Machine Command started under the name Halcyon Days in 2013. Then with singer Daryl Grootfaam. Influenced by old skool EBM like Nitzer Ebb, Portion Control and Leather Strip they set out to provide an alternative to the Cybergoth trend. They released the first album “To The Point” and the singles “Tetrarchy” and “Without fear”.
In this timeframe a few liveshows where played with opening for Straftanz as the highlight. In 2018 a second attempt was made into a new album but only three songs where recorded with Daryl of which one (“Bodyheat”) was ultimately released in 2023 on the “Electronic Bodies Session 1” compilation on the Alfa Matrix label. In those days Daryl left the band to concentrate more on his poetry and his other band. The name Halcyon Days was abandoned since more bands used the name.
Although we did hold the oldest claim it was decided that going to the court over this was not worth it and we found a new name “Machine Command“. Surely such a name would be used already by a band? But frantic google searches proved otherwise. Machine Command it was! The old album and singles where rereleased under this name. In 2022 Pieter went looking for a vocalist but did not manage to find someone. The second album “New Socialism” was recorded with samples and AI vocals instead. 4 songs from the 2018 sessions where reworked together with 6 new songs. In november 2023 it was released digitally. The album did very well and stayed for 4 weeks on the number 2 spot on the German DAC album charts and the US Dark alternative charts.
An advertisement for a new singer was sitting on a dutch advertisement board for over a year when Annemarie responded. She saw the new album was already released but reacted nonetheless. With a history in theatre, vocals in acoustic bands and a love for Nina Hagen, Front 242 and Depeche Mode. She turned out to be a great match for Machine Command. Currently the band is working on a new album which will be released end of 24 or beginning of 25.
In September 2024 they released the EP “Not Doing It” with 4 remixes from songs on the new album as a teaser. Machine Command hails from Rotterdam in the Netherlands. Pieter is also active under the name The Peoples Republic of Europe (Rhytmnic noise, doomcore, industrial hardcore) and Kratarknathrak (IDM, ambient).
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