositions suitable for soundtracks and advertisements, with Mader handling guitars and vocals alongside Banker and occasional collaborators.[21] A notable example of its success in this niche came in 2011, when Stereo Black's track "Denial" was featured on the Scream 4 original motion picture soundtrack, demonstrating the project's viability for sync licensing opportunities.[25] Other singles, including "Damaged" and "Emotional Mess," were released digitally during this period, further aligning with the goal of media-tailored music production.[26] By 2017, Mader described Stereo Black as a completed studio project, winding it down to concentrate on his growing production career and the formation of his new performing band, Once Human.[23] This transition reflected a broader pivot away from licensing-focused songwriting toward full-band activities and behind-the-scenes work.[1]

Once Human

Once Human is a melodic death metal band formed in 2014 in Los Angeles, California, by guitarist Logan Mader and vocalist Lauren Hart, along with initial members including bassist Skyler Howren, drummer Dillon Trollope, and guitarist Max Karon.[27][28] The project marked Mader's return to performing after years focused on production, with the lineup coalescing around Hart's powerful vocals and Mader's riff-driven songwriting to create a sound blending groove metal aggression with melodic elements.[8] The band released their debut album, The Life I Remember, in September 2015 via earMUSIC, establishing a foundation in heavy, technical metal with progressive influences.[29] This was followed by Evolution in February 2017, which refined their style toward more atmospheric and melodic structures, and Scar Weaver in February 2022, further emphasizing melodic death metal characteristics through intricate guitar work and dynamic vocal delivery.[30][31] These releases highlighted the band's evolution from raw intensity to a polished fusion of genres, with Mader handling production duties to integrate his extensive studio expertise into the Once Human sound.[28] Once Human has conducted multiple tours to support their albums, including headline runs in North America and Europe, as well as opening slots for acts like Fear Factory.[8] Their first Australian shows occurred in late 2017 and early 2018, extending to additional dates amid strong fan reception in the region.[32][33] As of November 2025, no new releases have been announced, though Mader continues to contribute as the band's guitarist, primary songwriter, and in-house producer.[31][3]

Production work

Early productions

Mader's interest in production emerged during his tenure with Machine Head, where he observed and assisted in the recording process for the band's debut album Burn My Eyes (1994), produced by Colin Richardson at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, California. The sessions, conducted on 2-inch analog tape, exposed Mader to meticulous engineering techniques, including the challenges of analog mixing at Scream Studios in Los Angeles, which took two weeks due to recall issues but resulted in a sound that has endured. This hands-on experience laid the groundwork for his technical skills, influencing his later emphasis on clarity and intensity in metal recordings.[9] Following his departure from performing roles in the late 1990s, Mader transitioned to production in the early 2000s by securing a $10-per-hour engineering position in Hollywood studios, where he honed his craft on demo sessions using a Roland VS-1680 digital workstation. His initial forays included engineering duties on his band Medication's self-titled EP (2002), co-produced by the group at NRG Recording Studios in Los Angeles alongside Bill Kennedy. This project marked his first credited studio role, blending his performer background with emerging production responsibilities on tracks like "Something New" and "Under Water." Similarly, for Stereo Black—another band he co-founded in 2003—Mader co-produced their untitled demo in Amsterdam with electronic producer Junkie XL, incorporating electronic elements into the nu-metal sound to attract licensing opportunities, though it remained unreleased commercially.[9][34][22] By 2003–2006, Mader began freelance work on metal projects, producing Italian thrash band K-Again's EP Memories of an Evolution (recorded 2003, released 2005 via Underscore Lab/Musicast), which he helmed at Audio Lab Recording Studio and Dave's Room in Los Angeles to capture their aggressive, groove-oriented style. He also mixed and mastered track 5 ("The End") on Roadrunner United's all-star album The All-Star Sessions (2005), contributing to the project's anniversary celebration by blending contributions from multiple Roadrunner artists like Dino Cazares and Matt Heafy. Further solidifying his early portfolio, Mader produced, engineered, mixed, and mastered Media Lab's debut album Bleeding Memory (2006, self-released), emphasizing the Los Angeles rock band's experimental edge through sessions that highlighted dynamic guitar work and atmospheric elements. These efforts represented Mader's shift from band insider to independent producer, focusing on emerging acts in the metal and rock scenes.[35][36][37]

