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 Machines of Loving Grace 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 band members included David Suycott (formerly of Stabbing Westward and Spies Who Surf) on drums, Ray Riendeau (bass) and Tom Coffen (guitar).
The song Richest Junkie Still Alive was included on the soundtrack to Hackers. The song Tryst was released on the ill-fated MegaMan Soundtrack. Furthermore, various mixes of three of their songs—Perfect Tan, Butterfly Wings, and Lilith/Eve—were featured on the '95 horror Devour. Butterfly Wings was also featured on the television show Due South, in the episodes Chicago Holiday and Flashback.
In 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.
In 2008, Butterfly Wings from 1993's Concentration was featured on the soundtrack of the motion picture Punisher: War Zone.
Previous Members:
Scott Benzel: vocals (1989-1997)
Stuart Kupers: guitar and bass (1989-1995)
Mike Fisher: keyboards (1989-1995)
Brad Kemp: drums (1989-1995)
Ray Riendeau: bass (1995-1997)
David Suycott: drums (1995-1997)
Kevin Doc Sullivan: keyboards (1995-1997)
Discography:
Studio Albums
1991 - Machines of Loving Grace
1993 - Concentration
1995 - Gilt
Remix EPs
1991 - Rite of Shiva
1992 - Burn Like Brilliant Trash
Singles
1991-1992
-- X-Insurrection
-- Rite of Shiva
-- Burn Like Brilliant Trash
1993
-- Perfect Tan (Bikini Atoll)
-- Butterfly Wings
-- If I Should Explode
1994
-- Golgotha Tenement Blues
1995-1996
-- Richest Junkie Still Alive
-- Suicide King
Animal Mass
Machines of Loving Grace Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I fall somewhere in between
Most people like to feed off each other
But I'm just looking for an animal lover
And animal mass shall be the whole of the law
An animal's will is an animal's claws
An animal's will is an animal's claws
Most people hide the ways of sin
But we know what goes on within
Most people like to trip
But we stayed awake for the city slip
The breeze and the city's gone to seed
Open sores- you know are going to bleed
The song "Animal Mass" by Machines of Loving Grace is a contemplation of humanity's animal instincts and the primal urges that drive us. The lyrics begin by acknowledging the darker tendencies of our species, that we are bloodthirsty and enjoy watching others suffer. However, the singer then reveals that they do not necessarily identify with this mentality. Instead, they find themselves in the middle ground between humanity's predatory nature and a more animalistic drive. This is reflected in the line "Most people want to watch you bleed, but I fall somewhere in between".
The singer then expresses a desire to find someone who shares their animality, to find an "animal lover" who can understand their primal urges. They suggest that there is something purer about embracing our animal instincts instead of repressing them, as "an animal's will is an animal's claws". The chorus asserts that this concept should be the "whole of the law", implying that humans would be better off if we allowed ourselves to embrace our animal nature instead of trying to suppress it.
The second verse of the song continues with a theme of contrasting human and animal nature. The singer suggests that most people hide their sinful desires, but the observer is aware of the darker side of human nature. They differentiate themselves from those who "like to trip", or indulge in sensory pleasures without regard for the consequences. The singer and their fellow animal lovers remain "awake for the city slip", aware of the cost of indulging in pleasure. The chorus repeats, reinforcing the idea that embracing animality is the key to a better existence. The closing line, "Open sores- you know are going to bleed", suggests that hiding our true nature can be dangerous and will eventually lead to a painful reckoning.
Line by Line Meaning
Most people want to watch you bleed
Many people derive pleasure from others' harm and suffering.
But I fall somewhere in between
However, I don't fit into that norm and I have my own perspective.
Most people like to feed off each other
Many people take advantage of one another's weaknesses for their own benefit.
But I'm just looking for an animal lover
But what I really seek is someone who can connect with animals and appreciate their nature and instincts.
And animal mass shall be the whole of the law
I believe that the unity and harmony among animals are what should be upheld above all else.
An animal's will is an animal's claws
A fundamental part of an animal's being is its innate drive to strive and survive.
Most people hide the ways of sin
Many people try to conceal or deny their immoral deeds and intentions.
But we know what goes on within
However, we are aware of the truth and the reality of human nature.
Most people like to trip
Many people indulge in mind-altering substances and states of consciousness.
But we stayed awake for the city slip
Instead of succumbing to those pleasures, we choose to stay aware and conscious of our surroundings and the world around us.
The breeze and the city's gone to seed
The environments that we live in are becoming degraded and polluted.
Open sores- you know are going to bleed
The consequences of our actions and neglect will eventually lead to pain and harm.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MICHAEL BERNARD FISHER, RAYMOND LEON RIENDEAU, SCOTT D. BENZEL, STUART B. KUPERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind