Greymachine

Lore & Background

Justin Broadrick started Greymachine as a solo project, using 'drum beats I'd recorded, along with very abstract, improvised guitar parts and lot's [sic] of synth noise.' He later enlisted other contributors, including Aaron Turner, Diarmuid Dalton, and Dave Cochrane. The project's debut album, Disconnected, was released on 4 August 2009 via Hydra Head Records, with the track 'Vultures Descend' released as a promotional single.

Broadrick described the project's themes as dealing with 'self loathing, self disgust, frustration, isolation, disillusionment, ego, exhibitionism and utter confusion, fear and disenchantment,' noting that while most of his music has a strong sense of misanthropy, Greymachine more obviously addresses these feelings. The personnel for the project includes Broadrick on guitar, vocals, electronics, programming, and drums; Cochrane on bass; Dalton on bass and synthesizer; and Turner on guitar, vocals, and electronics.

Reader's Guide

Greymachine occupies a distinct place in the experimental music landscape as a collaborative project bringing together key figures from Godflesh, Jesu, Isis, and Head of David. Its significance lies in its raw, abstract approach, with Broadrick's initial solo recordings of drum beats and improvised guitar parts forming the foundation. The album Disconnected was noted by Allmusic as one of the most anticipated metal records of 2009, reflecting the high expectations surrounding the project's lineup. The project's thematic focus on self-loathing, disillusionment, and confusion, as articulated by Broadrick, sets it apart from his other work, offering a more explicit exploration of negative emotions. Though Greymachine released only one studio album and a single, its legacy endures as a document of a specific moment in experimental metal, showcasing the convergence of influential musicians in a deliberately harsh and introspective context.

Did You Know?

• Greymachine was founded in 2006 by Justin Broadrick.
• The debut album Disconnected was released on 4 August 2009 via Hydra Head Records.
• The track 'Vultures Descend' was released as a promotional single from Disconnected.
• Broadrick described Greymachine as dealing with 'self loathing, self disgust, frustration, isolation, disillusionment, ego, exhibitionism and utter confusion, fear and disenchantment.'