Dirty Icon Productions

Dirty Icon Productions was co-founded by Logan Mader and Lucas Banker in 2007 as a Los Angeles-based production team specializing in heavy metal music production, recording, mixing, and mastering services.[38] The company operates from a studio in the Hollywood Hills, providing a professional environment for artists to create high-impact recordings.[4] The production team quickly gained prominence through collaborations with major acts in the metal genre, leveraging Mader's extensive experience to deliver aggressive, polished sounds that emphasize clarity and intensity. Notable early projects include mixing and mastering Five Finger Death Punch's debut album The Way of the Fist (2007), which helped launch the band's career with its raw energy and tight production.[39] Similarly, Dirty Icon handled mixing and mastering for Gojira's The Way of All Flesh (2008), DevilDriver's Pray for Villains (2009), and Septicflesh's symphonic death metal album Titan (2014), where Mader's work enhanced the orchestral elements alongside heavy riffs.[40][41][42] These efforts solidified Dirty Icon's reputation for expertise in capturing the dynamic range of metal subgenres, from groove to death metal.[43] By the early 2020s, Dirty Icon continued to work with established and emerging artists, including engineering and mixing for Alphoenix's single "Return of the Savior" (2022)[44] and producing Savage Existence's album Bright Lights (2024), demonstrating ongoing innovation in blending traditional metal aggression with modern production techniques.[45] The company's workflow emphasizes collaborative engineering, often involving co-production to tailor sounds to each artist's vision while maintaining a signature heavy, precise mix. Mader's production for his own band Once Human further integrates Dirty Icon's capabilities into high-profile releases within the metal scene.

Discography

As a performer

Logan Mader served as the lead guitarist for Machine Head on their debut studio album Burn My Eyes, released in 1994 on Roadrunner Records. He also performed lead guitar duties on the band's follow-up album The More Things Change..., issued in 1997, also via Roadrunner Records. Mader performed lead guitar on Soulfly's Tribe EP, released in 1999 on Roadrunner Records.[46] Mader co-founded the band Medication and played guitar on their self-titled EP, released in 2002 on Locomotive Music. In 2003, Mader formed Stereo Black (initially announced as New Black) and performed lead vocals and guitar on their self-titled album, a CD-ROM release issued independently in 2005.[47] Mader founded the melodic death metal band Once Human in 2014 and has served as their guitarist on all studio releases to date. These include the debut album The Life I Remember (2015, earMUSIC), Evolution (2017, earMUSIC), and Scar Weaver (2022, earMUSIC). Mader has made several guest appearances as a performer on other projects. He contributed guitar on multiple tracks for Roadrunner United's The All-Star Sessions (2005, Roadrunner Records).

As a producer

Logan Mader began his production career in the early 2000s, contributing to projects involving his own bands before expanding into freelance work for other artists. His early credits include engineering and production on the self-titled EP by Medication, released in 2002, where he handled Pro Tools engineering on multiple tracks alongside band production duties.[19] For Stereo Black, the band he co-founded in 2003, Mader served as producer on their demo recordings and subsequent projects through 2009, including tracks like "Emotional Mess 2" from their licensing-focused output.[26] In 2006, Mader co-founded Dirty Icon Productions in Los Angeles, which became a hub for his mixing and production efforts on heavy metal albums. During this era, he mixed and mastered Five Finger Death Punch's debut album The Way of the Fist (2007), contributing to its aggressive sound that helped launch the band's career.[48] He also produced, engineered, and mixed Dommin's Mend Your Misery (2006), blending gothic rock elements with polished production. For Gojira, Mader engineered the drums, mixed, and mastered The Way of All Flesh (2008), enhancing the album's dynamic range and intensity.[49] DevilDriver's Pray for Villains (2009) credits Mader as producer, engineer, and mixer, delivering a brutal groove metal aesthetic. Other notable works include producing Cavalera Conspiracy's Inflikted (2008) and mixing W.A.S.P.'s Dominator (2007).[50] Mader's production role extended to co-producing Septicflesh's Titan (2014), where he shaped its symphonic death metal orchestration alongside the band.[51] In recent years, he has focused on self-producing Once Human's albums, including The Life I Remember (2015), where he handled production, mixing, and guitar performance; Evolution (2017), which he fully produced and mixed; and Scar Weaver (2022), emphasizing epic, modern metal production.[30][52] Freelance credits up to 2025 remain limited in public documentation, with ongoing work through Dirty Icon on select metal projects, though specific new albums post-2022 are not fully detailed in available sources.[2]
ArtistAlbum/ProjectYearRoleSource
MedicationMedication (EP)2002Engineer, Band Producerhttps://www.discogs.com/release/765173-Medication-Medication
Stereo BlackDemos/Projects (e.g., "Emotional Mess 2")2003–2009Producerhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqBDeSPoiiY
Five Finger Death PunchThe Way of the Fist2007Mixing, Masteringhttps://www.discogs.com/release/35087138-Five-Finger-Death-Punch-The-Way-Of-The-Fist
DomminMend Your Misery2006Producer, Mixinghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mend_Your_Misery
GojiraThe Way of All Flesh2008Drum Engineering, Mixing, Masteringhttps://www.discogs.com/master/53717-Gojira-The-Way-Of-All-Flesh
DevilDriverPray for Villains2009Producer, Engineering, Mixinghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pray_for_Villains
Cavalera ConspiracyInflikted2008Producer, Mixinghttps://www.discogs.com/label/731274-Dirty-Icon-Productions
W.A.S.P.Dominator2007Mixing, Masteringhttps://www.discogs.com/label/731274-Dirty-Icon-Productions
SepticfleshTitan2014Co-Producerhttps://www.discogs.com/release/13419236-Septicflesh-Titan
Once HumanThe Life I Remember2015Producer, Mixinghttps://www.therockpit.net/2016/logan-mader-once-human/
Once HumanEvolution2017Producer, Mixinghttps://www.therockpit.net/2016/logan-mader-once-human/
Once HumanScar Weaver2022Producerhttps://thembluemidnights.wordpress.com/2022/03/25/once-human-scar-weaver-album-vinyl-review/

