Underworld, London - 3 February, 2001

...Sweden's The Pain Machinery follow. A far more appropriate act, their fusion of aggressive punishment beats and audio/visual manipulation is far easier to swallow. The band are sadly let down by a dire sound mix which for the most part renders their vocalist inaudible (Which is hardly their fault). Despite an intimidating stage presence, a lack of onstage activity doesn't grab the audience's attention for the duration of their set. It's not that the band aren't doing anything, it's just very hard to see what they're up to; A percussionist hammers at a tiny drum pad that bears closer resemblance to a portable cooker, which isn't exactly epic viewing. It's a pity that the Pain Machinery's performance style doesn't do justice to the high-octane nature of their music.

Review from Vision Thing webzine

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