Motograter

Motograter was an American heavy metal band formed in Santa Barbara, California in 1995. They are best known for their homemade instrument, the "Motograter", designed with industrial cable and guitar pieces that creates a unique bass sound, and painting themselves in a tribal style body paint for live concerts.

Motograter
OriginSanta Barbara, California, U.S.
Genres
Years active
  • 1995–2005
  • 2006
  • 2008–2011
  • 2013–2020
Labels
  • Elektra
  • No Name (2002–2004)
  • EMP (2016–present)
Associated actsFive Finger Death Punch
WebsiteOfficial Facebook page

Under the band's original line-up, they released two EPs, Hugh Chardon and Indy. Original singer Zak Ward switched to keyboards and samples in 2002 (while sometimes still providing additional vocals both live and in studio) and was replaced by Ivan "Ghost" Moody, which led to the release of their first studio album Motograter in 2003. The band went on an indefinite hiatus in 2005, disbanded after playing a one-time reunion show in 2006, and then reformed in 2008 with a new line-up featuring singer Michael "Angel" Woodruff. They released the EP Pre-Release in 2009, and has been touring. The band performed at Slipknot's Knotfest the next year. In December 2014, Woodruff left Motograter; he was replaced with James Anthony Legion on December 17th, 2014, from which they released their sophomore album, Desolation in 2017.[5]

History

Formation, Hugh Chardon and Indy (1995–2001)

Motograter was founded in Santa Barbara, California, in 1995 by Robert Bruce "Grater" Butler, the inventor of the motograter instrument, and percussionist Joey "Smur" Krzwonski. In their early years, they experimented with various sounds and instruments. The initial duo was rounded out into a band in late 1998 with the additions of vocalist Zak "The Waz" Ward and main drummer Chris "Crispy" Binns, and they released their first EP, Hugh Chardon, in 1999. Late that year, during the recording of their second EP, Indy, they added Eric Gonzales, who handled electronics and samples. In January 2001, Motograter was introduced to Dez Fafara from fellow nu metal band Coal Chamber and they signed to his newly formed Sever Records.[6][7]

Motograter, hiatus and breakup (2002–2006)

After a period of inactivity, Motograter was released from Sever Records and later signed on to No Name/Elektra Records in 2002,[8] when guitarist Neil Godfrey introduced label founder Steve Richards to the band. Around that time, Godfrey left the band and was replaced with Matt "Nuke" Nunes.

During development of their debut album later that year, Zak Ward departed from the band over artistic differences. The band then recruited Ivan "Ghost" Moody and continued work on the album. In early 2003, after recording was finished and in preparation of their first nationwide tour on a major label, the band welcomed back Zak Ward, handling electronics/samples in addition to backup vocals, while Nuke entered rehab, being replaced with JR Swartz.

On June 24, 2003, Motograter released their major label album debut, the self-titled Motograter. The song "Suffocate" was featured uncredited on the soundtrack to the film The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. The song "Down" is featured on the EA Sports video game Nascar Thunder 2004. Motograter was voted the best band of 2003 by Hit Parader.

Motograter then toured on the second stage of Ozzfest 2003. By then, Nuke had returned to play the first few dates on the tour but was eventually fired in July, being replaced with Ty Fury.

In the summer of 2004, Ty Fury was in turn replaced with Aaron aka "A-Bomb" and the band announced that they were beginning work on a new album. In August 2004, Zak left the band again, and was not replaced. In fall 2004, the band toured without Bruce and Smur, who were under financial obligations. In place of the motograter, they were accompanied by touring bassist Jonny Nailz.

In May 2005, Motograter announced a hiatus to give time for other members' side projects.[9] However, they played a one-time reunion show in 2006 at the Delicious Rox Festival,[10] with Ivan, JR and Crispy with members Nuke and Bruce returning.

