Matt Alston - Drums

Date of birth: N/A
Born: Colchester, England
Other bands: N/A

Biography:

Before hitting the big leagues, Matt was a veteran of the UK extreme metal scene. He spent years as a professional drum tech for high-profile bands, which gave him a unique "behind-the-scenes" perspective on professional touring.

Sanctorum (2007–2014): Matt played on several albums, including Ashes of Redemption and Semper Fidelis, showcasing his foundation in thrash and death metal.

Devilment (2016–2019): Joining the band fronted by Cradle of Filth’s Dani Filth, Matt played on the album II: The Mephisto Waltzes. This role brought him significant international exposure.

Joining the "Machine" (2019–Present)
Matt joined Machine Head during a period of massive transition. Following the departure of longtime drummer Dave McClain, Robb Flynn recruited Alston for the "Burn My Eyes 25th Anniversary" world tour.

The Hybrid Tour: During that tour, Matt performed the "modern" set of the show (Machine Head's greatest hits), while original drummer Chris Kontos performed the Burn My Eyes set.

Transition to Studio: While he appeared in music videos and live cycles for the Øf Kingdøm and Crøwn (2022) era, he has since taken on a primary role in the studio.

Latest Work: He is the featured drummer on the 2025 album Unatoned, where his playing was praised for its "bludgeoning" speed and precision, particularly on tracks like "Bonescraper" and "Unbound."