The Suicide Machines
Detroit ska-core lifers — fast, political, joyful, and still the best argument that those three go together.
The Suicide Machines started in 1991 under the name Jack Kevorkian and the Suicide Machines, a nod to the euthanasia-rights doctor, before shortening it. The original lineup of Jason Navarro, Dan Lukacinsky, Jason Brake and Stefan Rairigh went through several changes in its first years, with Navarro the only member to stay in place across every version of the band since.
Signed to Hollywood Records in 1995, the band built its reputation with 1996's 'Destruction by Definition', whose single 'No Face' picked up modern-rock radio play. 'Battle Hymns' (1998) hardened the approach further, cramming nearly all its songs under two minutes and leaning harder into hardcore's speed and politics.
Their 2000 self-titled album moved toward a more straightforward hard-rock sound, with the single 'Sometimes I Don't Mind' getting some airplay, before later releases pulled back toward ska punk. Across their career they have released seven full-length albums, moving between Hollywood Records, Side One Dummy and Fat Wreck Chords.
The band split in the mid-2000s and reconvened afterward; today's lineup keeps Navarro alongside drummer Ryan Vandeberghe, bassist Rich Tschirhart and guitarist Justin Malek, with the same politically charged, tempo-shifting approach intact.
Festivals The Suicide Machines is playing
The Suicide Machines at a glance
What festivals is The Suicide Machines playing in 2026?
The Suicide Machines is booked at 1 festival: Riot Fest 2026.
When does The Suicide Machines play at Riot Fest?
Saturday, September 19, 2:00 – 2:50 PM at Rise Stage.
Where is The Suicide Machines from?
The Suicide Machines is from Detroit, MI.
What kind of music does The Suicide Machines play?
The Suicide Machines is tagged ska-core and punk.
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