The New Breed, Pre-Release (2008–2011)

In 2008, the band reformed with a "new breed" line-up based out of San Luis Obispo, California. This lineup also included a bass player, playing alongside the motograter. The lineup was announced as Michael Angel Woodruff on vocals, Matthew "Nuke" Nunes on guitar, Tyler Hole on guitar, Mylon Guy on bass, Jeremy "Twitch" Scheller on drums and Bruce Butler on the motograter.[11] The lineup played one show in Las Vegas, Nevada, under the name "Out Of Curiosity" to test the new material on a live, unbiased crowd before deciding to adopt the Motograter name. The set did not feature the motograter.

Before any touring commenced, Butler left and was replaced with Mark Nosler, leaving Motograter with no original or consistent members. Around the start of their national tour in 2009, the band released their first EP with the new line-up, Pre-Release.

The new lineup began touring on July 25, 2009, with Orange County metal group Darksun. The tour was cut short on September 28, missing cities such as Seattle, Denver, and Tempe, with a band member's sickness given as the reason. The band resumed touring under The Damned Holiday Tour, from November 5 to December 20.

Motograter took 2010 off except for two California dates in Modesto and Sacramento. On September 6, 2010, they uploaded a comical studio preview, showing supposed production on the next album.

In 2011, the band debuted new high-quality photos from a shoot in downtown Los Angeles. That same year, they announced a summer tour dubbed The Honoring Of The Sun Tour, running from April 29 to July 9, accompanied by various regional bands. The tour took a sudden change in course when, instead of continuing south to Texas, the band re-routed to Michigan to play the fourth annual Rockapalooza alongside such national acts as Mushroomhead, Crossfade and Pop Evil.

The second leg of the tour, going from July 25 to August 28, saw the addition of a seventh member, KC Kaos, on electronics and samples. The tour featured two festivals, Buzzfest and The Carnival of Chaos, both soaked from the day's rain, but the bands continued to perform. Corrosion of Conformity, one of the many national names involved, were pulled off at the last minute on Saturday, August 20, leaving Motograter as the default headliner. Facing a possible cancellation of the events and despite the weather conditions, Motograter continued to perform.

Shortly after their return home, Motograter announced that they would be joining Mushroomhead in the fall of 2011 on a tour called The Slaughterhouse Roadshow and featuring Psychostick, Blue Felix, Ventana and Tenefly Viper. One week before the first day of the tour Motograter announced on their Facebook page that they had disbanded and would therefore not participate in the tour.

Third Reunion (2013–2014)

In November 2013, Motograter reunited with another new lineup, including returning members Angel on vocals, Nuke on guitar and Mylon Guy on bass, in addition to new members Noah "Shark" Robertson on drums, Kery "Venom" Glennon on guitar, and Michael "The Kidd" Stewart on the Motograter.[12] The band played their first show in two years on February 8, 2014, in Santa Ana, California, beginning a West Coast Reunion Tour that included a string of California and Nevada dates.

On October 26, 2014, the band performed at Knotfest at the San Manuel Amphitheater in San Bernardino, California, alongside acts such as Slipknot and Five Finger Death Punch,[13] with Mark Nosler returning to the motograter for this event. In December 2014, Angel and Venom left the band.

Legion Era, Desolation (2015–2018)

On April 2, the band announced the arrival of vocalist James Anthony Legion. The following day, they released a 20-second pre-production teaser of a new song, "Portrait of Decay", featuring Legion on vocals. The new line up was rounded out with Carlos "Crow" on guitars, Dustin "Skunk" Anderson on the motograter, and Joey Vice on smurs/samples/vocals. In April–May 2015, Motograter completed a US headlining tour, followed by the Civil Unrest Tour, touring with Ill Niño, Straight Line Stitch and Ünloco among others. Soon after the tour concluded, Skunk and Crow departed from the band.

