Formed in 1989 as Machines of Loving Grace (named for a Richard Brautigan poem), the original lineup consisted of Scott Benzel (vocals), Stuart Kupers (guitar and bass), and Mike Fisher (keyboards), with Brad Kemp (drums) added shortly thereafter. Mammoth Records released their demo as the band’s label debut without any rerecording in 1991. Their self-titled album was followed by two EP singles- “Rite of Shiva” and 1992’s “Burn Like Brilliant Trash” which featured Trent Reznor remixes. Two years later, the band released Concentration. It continued their signature sound, but was more refined in the combination of beat- and bass-heavy riffs, with hard edged guitar. With the release of two videos, the band was able to get national-level MTV airplay, and join in the industrial rock wave that was ushered in by Nine Inch Nails. 1994 saw a new song by the band, “Golgotha Tenement Blues” featured on the soundtrack to The Crow. In 1995, Machines of Loving Grace released their third album, Gilt. This record was marked by an increased guitar presence. New bandmembers included David Suycott (drums), Ray Riendeau (bass) and Tom Coffen (guitar). A song, “Richest Junkie Still Alive,” was included on the soundtrack to Hackers. While working on a new record, the Machines of Loving Grace disbanded, precipitated by trouble at the label and Benzel’s desire to work on other projects. In 2005, Benzel reformed the band under a new name, The Machines, but other personnel are unknown. A new album is tentatively to be called Love Scenes at the Slave Market, but its release is being delayed as the band shops for a label. |
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