Machines of Loving Grace

Infobox musical artist


Img_capt =
Img_size =
Name = Machines of Loving Grace
Background = group_or_band
Origin = flagicon|USA Tucson, Arizona, USA
Genre = Industrial rock
Years_active = 1989 - 1997
URL = [http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Palms/9179/Sores.html Unofficial Site]

Machines of Loving Grace were an industrial rock band from Tucson, Arizona.

Named for a Richard Brautigan poem, they formed in 1989. The original lineup consisted of Scott Benzel (vocals), Stuart Kupers (guitar and bass), and Mike Fisher (keyboards), with Brad Kemp (drums) added shortly thereafter. They recorded a demo and were picked up by Carrboro, North Carolina-based Mammoth Records in 1991. The band was unable to rerecord their material for their eponymous debut album, as the label released their demo as it was recorded.

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 Coffeen (guitar). The song, "Richest Junkie Still Alive," was included on the soundtrack to Hackers. Also, the song, "Tryst" was released on the ill-fated "MegaMan Soundtrack."

As of 1997, the band was working on a new record, but before it was completed the band broke up. This was precipitated by trouble at the label, and Benzel's desire to work on other projects, among other reasons.Fact|date=February 2007 A new album was to be called "Love Scenes at the Slave Market", but after a fruitless search for a label (Mammoth was in the process of being sold), the project was abandoned.

As of 2006, Benzel is involved with an electronic band, called Soulo. Mike Fisher is currently with Amish Rake Fight.

Members

* Stuart Kupers*: guitar and bass
* Mike Fisher*: keyboards
* Brad Kemp*: drums
* Scott Benzel*: vocals
* Ray Riendeau: bass
* David Suycott: drums
* Tom Coffeen: guitar

(*Founding Members)

Discography

Albums

*"Machines of Loving Grace" (1991)
*"Concentration" (1993)
*"Gilt" (1995)

ingles

* From "Machines of Loving Grace"
** "X-Insurrection"
** "Rite of Shiva"
** "Burn Like Brilliant Trash"

* From "Concentration"
** "Perfect Tan (Bikini Atoll)"
** "Butterfly Wings"
** "If I Should Explode? (Into Gasping Mary)"

* From "Gilt"
** "Richest Junkie Still Alive" ("Hackers" Soundtrack)
** "Suicide King"

* Non-album single from "The Crow Original Soundtrack"
** 1994 "Golgotha Tenement Blues"

Music videos

* "X-Insurrection"
** Directed by Kevin Borque

* "Butterfly Wings"
** Directed by Julie Hermelin

* "Perfect Tan (Bikini Atoll)"
** Directed by Julie Hermelin

* "Golgotha Tenement Blues"

* "Richest Junkie Still Alive"
** Directed by John Reece

External links

* [http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Palms/9179/Sores.html Children of Sores Unofficial Website]
* [http://www.legendsmagazine.net/59/machines.htm Interview @ Legends]
* [http://www.chaoscontrol.com/?article=machinesoflovinggrace Interview @ Chaos Control Digizine]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryzLYd7UG3o A video for their song Richest Junkie Still Alive]