The Awesome Machine

THE AWESOME MACHINE was formed in late 1996 by guitarist Christian Smedström and former bassplayer Stefan Magnusson, followed by vocalist Lasse Olausson and drummer Peter Thorne, finally deciding to form a band together. Tobbe Bövik took over the drum stool after Peter in march ´98. Since their self-titled debut 10-inch vinyl was released in October ´98, bass player and original founder decided to leave the band due to musical differences. His shoes were filled after auditioning Anders Wenander (a long-time friend of Tobbe) in December ´98. Anders was actually the first one they tried out!

With their background set firmly in the most heavy of legendary rock bands; they knew their direction immediately. Several compositions were already in the pipeline, and the new formed line-up shaped it all to their common taste of 1970´s and 80´s hardrock and rock´n´roll.
Following almost a year of composing and rehearsing; combined with local club shows, THE AWESOME MACHINE went to record their first full-length, ´…it´s ugly or nothing´, in Los Angered recordings with Andy La Roque as the engineer and co-producer. The choice fell on ten songs, representing the bands background and direction, as well as their composing ability.

The summer of 2000 was spent mostly on the road, including some of the big festivals in Sweden. In September 2000 a signature model by Eagle Guitars, designed by Christian, called "Awesome" was released. The rest of the year 2000 was spent on the road throughout Europe together with bands like Dozer and Karma 2 Burn.

In late 2001 they made a sponsor deal with Tobbe at Heidi Hay Tattoo´s (Gothenburg).
The follow-up, ´Under the Influence´, was recorded at Nacksving studios, Gothenburg. This time they choose to produce themselves and the result, was released in early 2002. In May they toured for a month again, this time as co-headline together with Mushroom River Band (with openers Pawnshop and Hoek). The reviews where overwhelming.

In September ´02 THE AWESOME MACHINE went on a mini tour that ended in Erfurt as headliner for the "2 Stoned from the Underground" festival.

The autumn of ´02 and spring of ´03 was heavily spent in the rehearsal room, writing material for what should become the groups most well-written, well-played album…the third full-length called ´the Soul of a Thousand Years´ (release November 2003). This time they made the final step out of the stoner genre and entered a more hardrock-metal oriented style with elements from psychedelia and folkmusic…

The fact that the bandmembers have a strong common background as well as great routine on stage immediately proved to be an immense advantage for the band, and will no doubt be of further benefit during the time to come, on the road and in the recording studio…

Christian-Guitar

Songwriter and riffmaker. Gets his influence from musicians like John Fogerty, Peter Green and Brian Robertsson. Thinks that contemporary music, with one or two exemptions, really stinks. All the great music was done thirty years ago. He wasn´t even born at that time. Bands like Creedence, Cream and The Doors makes him extremely happy. He is a former band member of Full Metal Jacketz and Tubescreamer.

Anders-Bass

Also a songwriter and riffmaker. He´s playing/singing in Final Benson too. Sparetime is spent with his son (20020726) or in the couch. A truckdriving man that simply loves The Doors, Ramones and Led Zeppelin. Anders has been in the band Shannon´s dream with Tobbe and he has also been a part of the New York-based band Near Death Experience.

Lasse-Vocals

The bands own lyricmaster and wildbeast. He is known for his funny outbursts on stage, which makes him the perfect leadsinger. He is jumping, bouncing and sweating through every live performance. Has a bone through his nose and loves motorcycles. Stoneflow did lose a lot when he left them for The Awesome Machine.

Tobbe-Drums

Play drums like his life depended on it. His heroes are John Bonham, Bill Ward and Keith Moon. Flared jeans, tight shirts and LP:s are a must for this freak for the 70´s. Bands like Feel, Temple and Shannon´s Dream took him to where he is today. Has one of the biggest drumkits spotted on this side the equator containing a 28" Ludwig ´69 bassdrum.Quelle: http://www.peoplelikeyou.deDiscografie1998 The Awesome Machine 10"

2000 ... It´s Ugly Or Nothing

2002 Under The Influence

2003 The Soul Of A Thousand Years www