Interview THE FUTURE MACHINE

THE FUTURE MACHINE blends modern metal aggression, progressive complexity, haunting melodies, and cinematic atmospheres. Founded by Fredrick Ghanbari, the band explores humanity’s darkness while championing resistance, self-discovery, and hope.

1. THE FUTURE MACHINE combines modern metal aggression, alternative-rock melodies, atmospheric sound design, and cinematic intensity. Fredrick, when you founded the band, what was the original vision behind the project, and how has that vision evolved into the sound you are creating today?

When I originally founded THE FUTURE MACHINE, my vision was to create music without boundaries. I grew up listening to bands like Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, and Testament, so heavy riffs and aggression have always been part of my musical DNA. But as I evolved as a musician and songwriter, I became increasingly interested in atmosphere, melody, unconventional arrangements, and the emotional impact of music.

I never wanted THE FUTURE MACHINE to be confined to one particular genre or formula. I’ve always approached songwriting from the perspective that the song itself comes first. If a song needs a crushing guitar riff, that’s what it gets. If it needs a haunting melody, an atmospheric passage, or a cinematic element to tell its story, I’m going to follow that direction.

Over time, that vision has evolved into something much more expansive. The newer material is heavier, more atmospheric, and more emotionally layered, but the foundation remains the same. I want our music to challenge listeners while still connecting with them on a human level.

Ultimately, THE FUTURE MACHINE is an extension of my imagination, my experiences, and the way I interpret the world around me. I’m not interested in chasing trends or trying to fit into a particular scene. I want to create something that has its own identity, something people can recognize as THE FUTURE MACHINE the moment they hear it.

2. Your influences range from Metallica, Periphery, and Gojira to Deftones, Muse, and Nine Inch Nails. These artists explore very different musical territories. How do you bring these influences together while maintaining a distinct identity of your own?

I’ve always believed that musical influences should inspire you, not define you. Growing up, I was heavily influenced by bands like Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, and Testament. Those bands shaped my love for aggressive guitar riffs, intricate arrangements, and powerful songwriting. But I’ve never been someone who listens exclusively to one style of music.

As my musical journey progressed, I became fascinated with bands like TOOL, Dream Theater, Queen, Nine Inch Nails, Deftones, Muse, and later Periphery. Each brought something different to the table. TOOL introduced me to hypnotic rhythms, unconventional song structures, and atmospheric depth. Dream Theater expanded my appreciation for progressive arrangements and technical musicianship, while Queen demonstrated how theatricality, powerful melodies, and musical experimentation could create something truly timeless. Nine Inch Nails brought a darker, more industrial dimension, Deftones showed me how heaviness and vulnerability could coexist, and Muse introduced a sense of grandeur and cinematic drama.

But here’s the important part: when I sit down to write, I’m not consciously trying to sound like any of those artists. I don’t think, “Let me write a TOOL riff and put a Queen chorus over it.” (Laughs.) That’s not how creativity works for me.

Everything I’ve absorbed throughout my life becomes part of my musical vocabulary. When I write, those influences naturally find their way into the music, filtered through my own experiences, emotions, and imagination.

I think that’s where THE FUTURE MACHINE finds its identity. We can be brutally heavy one moment, atmospheric and melodic the next, and sometimes completely unpredictable. But there’s always a common thread connecting everything.

At the end of the day, I’m not interested in reinventing someone else’s sound. I’m interested in discovering how far I can take my own.

3. Your latest single, “The Contortionist,” explores the darker side of human nature, psychological manipulation, and the masks people wear to conceal their true identities. What inspired this concept, and what does the title represent within the song’s broader narrative?

I’ve always been fascinated by human psychology, particularly the darker aspects of human behavior. The way people manipulate, deceive, and sometimes completely reinvent themselves to fit a particular situation or serve their own interests. We live in a world where appearances can be incredibly misleading, and the person someone presents to the world isn’t necessarily who they truly are.

