After years away from the scene, Diesel Machine is back—and frontman Patrick Lachman is just as intense and honest as ever. In a recent interview with MetalGodZradiO, Lachman opened up about the band’s return, his martial arts background, the state of the music industry, and how heavy music continues to serve as a powerful outlet in turbulent times.
Fists and Riffs: Martial Arts as Musical Influence
When asked about his comment on taking hits to the head, Lachman dives into his deep history with combat sports. Long before the mainstream boom of the UFC, he was already training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, boxing, and Muay Thai.
“I trained with Rickson Gracie, studied under the Machado Brothers, and had a boxing coach named Robert Sally. I even fought full contact. It was good, clean fun.”
That physical intensity bled into Diesel Machine’s sound. “Back then, AJ and I were doing mixed martial arts. That energy made its way into the music—no pun intended.”
Harnessing Anger for Art
The conversation turns to the band’s new album, Evolve. With track titles like “Shut It”, “I’m Insane”, and “Anger Within”, the band isn’t dialing back the aggression. But as Lachman explains, it’s not just rage for rage’s sake.
“It’s about using negative energy for positive gain. Sometimes, you need to exorcise the demon. That’s what this is—an outlet for all the frustration.”
According to Lachman, the album includes both old and new material—songs that didn’t fit on their first album, and fresh ones that bring the band’s sound into sharper focus.
“We spent a lot of time making sure it had continuity. It picks up where we left off and takes it up a notch.”
On the State of the World and the Industry
As the interview shifts toward current events, Lachman doesn’t shy away from sharing his thoughts. Asked about the silver linings of the pandemic era, he says it gave people a chance to “reevaluate what’s important” and confront political polarization.
“We need some adults back in the room.”
He’s just as candid about the modern music industry and the predatory nature of digital streaming platforms.
“Streaming has turned into a leech on the artist. A million plays might get you 25 cents. It’s unsustainable. Reform needs to happen.”
Though he’s critical, he acknowledges the value of partnerships—like Diesel Machine’s current label, Metalville Records—for providing marketing and exposure that’s otherwise tough to get independently.
Climate, Social Media, and Staying Grounded
Lachman shares his frustration with social media, calling it a “toxic environment” that has “permeated our intelligence,” though he still uses it to keep in touch with fans and friends around the world. On climate change, he’s blunt:
“It’s real. And we’re reaping what we deserve for ignoring it so long.”
He also jokes about surviving the 121-degree Los Angeles heatwave by “wrapping himself in tin foil and cranking the A/C.”
On Damageplan, Role Models, and Rock Nostalgia
When asked about his time in Damageplan, Lachman recalls the friendships fondly but acknowledges how much things have changed. “There’s not a lot of people I keep in contact with anymore.”
As for rumors or wild stories about himself?
“There’ve been a lot. Usually from people I’ve never even met. I just take it with a grain of salt.”
Wrapping up, he names Bruce Lee and Eddie Van Halen as his early role models—a mix of discipline and musical genius that still defines his artistic vision today.
Final Thoughts
Patrick Lachman isn’t just a frontman—he’s a fighter, a thinker, and a survivor in an industry that doesn’t always play fair. With Evolve, Diesel Machine channels years of rage, reflection, and growth into an album that’s as heavy as it is honest.
Stay heavy. Support the underground. Long live metal.
Want more? Follow Diesel Machine on [Facebook/Spotify] and catch them live this summer.
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