Machines of Loving Grace

Formation

Named after the Richard Brautigan poem All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace, Machines of Loving Grace 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 re-record their material for their eponymous debut album, as the label released their demo as it was recorded.

Concentration

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.

In 1994 they recorded a new song, "Golgotha Tenement Blues", for the soundtrack to the film The Crow.

Gilt

In 1995, Machines of Loving Grace released their third album, Gilt. This record was marked by an increased guitar presence and a darker overall tone than Concentration. It was produced by Sylvia Massy and recorded at the Indigo Ranch studio in Malibu, California.

New band members included David Suycott (formerly of Stabbing Westward and Spies Who Surf) on drums, Ray Riendeau (bass) and Tom Coffeen (guitar). A remix of the song "Richest Junkie Still Alive" was included on the soundtrack to Hackers. The song, "Tryst" was released on the ill-fated "MegaMan Soundtrack".

That year, various mixes of three songs from Concentration — "Perfect Tan", "Butterfly Wings", and "Lilith/Eve" — were featured in the horror film Devour. "Butterfly Wings" was also featured on the television show Due South, in the episodes Chicago Holiday and Flashback.

Break up–present

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. A new album was to be called Love Scenes at the Slave Market, but after a fruitless search for a label, as 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.

In 2008, "Butterfly Wings" from 1993's Concentration was featured on the soundtrack of the motion picture Punisher: War Zone.

Albums

• Machines of Loving Grace (1991)
• Concentration (1993)
• Gilt (1995)

Singles

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