“The Contortionist” explores that duality. The title is a metaphor for someone who can psychologically and emotionally twist themselves into whatever shape is necessary to manipulate others, maintain control, or conceal their true intentions. Much like a physical contortionist bends their body into unnatural positions, these individuals bend the truth, distort reality, and manipulate perceptions to suit their own narrative.

There’s also a strong political element to the song. It’s a commentary on politicians and leaders who manipulate the masses through empty promises, manufactured hope, and carefully constructed public personas. They present themselves as champions of the people, promising change, unity, and a better future, only to abandon those promises and betray the very people who placed their trust in them once they’ve gained power. It’s about the manipulation of hope itself and how easily trust can become a tool for control.

What fascinates me is that manipulation isn’t always obvious. Sometimes it comes disguised as kindness, loyalty, love, or even good intentions. That’s what makes it so unsettling. The most dangerous masks aren’t necessarily the ones that frighten us, but the ones that make us feel comfortable enough to trust what’s behind them.

I also wanted the music itself to reflect that psychological tension. There’s aggression and darkness, but also moments of melody and vulnerability, almost as though you’re hearing the conflict between someone’s outward appearance and what’s happening beneath the surface.

Ultimately, “The Contortionist” isn’t about one specific individual or political figure. It’s an observation of human nature, the abuse of power, and the uncomfortable reality that people aren’t always what they appear to be.

And sometimes, the most frightening thing isn’t the mask someone wears, but what happens when that mask finally comes off.

4. “The Contortionist” balances crushing riffs with haunting melodies and cinematic tension. When writing a song like this, how do you decide when to emphasize heaviness and aggression and when to leave space for atmosphere, vulnerability, and emotional expression?

For me, songwriting has always been about emotion, dynamics, and storytelling. I don’t approach a song with a predetermined formula or decide that a particular section needs to be heavy simply because we’re a metal band. I let the music guide me.

I believe heaviness is much more effective when it has something to contrast against. You can have the most crushing guitar riff imaginable, but if everything is constantly aggressive, eventually that intensity loses its impact. Sometimes a haunting melody, an atmospheric passage, or even a moment of silence can be just as powerful as a wall of distorted guitars.

With “The Contortionist,” I wanted to create a sense of psychological tension. The heavier sections represent aggression and the darker aspects of human behavior, while the melodic and atmospheric moments introduce vulnerability and emotional conflict. Those contrasts reflect the duality behind the song’s subject matter.

I also believe technical ability should serve the composition, not dominate it. Sometimes the simplest musical idea carries the greatest emotional weight.

Ultimately, I want listeners to experience something, not just hear a collection of riffs. I want the music to breathe, build tension, and take them somewhere unexpected. To me, that’s where the real power of heavy music lies. It’s not just about how hard you hit, but knowing when to pull back so that the next impact means something.

5. Stephen Haaker performs on all six of your newest recordings and co-produced “The Contortionist” alongside Fredrick. How has Stephen’s drumming and production approach influenced the band’s sound, and what does each of you bring to the creative partnership?

Stephen Haaker, better known as Groove Juggernaut, has been an incredibly important part of the creative process behind our six newest recordings. He’s not just an exceptional drummer; he’s a musician who understands how melody, rhythm, dynamics, arrangements, and groove can completely transform a composition.

As the primary songwriter, I usually come in with the musical foundation, arrangements, melodies, and overall direction of a song. Groove Juggernaut brings his own rhythmic personality and creative instincts into that foundation, often adding dimensions that take the music to another level. His playing has this incredible balance of precision, power, and groove, but what I appreciate most is that he understands when to push the music and when to let it breathe.

We also co-produced “The Contortionist,” which allowed us to approach the song from different creative perspectives. I tend to focus on the overall composition, atmosphere, melodies, and emotional direction, while Groove Juggernaut brings a strong rhythmic and production perspective. Those different strengths complement each other.

What makes our collaboration work is mutual respect and a shared understanding that the song always comes first. Neither of us is interested in showcasing technical ability just for the sake of it. We’re interested in creating something powerful, cohesive, and memorable.

