Reece Scruggs has parted ways with the long-running Bay Area Thrash band Machine Head. The split is amicable, according to a post on his Instagram. After joining Machine Head from the ranks of fellow thrashers Havok in 2022 to replace Wacław “Vogg” Kiełtyka (Decapitated) who himself was a replacement for Phil Demmel (ex-Violence, Kerry King). Vogg returned to fill in for an entire European tour last year. Scruggs played on the acclaimed 2025 album UNATØNED (Nuclear Blast Records), but pulled back from touring over the last few years to care for his ailing father. Machine Head just closed the books on touring the last few years straight behind UNATØNED, and its companion ØF KINGDØM AND CRØWN (the Ghost Cult Album of the Year for 2022), with famous guitar YouTuber “Uncle” Ben Eller (ex-Mastodon live) on lead guitar and vocals. Guitarist and producer Zack Ohren (Darkness Everywhere) also filled in for a few shows. The band also performed as a rare three-piece for seven shows in 2026. Frontman Robb Flynn recently posted a tour recap message, speaking fondly of the last few years, thanking the band, crew, and Headcases worldwide. Reece also recently launched his own solo project. Good luck, Reece and Machine Head!
