This week on Riff Worship, we dive into the chaotic evolution of mathcore pioneers The Dillinger Escape Plan and the transformative journey behind their sophomore album, Miss Machine.
Formed in Morris Plains, New Jersey, in 1997 from the ashes of the short-lived hardcore band Arcane, Dillinger immediately set out to break the boundaries of heavy music. By fusing free jazz, progressive metal, and new-school hardcore, they built a legendary reputation on fractured song structures and notoriously unhinged live shows.
After releasing their explosive EP Under the Running Board and their landmark 1999 debut Calculating Infinity, the group reached a major crossroads. Following the departure of original vocalist Dimitri Minakakis, the band brought on frontman Greg Puciato and bassist Liam Wilson to kickstart a new era.
Refusing to simply record Calculating Infinity Part 2, they spent years meticulously balancing their signature technicality with newfound melody, electronic textures, and structured songwriting.
From recording in blocks with long-time producer Steve Evetts to navigating depleted budgets, financial gambles, and grueling tour cycles (including near-arrests on Warped Tour and hostile crowds on Gigantour), this episode uncovers the full story behind the creation of Miss Machine!
In this episode, we’ll cover:
Arcane’s transition into The Dillinger Escape Plan and their formative work at Trax East with producer Steve Evetts.
Overcoming devastating accidents, lineup changes, and trading away publishing rights to finish their debut album.
How an open audition tape and a collaboration with Mike Patton on Irony Is a Dead Scene set a new standard, bringing Greg Puciato into the fold.
The four-year writing process for Miss Machine, guerrilla studios, Pro Tools tracking, and deliberate stylistic risks on tracks like “Panasonic Youth,” “Setting Fire to Sleeping Giants,” and “Unretrofied.”
Surviving brutal injuries on the road, charting on the Billboard 200, and cementing their status as extreme music innovators!
Recommendations:
Idiot Pilot - Wolves
Long Goodbye - A Whispered Promise of Failure
GODFLESH - Decay
Metallica - Ride The Lightning
Photo courtesy of Dustin Rabin
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