His contributions have absolutely helped elevate the sound of THE FUTURE MACHINE, and I’m proud of what we’ve created together.

6. Modern metal production can sometimes become overly polished, sacrificing the raw energy that makes heavy music exciting. How do you approach recording, layering, and mixing to achieve a powerful, contemporary sound without losing the human feel and emotional intensity of your performances?

I think one of the biggest challenges with modern metal production is finding that balance between precision and authenticity. Technology has given us incredible tools to create massive, detailed recordings, but I also believe it’s possible to polish something so much that you end up removing the very thing that made it exciting in the first place.

For me, the foundation always starts with the performance. You can have the most expensive equipment, the best plugins, and a technically flawless mix, but none of that matters if the music doesn’t make you feel something. I want the guitars to sound aggressive, the drums to hit hard, and the atmospheric elements to create depth, but I never want the production to overshadow the song itself.

Working with producer Dan Braunstein has been an important part of bringing that vision to life. We pay close attention to the details, from guitar tones and layering to the overall dynamics and sonic landscape. The goal is to create something powerful and contemporary while preserving the character and emotional impact of the performances.

I also believe that imperfections can sometimes give music its personality. Not everything needs to be surgically perfect to be compelling. There’s something special about hearing the human element behind the instruments.

Ultimately, I want our recordings to sound massive without feeling artificial. The production should enhance the emotion, not manufacture it. Technology should serve the music, not replace the soul behind it.

7. Your recent releases include both “Resistance” and “The Contortionist,” accompanied by visual projects. How do these two tracks connect thematically or musically, and are they part of a larger conceptual direction that listeners can expect to discover in your upcoming material?

Although “The Contortionist” and “Resistance” are musically different, they’re connected by a common thread. I see them almost as two opposing forces within the same universe, much like Yin and Yang. “The Contortionist” represents the dark matter, while “Resistance” represents the light. They’re contrasting forces, yet interconnected.

“The Contortionist” explores the darker side of humanity: manipulation, deception, corruption, and the abuse of power. It’s about the masks people wear and how easily truth can become distorted when power and control take precedence over integrity.

“Resistance,” on the other hand, represents hope, resilience, and the human spirit’s determination to fight back against oppression and tyranny. It’s about refusing to surrender your identity, your freedom, or your beliefs, even when the odds seem overwhelming. Where “The Contortionist” exposes the darkness, “Resistance” is the light that challenges it.

Musically, both songs carry the aggression and cinematic intensity that define THE FUTURE MACHINE, but they express those emotions from different perspectives.

I wouldn’t necessarily describe them as part of a traditional concept album, but there’s a larger philosophical connection running through our music. I’m fascinated by the conflict between darkness and light, control and freedom, despair and hope.

Ultimately, I want THE FUTURE MACHINE to represent more than just heavy music. I want it to be a reminder that even in the darkest moments, the human spirit has the power to rise, resist, and create something better. That’s the message behind our vision of a New Wave of Hope.

8. The studio version of “The Contortionist” features vocalist Mike Semesky, while Eli Arnold is now the band’s official vocalist. How have these different vocal contributions shaped the band’s musical identity, and what qualities are you looking for in a vocal performance to complement THE FUTURE MACHINE’s sound?

For me, the voice is one of the most important instruments in THE FUTURE MACHINE. You can have incredible guitar riffs, intricate arrangements, and massive production, but the vocals are what often create that immediate emotional connection with the listener.

Mike Semesky did an incredible job bringing the studio recordings to life. He’s an exceptionally talented vocalist with tremendous range, control, and versatility. What I appreciate most about Mike is his ability to move between aggression and vulnerability while maintaining the emotional integrity of the music. His performances on “The Contortionist” and “Resistance” really helped elevate those songs.

With Eli Arnold joining THE FUTURE MACHINE as our official vocalist, we’re entering an exciting new chapter. Eli brings his own personality, vocal character, and emotional interpretation to the music. He has a powerful, cinematic quality to his voice that complements the atmosphere and intensity of our compositions, and I’m excited about the creative possibilities ahead.

