For over a year now, Machine Head made fans wonder whether or not they’d remain signed to Roadrunner Records. Well now, not only have they confirmed that they won’t, but also announced that they’ve chosen Nuclear Blast Entertainment as their new label home.

This move should come as no surprise given how Machine Head have gone way back with Monte Conner (Roadrunner’s former senior VP of A&R who now heads up Nuclear Blast’s newest division). Conner himself had the following to say about his new signing:

“I feel incredibly fortunate to say I have signed Machine Head – for the third time! They wrote one of the greatest metal albums of all-time as their debut and then turned around and beat it 13 years later. Machine Head have produced some of the best material of their storied career over the course of their last three records, and like a fine wine, they just keep getting better with age. The songwriting in this band is beyond evolved compared to the majority of their peers, and as a lyricist, Robb Flynn is second to none. On the live front, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more commanding and dominating band.

Ever since the launch of Nuclear Blast Entertainment, one of my main goals has been to reunite with Machine Head. I am grateful to Machine Head for continuing to put their trust in me as well as my new partners at Nuclear Blast, who share my passion for and commitment to the band.”

Robb Flynn himself had the following to add about reuniting with Conner and Machine Head’s new label home:

“Monte Conner has believed in Machine Head for 20 years, his belief has never wavered, and we are extremely proud to work alongside him once again. When I visited the Nuclear Blast compounds in both Germany and Los Angeles last year, the vibe and spirit that Markus Staiger, Gerardo Martinez and their respective teams created took me back to the spirit of the old Roadrunner Records days, back when bands like Obituary and Sepultura were changing the world with their music. Everyone believes, everyone wants it for the right reasons, it’s about creating and respecting a culture, about pioneering new ways for people to discover great music.”

Machine Head is arguably Conner’s biggest signing for Nuclear Blast to date. However, this isn’t the first time Conner has attracted a band from Roadrunner’s, including Soulfly. And now with a new bassist in tow, we can look forward to Machine Head’s follow up to Unto The Locust in early 2014.