On August 7, 2015, the band premiered their new demo track and video, "Portrait of Decay", through Revolver.[14] and announced plans to record their second album, with Ill Nino guitarist Ahrue Luster as producer.[15]

From May 12 through June 25, 2016, the band embarked on a US tour with American Head Charge[16] with new guitarist Jesse Stamper and returning motograterist Skunk, during which, on June 6, they revealed cover art and the title of the upcoming album, Desolation.[17]

On October 6, the band announced their signing to EMP Label Group and set the release date for Spring 2017.[18]

On September 10, the band released the official lyric video for "Parasite", directed by Brian Cox of Gemini Syndrome and Hollywood Undead, featuring samples by Justin Fowler from American Head Charge.[19]

From September 13 to October 30, the band toured the US with Dope and Flaw,[20] percussionist Joey Vice departing the band during the tour.

From February 2 to 27, 2017, Motograter embarked on a U.S. tour with Hed PE, and again from May 9 to June 11, after which the band set the official release date for Desolation for August 11, 2017.[5]

In July 2017, Motograter traveled to Mansfield, Ohio, to perform "Ink In The Clink" at the Ohio State Reformatory.[21] The band performed alongside Three Days Grace, Adelitas Way, Gemini Syndrome, 10 Years, 40 Below Summer and more. During the festival the band met up with video director Chris Davis of Human Twelve and shot the video for "Dorian" inside the prison.[22]

The sophomore Motograter album, Desolation, was released on August 11, 2017 via EMP Label Group, debuting on the Billboard charts for the first time since 2003.[23]

On August 16, Loudwire premiered the official music video for "Dorian".[24]

From September 27 to November 18, 2017, Motograter embarked on a major headlining tour in support of the new album, dubbed "The Desolation Tour".[25] Longtime bassist Mylon Guy was forced to sit out the tour for personal reasons, but also saw the debut of percussionist and co-vocalist Jonathan "Zero" Price. At the tail end of the tour, drummer Noah "Shark" Robertson was fired from the band, himself releasing a brief statement on November 24, confirming his departure,[26] but later releasing a more detailed explanation surrounding his firing, lambasting guitarist Nuke for alleged money mismanagement and drug abuse.[27]

In February 2018, motograterist Skunk announced his departure from the band.

In March, the band teamed with director Matt Zane and shot their second music video from Desolation for "Daggers", which premiered through Loudwire on April 30, 2018.[28]

On April 14, the band announced the addition of Aeon Cruz on bass. After a few shows, the band announced a short co-headlining tour with Terror Universal called "Tour De Madman 2018", running from June 16 to 24.[29] However, Terror Universal was forced to drop off the tour after being confirmed for another tour,[30] leaving Motograter as the only headliner.

In July 2018, vocalist James Legion and guitarist Jesse Stamper announced their departures from the band. James returned to his home in Cary, North Carolina, and founded nu-metal band Cultus Black.

Return of Angel and second hiatus (2018–present)

The same month, the band announced that they will be supporting Orgy in their headlining tour called the Bring Your Army tour, running from August 17 to September 29.[31] Michael "Angel" Woodruff made a surprise return to the band along with guitarist Kery "Venom" Glennon, with new members Travis Manning on bass and Matthew O' Connell on drums. At the conclusion of the tour, the band entered into a hiatus, with most members at work with other projects.