I’ve never been interested in vocal acrobatics simply for the sake of showing off. What matters to me is conviction. I want a vocalist who can make you believe every word they’re singing, whether it’s delivered through an aggressive scream, a haunting melody, or something incredibly intimate and vulnerable.

Ultimately, Mike and Eli bring different strengths to THE FUTURE MACHINE, and I respect both of them as artists. The goal has always been the same: to create music where the voice becomes an extension of the emotion, the storytelling, and the identity of the band.

9. Your music combines intricate arrangements, powerful rhythms, and cinematic textures. With six new recordings in the works or recently completed, how do you maintain a balance between technical ambition and accessibility, ensuring that the songs remain emotionally engaging rather than simply showcasing musical complexity?

I’ve always believed that complexity should be a natural extension of creativity, not the objective of it. Just because you can write something technically challenging doesn’t necessarily mean it makes the song better. For me, the most important elements have always been melody, emotion, and the ability to connect with the listener.

I love unconventional arrangements, shifting time signatures, intricate rhythms, and experimenting with different musical textures. But I never approach songwriting with the intention of making something complicated just to impress other musicians. If a song calls for a complex arrangement, I’ll embrace it. If it needs a simple, memorable melody or a straightforward groove, that’s equally important.

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that simplicity and complexity aren’t opposites. Some of the most powerful moments in music happen when those two elements coexist. You can have an intricate rhythmic foundation underneath a beautiful, accessible melody, and that contrast can create something really special.

With our six newest recordings, I’ve tried to maintain that philosophy throughout the creative process. I want the songs to have enough depth that listeners discover something new with repeated listens, but also enough emotional immediacy that they connect with the music the first time they hear it.

Ultimately, I’m not writing music to prove how technically proficient I am. I’m writing because I have something to express. If the listener walks away remembering a melody, feeling an emotion, or connecting with a particular moment in a song, then I’ve accomplished something far more meaningful than simply impressing them with complexity.

10. Visual storytelling appears to be an important part of THE FUTURE MACHINE’s artistic direction. When developing a music video or visual concept, do you begin with the song’s lyrical meaning, its emotional atmosphere, or a separate narrative that expands the music into another dimension?

For me, music has always been a very visual experience. Even when I’m writing a song, I often find myself imagining scenes, imagery, colors, and emotions that could accompany the music. I’ve always been fascinated by cinema and the way music and visuals can work together to create something much more powerful than either medium on its own.

When developing a music video, it really depends on the song. Sometimes the lyrical concept provides the foundation, while other times it’s the emotional atmosphere that inspires the imagery. I don’t believe every video needs to literally illustrate the lyrics. Sometimes creating a separate visual narrative can add another dimension to the music and allow listeners to interpret the song in their own way.

With “The Contortionist,” the visual direction reflects the psychological themes of identity, deception, and the masks people wear. With “Resistance,” the imagery represents oppression, confrontation, and the human spirit’s determination to fight back. Both videos approach storytelling differently, but they share the same cinematic DNA.

Working with director Zack Perez of Astral Media has been an important part of translating these ideas into something tangible. I usually have a strong vision of what I want to communicate, and Zack brings his own creativity, technical expertise, and cinematic perspective to the process. It’s a collaborative effort that allows us to take the original concept and develop it into something visually compelling.

Ultimately, I want every release from THE FUTURE MACHINE to feel like more than just another song or music video. I want it to be an experience, something that stimulates the imagination, provokes thought, and leaves a lasting impression. Music is the foundation, but the visual world allows us to take that emotional journey even further.

11. As a Los Angeles-based band developing its live presence, what challenges have you encountered in translating your layered studio sound into a live performance? How are you approaching the live lineup, arrangements, and audience experience to make the music equally compelling onstage?

One of the biggest challenges with THE FUTURE MACHINE is translating the depth and complexity of our studio recordings into a live environment without sacrificing the energy and emotional impact of the music. Our songs have multiple layers of guitars, atmospheric textures, intricate rhythms, and cinematic elements, so recreating that experience onstage requires careful planning and the right musicians.