References

  1. Logan Mader - Encyclopaedia Metallum: The Metal Archives
  2. Logan Mader - Nail The Mix
  3. Logan Mader: “I was super-lucky to play in Machine Head… it was a ...
  4. Where Are They Now? Logan Mader of Machine Head, Soulfly
  5. Medication Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More ... - AllMusic
  6. Logan Mader
  7. MACHINE HEAD Announces 'Burn My Eyes' 25th-Anniversary ...
  8. Interview: Logan Mader of Once Human - The Moshville Times
  9. Logan Mader - Age, Family, Bio | Famous Birthdays
  10. URM Podcast EP83 | Logan Mader
  11. How One Classic Album Turned Groove Into the Biggest Thing in ...
  12. Machine Head - Encyclopaedia Metallum: The Metal Archives
  13. LOGAN MADER Is 'Super Grateful' He Got To Reunite With ...
  14. Ex Machine Head, Ex Soulfly And Current Once Human Guitarist ...
  15. Soulfly :: Ink 19
  16. Soulfly - Live at Dynamo (Pro-shot), 1998 - YouTube
  17. Medication - Soulfly Web
  18. MEDICATION - Angelfire
  19. MEDICATION Split Up! - BLABBERMOUTH.NET
  20. Medication - Medication
  21. Medication - The BNR Metal Pages
  22. Stereo Black
  23. Logan Mader's New Band Is Stereo Black - Metal Underground.com
  24. Interview With Once Human's Logan Mader (February 2017)
  25. Former MACHINE HEAD Guitarist Solidifies New Band ...
  26. Scream 4 (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) - Spotify
  27. Stereo Black - Emotional Mess 2 - YouTube
  28. Logan Mader launches new band Once Human - Lambgoat
  29. Once Human's Logan Mader and Max Karon - Premier Guitar
  30. https://www.discogs.com/artist/4599071-Once-Human
  31. INTERVIEW: Logan Mader - Once Human - The Rockpit
  32. Once Human Interview - Heavy Music HQ
  33. Once Human Announce Australian Tour – Across The Ocean
  34. Once Human extends Australian tour with 6 new shows – Music ...
  35. Once Human News - in Metal Bands ( Metal Underground.com )
  36. https://www.discogs.com/release/10317575-Medication-Medication
  37. K-AGAIN To Enter Hollywood Studio In August - BLABBERMOUTH ...
  38. https://www.discogs.com/release/1097142-Roadrunner-United-The-All-Star-Sessions
  39. https://www.discogs.com/release/7444829-Media-Lab-Bleeding-Memory
  40. https://www.discogs.com/artist/923576-Dirty-Icon-Productions
  41. https://www.discogs.com/release/2075011-Five-Finger-Death-Punch-The-Way-Of-The-Fist
  42. https://www.discogs.com/release/1501992-Gojira-The-Way-Of-All-Flesh
  43. https://www.discogs.com/release/1914797-DevilDriver-Pray-For-Villains
  44. SEPTICFLESH: The Making Of 'Titan' Part Two (Video) - Blabbermouth
  45. Septicflesh - Titan Review - Angry Metal Guy
  46. Johnny D Young - Seymour Duncan
  47. https://www.discogs.com/release/389353-Soulfly-Soulfly
  48. https://www.discogs.com/release/34321975-Stereo-Black-Stereo-Black
  49. https://www.discogs.com/release/35087138-Five-Finger-Death-Punch-The-Way-Of-The-Fist
  50. https://www.discogs.com/master/53717-Gojira-The-Way-Of-All-Flesh
  51. Dirty Icon Productions Discography | Discogs
  52. https://www.discogs.com/release/13419236-Septicflesh-Titan
  53. Once Human – Scar Weaver (Album/Vinyl Review)
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