Personnel

Former members
Vocals
  • Zak "The Waz" Ward – lead vocals (1998–2002, 2003–2004)
  • Ivan "Ghost" Moody – lead vocals (2002–2005, 2006)
  • James Anthony Legion – lead vocals (2014–2018)
  • Michael "Angel" Woodruff – lead vocals (2008–2011, 2013–2014, 2018–2020)
Guitars
  • Neil Godfrey – guitars (2001–2002)
  • J.R. Swartz – guitars (2003–2005, 2006)
  • Ty Fury – guitars (2003–2004)
  • Aaron "A-Bomb" Abalos – guitars (2004–2005)
  • Tyler Hole – guitars (2008–2011)
  • Jesse Stamper – guitars (2016–2018)
  • Kery "Venom" Glennon – guitars, backing vocals (2013–2014, 2018–2020)
  • Matt "Nuke" Nunes – guitars, backing vocals (2002–2003, 2006, 2008–2011, 2013–2020)
Motograter
  • Bruce "Grater" Butler – motograter (1995–2004, 2006, 2008–2009)
  • Mark Nosler – motograter (2009–2011)
  • Michael "The Kidd" Stewart – motograter (2013–2014, 2016)
  • Dustin "Skunk" Anderson – motograter (2015, 2016–2018)
Bass
  • Mylon Guy – bass (2008–2011, 2013–2017)
  • Travis Manning – bass (2018–2020)
Drums
  • Chris "Crispy" Binns – drums (1998–2005, 2006)
  • Jeremy "Twitch" Scheller – drums (2008–2011)
  • Noah "Shark" Robertson – drums (2013–2017)
  • Matthew O'Connell – drums (2018–2020)
Percussion/Other
  • Joey "Smur" Krzywonski – percussion, backing vocals (1995–2004)
  • Joey "Vice" Vice – percussion, backing vocals, samples (2015–2016)
  • Jonathan "Zero" Price – percussion, samples, backing vocals (2017–2019)
Electronics/Samples/Other
  • Eric Gonzales – electronics/samples (1999–2001)
  • Zak "The Waz" Ward – electronics/samples, vocals (2003–2004)

Touring members
  • Johnny Nailz – bass (2004–2005)
  • Casey "KC Kaos" Cahill – electronics/samples, vocals (2011), motograter (2018)
  • Carlos "Crow" Pagan – guitars (2015)
  • Derek Campbell – guitars (2016)
  • Stephen Kalani Seguin – drums (2017–2018)
  • Ryan Ramirez – drums (2018)
  • Aeon Cruz – bass (2018)
  • David Visser – drums (2018)
  • Michael Gallaher – drums

(2019)

Timeline

Discography

Studio albums
Year Album Label Peak chart positions
US Heat.
[32]		 US Indie.
[32]
2003 Motograter Elektra — —
2017 Desolation EMP 19 36

Extended plays

Compilations
  • The Best of Motograter (2017)[note]

Singles
Year Title Peak chart positions Album
US
Main.
[33]
2003 "Suffocate" — Motograter
"Down" 29
2004 "No Name" —
2009 "Lividity" — Pre-Release
2015 "Portrait of Decay (Demo)" — Desolation
2016 "Parasite" —
2017 "Dorian" —
2018 "Daggers" —
gollark: That doesn't seem like a very clear allocation mechanism.
gollark: How do you allocate land if not some kind of market mechanism? It seems like the really low rent would work like rent controls or whatever in that it's basically just first-come-first-serve.
gollark: Sounds like an exciting arbitrage opportunity.
gollark: I would be willing to take that chance for unreasonably large amounts of money.
gollark: There are a bunch of annoying questions which I could resolve much more easily with information from future versions of me, except I *also* probably need access to the counterfactuals somehow.

