The Machines were an industrial/post-punk band from Tucson, Arizona.
They 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. 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). A song, "Richest Junkie Still Alive," was included on the soundtrack to Hackers.
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 (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.
