London-based metal act Human Crushing Machine, the solo project of multi-instrumentalist Nick Schlesinger, recently released its debut single and video for ‘Tunnel Vision’.
For fans of Megadeth, Alice In Chains, Pantera, and Gojira, ‘Tunnel Vision’ delivers an unrelenting blend of modern heaviness and classic metal groove, driven by a fierce social message. Combining pulverising riffs, dark textures, and urgent lyrics to confront the injustices of modern society – from political corruption and gender inequality to domestic abuse and the horrors of war.
Formed by Schlesinger in London in 2024, Human Crushing Machine also features Simon Gordon (Kill II This) on vocals and includes guest performances from world-renowned musicians such as Chris Poland (Megadeth, OHM) on lead guitar. Together they channel a sound that is as crushingly heavy as it is emotionally charged. “Human Crushing Machine isn’t just about heavy riffs,” says Schlesinger. “It’s about holding up a mirror to a broken society. These songs come from real places and real people’s pain.”
The debut single ‘Tunnel Vision’ takes aim at the growing homeless crisis in Las Vegas, a city of excess that hides a dark reality of poverty, despair, and fear. Inspired by Schlesinger’s time walking the Strip and Downtown Vegas, the song captures the contrast between the city’s glittering façade and its unseen suffering. “You see the illusion of Vegas right next to people sleeping on baking sidewalks and in tunnels,” Schlesinger explains. “Tunnel Vision is about shining a light on that darkness.”
We asked Nick about some of his main musical influences, which you can read below. Watch the video for ‘Tunnel Vision’ here:
Megadeth – Countdown To Extinction
My all-time favourite album across any genre, Countdown To Extinction is all killer, no filler. The songwriting, performances, riffs and grooves, production and mix are spot on! It’s heavy, melodic, witty and sharp, fun yet aiming at important socially conscious topics. To me, it’s the blueprint to what metal should strive to be. Nick Menza taught me to never overplay and always serve the song; Mustaine taught me about crazy and catchy riffs as well as melody. Ellefson’s tight bass playing follows the riffs for the most part but his runs are very musical, and the groove really compliments the song. Lastly, Marty’s wild acrobatics on the guitar are compositions that never feel stale. There’s a feeling of freshness to his performances, which is something to strive towards! All in all, if you decide to listen to this, you won’t regret it. Just avoid the 2004 re-mix of it at all costs.
Rush – A Farewell To Kings
Whilst this might not be my favourite of Rush’s discography, I remember purchasing the CD in my last year of High School. I was really getting into long epic songs, and this album has two killer ones in ‘Xanadu’ and ‘Cygnus X-1 Book I: The Voyage’. Listening to the latter tune the other day, I noticed an instrumental section which, musically, sounded like what I could only describe as black metal. As a drummer, Neil Peart is one of my biggest influences and a huge inspiration. His drum parts are compositions, with their own catchy hooks, which was a different approach at the time. His playing was intricate and interesting, but it never sounded like it wasn’t achievable.
The Beatles – Rubber Soul
My mom and grandma were huge Beatles fans, and as an impressionable young kid, I soaked up all those albums and became a huge fan too. Their melodies are irresistible, with cool guitar playing from George and John. I’d try to sing along to the tunes without really understanding any of the words, as I’m from Chile, where I grew up until the mid-90s before moving to Europe. Rubber Soul kicks off with the awesome rocking ‘Drive My Car’, and every song after that is just as awesome in its own way. I mean, how can you deny ‘Michelle’, ‘I’m Looking Through You’ and killer closer ‘Run For Your Life’. Yes, of course, I’m just as big a fan of their later stuff, which is more experimental, but the early to mid-60s is the stuff I grew up on.
