Robb Flynn’s Musical Journey Through 2025
As 2025 comes to a close, Machine Head frontman Robb Flynn has shared his playlist and reflections on the music that resonated with him throughout the year. Titled “Robb’s Top 10 ‘Listened To’ of 2025,” the playlist actually features 67 songs, showcasing a wide array of musical influences that extend beyond the thrash and groove metal sounds typical of his own band.
Robb Flynn’s Most Listened To Albums of 2025
Zach Bryan Dominates the Year
Flynn names alternative outlaw country artist Zach Bryan as the creator of his two most listened-to albums of 2025. He describes Bryan’s music as deeply emotional, stating, “These became my go-to ‘heavy in the soul, not the guitars’ records.” Flynn emphasizes the raw honesty in Bryan’s songwriting, which he found unexpectedly powerful.
Among his favorite tracks are “Hey Driver,” “Whiskey Fever,” “Jake’s Piano,” “East Side of Sorrow,” “Something in the Orange,” “Happy Instead,” “Mine Again,” “Cold Damn Vampires,” and “’68 Fastback.” He reflects, “Sometimes the best music doesn’t need to be loud — it just needs to be honest in a way that feels almost uncomfortable at times.”
Zach Bryan, “Something in the Orange”
Exploring New Sounds: Sleep Token and Turnstile
Sleep Token’s Captivating Influence
Flynn has also been captivated by the rising band Sleep Token, stating, “Sleep Token’s album absolutely swallowed me whole this year.” He acknowledges that while not every track resonated with him, the combination of heavy riffs and haunting melodies struck a unique chord. His standout picks include “Emergence,” “Chokehold,” “Look To Winword,” “Dangerous,” and “Caramel.” Flynn remarks, “The songs that grabbed me, grabbed me and didn’t let go.”
Sleep Token, “Caramel”
Turnstile’s Uplifting Energy
Similarly, Flynn expresses admiration for Turnstile, appreciating their ability to blend hardcore energy with uplifting melodies. He notes, “Turnstile dropped an album I kept reaching for whenever I needed something that just felt good without losing that hardcore punch.” His favorites from their work include “Glow On” and “Never Enough.”
Turnstile, “Never Enough”
Heavy Picks from the Metal Scene
Sanguisugabogg’s Sonic Barbarism
As expected from a metal frontman, Flynn’s playlist includes heavier selections. He describes Sanguisugabogg’s music as “straight-up sonic barbarism,” praising their unapologetic approach to death metal. Key tracks for him are “Felony Abuse of a Corpse” (featuring Peeling Flesh) and “Semi-automatic Facial Reconstruction.” Flynn reflects, “For all its gore-soaked chaos, it hits a primal nerve, reminding me why I fell in love with the heavier, uglier corners of metal in the first place.”
Sanguisugabogg, “Felony Abuse of a Corpse”
Paleface Swiss and Cathartic Performances
Flynn also highlights Paleface Swiss, calling their album a “pure sonic bloodbath” and praising the cathartic quality of their performance. He notes, “Every song feels like a breakdown waiting to collapse the floor.” His favorites from Paleface Swiss include “Enough?” and “…and with hope you’ll be damned.”
Paleface Swiss, “Enough?”
Linkin Park’s Dynamic Return
New Beginnings for Iconic Band
Among his selections, Flynn includes tracks from Linkin Park, expressing surprise at their impactful return. He states, “This new chapter of Linkin Park hit me way harder than I expected,” praising new frontwoman Emily Armstrong for her grit and raw power. He commends the band for creating relevant and dynamic music, noting standout tracks like “Two-Faced,” “The Emptiness Machine,” and “Over Each Other.”
Linkin Park, “Two-Faced”
Conclusion
Robb Flynn’s musical explorations in 2025 reflect a diverse palette, from the emotional depths of Zach Bryan to the sonic ferocity of Sanguisugabogg. His curated playlist serves not only as a personal reflection but also as a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of rock and metal music. With a blend of heavy sounds and heartfelt lyrics, Flynn’s journey through music this year showcases the power of honesty and emotion in songwriting.
FAQs
What is Robb Flynn’s top listened-to artist of 2025?
Zach Bryan is highlighted as his most listened-to artist, with two albums that deeply resonated with him.
Which bands did Robb Flynn mention as having a significant impact on him this year?
Flynn mentioned Sleep Token, Turnstile, Sanguisugabogg, Paleface Swiss, and Linkin Park as bands that had a notable influence on his music tastes in 2025.
What themes did Flynn appreciate in the music he listened to?
Flynn appreciated themes of raw emotion, honesty, and catharsis, highlighting how some music doesn’t need to be loud to be impactful.