References
  1. "CD Review of Motograter Motograter". Scott Olivenbaum. June 24, 2003.
  2. "Five Finger Death Punch Feature Interview". Blistering. Archived from the original on 2015-09-23.
  3. "Motograter". Allmusic.
  4. Rosenberg, Alx (12 September 2016). "Motograter are Metalcore Now". MetalSucks. Retrieved 25 June 2018.
  5. Mosh (June 16, 2017). "Motograter announce new album details". The Moshville Times. Retrieved June 16, 2017.
  6. "Motograter". Motograter. Archived from the original on August 10, 2001.
  7. "THE WORDS OF DEZ - PT III". Roadrunner Records. July 12, 2011. Archived from the original on April 4, 2015.
  8. "Motograter Ink Deal With No Name/Elektra Records". Blabbermouth.net. May 1, 2002. Retrieved 11 November 2013.
  9. "Motograter: On Hiatus". Blabbermouth.net. May 13, 2005. Retrieved November 11, 2013.
  10. "FEAR FACTORY Confirmed For Missouri's DELICIOUS ROX FESTIVAL". Blabbermouth.net. September 18, 2006. Retrieved July 13, 2012.
  11. "MOTOGRATER Is Back!". Blabbermouth.net. May 16, 2009. Retrieved July 13, 2012.
  12. Teitelman, Brian (January 3, 2014). "It's 2014, so of course Motograter are reuniting". Metal Insider. Retrieved April 6, 2015.
  13. Flounoy, Marie (15 October 2014). "Knotfest 2014 releases set times". AXS TV. Retrieved 19 October 2018.
  14. "Motograter Premiere New Song and Music Video, 'Portrait of Decay'". Revolver. August 7, 2015. Archived from the original on August 9, 2015.
  15. "MOTOGRATER to Release Long-Awaited Second Album – ILL NIÑO's Ahrue Luster to Produce". AdrenalinePR. September 16, 2015. Retrieved August 25, 2016.
  16. Gonda, Christopher (5 February 2016). "AMERICAN HEAD CHARGE Announce Extensive Spring 2016 U.S. Tour with MOTOGRATER; Stream New Song "Let All The World Believe"". Pure Grain Audio. Retrieved 19 October 2018.
  17. Gonda, Christopher (June 6, 2016). "MOTOGRATER to Release New Album 'Desolation' Near End of 2016; Reveal Cover Artwork and Details". Pure Grain Audio. Retrieved August 25, 2016.
  18. wookubus (October 6, 2016). "Motograter Sign With Megadeth Bassist's EMP Label Group". Theprp. Retrieved December 15, 2016.
  19. wookubus (September 11, 2016). "Motograter Release 'Parasite' Video". Theprp. Retrieved November 28, 2017.
  20. Charlie, Mocha (23 September 2016). "Dope Reunites to Promote Blood Money". Seattle Music Insider. Retrieved 19 October 2018.
  21. Carver, Jim (9 March 2017). "Ink In The Clink 2017 Partial Line-up Confirmed for July 14th-16th at The Ohio State Reformatory!". The Rust Belt Chronicles. Retrieved 19 October 2018.
  22. "MOTOGRATER film new 'Dorian' video in 'Shawshank Redemption' prison". Metalholic.com (press release). July 23, 2017. Retrieved November 28, 2017.
  23. Timmons, Joseph (22 August 2017). "Motograter hits Billboard Chart for first time in 14 years with their new album 'Desolation'!". IndiePulse Music. Retrieved 19 October 2018.
  24. Childers, Chad (August 16, 2017). "Motograter, 'Dorian' – Exclusive Video Premiere + Interview". Loudwire. Retrieved November 28, 2017.
  25. "Motograter Reveal Headlining Shows For This Fall". Ultimate Guitar. 16 June 2017. Retrieved 19 October 2018.
  26. "Motograter Part Ways With Drummer Noah "Shark" Robertson". The PRP. 24 November 2017. Retrieved 19 October 2018.
  27. "Ex-Motograter Drummer Blasts The Band's Guitarist For Alleged Drug Abuse And Violent Behavior". The PRP. 6 December 2017. Retrieved 19 October 2018.
  28. Childers, Chad (30 April 2018). "Motograter Point the Edges Inward in "Daggers" Video - Exclusive Premiere". Loudwire. Retrieved 19 October 2018.
  29. "Motograter and Terror Universal Announce June 2018 "Tour De Madman" Co-Headline Tour Dates". Adrenaline PR. 11 May 2018. Retrieved 19 October 2018.
  30. "Terror Universal Drop Off Motograter Tour". The PRP. 13 June 2018. Retrieved 19 October 2018.
  31. "ORGY Announces Two New Members". Blabbermouth. 28 July 2018. Retrieved 19 October 2018.
  32. "Motograter Chart History". Billboard. Eldridge Industries. Retrieved July 1, 2018.
  33. "Motograter Chart History". Billboard. Eldridge Industries. Retrieved January 19, 2020.

Notes

^ Digital-only release exclusive to Bandcamp.com

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