For me, the goal has never been to reproduce every single detail of the recordings note for note. It’s about capturing the essence of the songs and delivering them with even greater intensity. A live performance should feel alive, unpredictable, and powerful. I want people to feel the music, not just hear it.

Having Eli Arnold as our official vocalist has opened an exciting new chapter for the band. His vocal abilities and stage presence bring a fresh dimension to the material, while Groove Juggernaut’s drumming provides the rhythmic power and precision that hold everything together. As a band, we’re continuing to develop our chemistry and refine the arrangements so that the music translates naturally to the stage.

Another important aspect is the connection with the audience. I don’t want our shows to feel like four musicians simply standing onstage performing complicated songs. I want the audience to become part of the experience, to feel the tension, the aggression, the melodies, and the emotional release.

We’re particularly excited about our upcoming November 6 performance at the legendary Viper Room in Los Angeles. It’s an opportunity to introduce this new chapter of THE FUTURE MACHINE and show people what we’ve been building.

Ultimately, I want someone who has never heard our music before to walk away from a show feeling like they’ve experienced something memorable, something that stays with them long after the last note fades.

12. Looking ahead, what can listeners expect from THE FUTURE MACHINE over the coming months? Are you planning a full-length album, an EP, further singles and cinematic releases, or live performances? Ultimately, what do you hope people discover about themselves or the world around them when they immerse themselves in your music?

We’re entering what I believe is one of the most exciting chapters of THE FUTURE MACHINE. We’ve completed six new recordings, and rather than rushing everything into a traditional album format, we’re focusing on giving each song the attention it deserves through individual releases, cinematic music videos, and live performances.

Our next visual release is “Fragments,” a song that explores identity, personal awakening, and breaking free from beliefs and systems that limit our understanding of ourselves. We’re also developing plans for the remaining material, and there’s a lot more music waiting to be brought to life. Creatively, I feel like we’re just scratching the surface of what THE FUTURE MACHINE can become.

With Eli Arnold joining the band, we’re also looking forward to building our live presence, beginning with our November 6 show at the Viper Room in Los Angeles. I want to take this music to as many people as possible and continue growing an audience that genuinely connects with what we’re creating.

But beyond the releases, videos, and performances, there’s something much more important to me. I’ve always believed music has the power to challenge perspectives, awaken emotions, and make people question the world around them. We’re living in a time filled with division, uncertainty, manipulation, and fear, and I don’t want THE FUTURE MACHINE to simply reflect that darkness. I want our music to offer something beyond it.

That’s where our philosophy of a “New Wave of Hope” comes from. It’s not about pretending the world is perfect or ignoring the darker aspects of humanity. It’s about recognizing those realities while refusing to surrender to them.

If someone listens to our music and finds the courage to question something they’ve always accepted, confront their fears, or discover a strength within themselves they didn’t know existed, then we’ve accomplished something meaningful.

Ultimately, I want THE FUTURE MACHINE to leave something behind that goes beyond music itself. Something that resonates, inspires, and reminds people that even in a world that sometimes feels like it’s falling apart, we still have the power to create, to rebuild, and to move forward.

I’d like to sincerely thank you for giving THE FUTURE MACHINE this opportunity and for taking the time to explore not only our music, but also the creative vision and philosophy behind it. I genuinely appreciate the thoughtful questions and your interest in what we’re building.

For us, music has always been about more than entertainment. It’s about expression, connection, challenging perspectives, and hopefully leaving something meaningful behind.

To everyone who has supported THE FUTURE MACHINE, whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or have just discovered our music, thank you. Your support means more than you know, and we’re incredibly excited to share what’s coming next.

The future isn’t something we simply wait for. It’s something we create.

WE CREATE. WE BUILD. WE LEAVE A SIGNAL BEHIND.

Much love and respect,

Fredrick Ghanbari

Founder / Songwriter / Guitarist

THE FUTURE MACHINE ⚙️

TheFutureMachine Official: Instagram, Facebook | Linktree