Guitarist Wacław “Vogg” Kiełtyka has quit Machine Head. He had been a member of the band since September 2019, after replacing Phil Demmel who quit in 2018. Vogg confirmed that he’s leaving the band to continue focusing on Decapitated, with a world tour about to embark and new music recording coming soon. Vogg’s final show with the band was in October 2023. He recorded one album with the band, ØF KINGDØM AND CRØWN (Imperium Recordings, Nuclear Blast Records) the Ghost Cult Album of the Year for 2022. For his part, Vogg’s statement is amicable and he wishes the band the best. Machine Head is currently on tour in the USA on the Slaughter The Mayrtour run of dates with Fear Factory and Orbit Culture. Read our review here. Reece Scruggs of Havok has been touring with Machine Head as their lead guitarist of late. Robb Flynn responded in Vogg’s comments section that the band was “lucky to have him for the time they did.” The band has yet to comment on the situation with Vogg. Read Vogg’s statement below:
“Hey there! I’ve been getting a lot of questions lately about my role as the Machine Head guitarist,” wrote Vogg. “So, I wanted to give you all a quick update on what’s been going on. The South American tour [in October 2023] was my last with MH. Hope that clears things up for you!
“It was bound to happen sooner or later as both Decapitated and Machine Head are active bands these days. So, it’s no surprise that some tours overlap.
“Decapitated is my absolute No. 1 band, and we have some incredible plans coming up. We are all set to hit the US again and embark on a European tour this year. That’s not all; we also have some exciting shows and a studio session lined up that I just can’t wait for!
“I just wanted to thank Rob Flynn, Joseph, Jared MacEachern, Matt Alston, and all the amazing Crew members I had the pleasure of working with during my time at MH. I can’t thank you enough for the incredible opportunities and experiences that I had there. I’ll always cherish the crazy moments we shared together. I hope that MH continues to thrive in the future.
“As for me, I’m focusing on the new Decap stuff but I’m also still ready to help out in case of any tour emergencies for other bands.”
Robb Flynn commented in the thread under the post:
“Much respect Vogg. We were / are very fortunate to have had you for the time that we did. Absolute best with the future with the mighty Decapitated, and all the best to Gosia and the girls🖤👊🏻”
