Machina, the band featuring former Evanescence and current We Are The Fallen members John LeCompt and Rocky Gray, have released its debut album, To Live And Die In The Garden Of Eden last month September 25 via Rogua Records. The CD was produced and mixed by Toby Wright [Metallica, Slayer, Alice In Chains, Soulfly, Fear Factory] and was mastered by Louis Marcusson.
Machina are pleased to announce that they will be featured in the new nationally syndicated reality tv series,The Making of Rockstars. Shooting will begin this November touring w/Seattle based Alt-Rock band, Jar. The band commented: ‘Thanks to all you fans from around the globe who’ve supported us to this moment, couldn’t do anything without you. More details coming soon, stay tuned!!’
LeCompt formed Machina with former Future Leaders Of The World vocalist Phil Taylor, and the two are the group’s songwriters as well. The lineup also includes bassist Thad Ables and drummer Rocky Gray. Longtime friends, John and Rocky have also played together in the groups Kill System, Soul Embraced and Mourningside.
Machina takes its name from the Latin phrase “Deus ex Machina,” which translates to “God out of the machine.” The term refers to a plot device in which divine intervention is necessary to resolve a seemingly hopeless situation, at the last possible moment saving the day before imminent disaster.
Machina sets itself apart from other modern rock acts by its non-attachment to any one genre. “We’re diverse,” says Taylor. “Never stuck in any genre or style. Our music is organic. It incorporates grunge, southern rock, heavy metal, and any style that moves us.”
Having been in Evanescence, LeCompt and Gray have inevitably dealt with the issue of being labeled “Christian music.” Those questions came up again and again for the band. Were they Christians? Were they therefore a Christian metal band? For Machina, it’s open to interpretation.
“Of course we have our spiritual lives, and naturally, that comes out in our music,” says LeCompt, “But we aren’t out to label or stereotype ourselves, or others. We just want to spread a positive message.”
“We speak our minds and what’s on our hearts,” says Taylor. “The lyrics on this record cover a wide array of subjects. Whether they be political, spiritual, or personal reflections/struggles, I try to paint a picture, and tell a story with the songs. We strive to create genuine art that expresses hope and the search for truth, in these times of war, political hypocrisy, and overall confusion in today’s world.”
Machina toured rigorously for several months at a time over the past four years in between Evanescence, Future Leaders Of The World, and most recently, We Are The Fallen, promoting a self-titled six-song EP.
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Upcoming Shows:
Nov 7, 2012 Outland Ballroom, Springfield, MO
Nov 8, 2012 Aftershock, Merriam, KS
Nov 9, 2012 Downtown Music Hall, Little Rock, AR
Nov 10, 2012 Numbers Night Club, Houston, TX
Nov 12, 2012 Rogue Pizza Company, Fayetteville, AR
Nov 16, 2012 Delgado Community College, New Orleans, LA
Nov 17, 2012 Hangar 13, New Orleans, LA
Nov 23, 2012 Hard Rock Cafe, Nashville, TN
Nov 29, 2012 Front Street Grill, Dardanelle, AR
Nov 30, 2012 Maxine’s Live Music Venue, Hot Springs, AR
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‘Machina’ Sign Deal With ‘Rogue Records’ [Sept. 2012]