However, Oliver Grasset subsequently left the band and was replaced by Berhard Hoetzl and after Skyscraper were unable to find a satisfactory new long-term recording contract, in autumn 1995 (encouraged by and in partnership with their friend Robin Proper Sheppard, singer/guitarist with The God Machine (band) and Sophia (British band) and also owner of The Flower Shop record label) they formed their own imprint, Dynosupreme Records, with the intention of both managing themselves and releasing their own products. Once more, this was made 'Single Of The Week' by Kerrang!, courtesy of guest reviewers Gregor Mackintosh and Nick Holmes of Paradise Lost (band) and was also an independent hit. It would not be until April 1995 that Skyscraper released any new material when the Never Again EP was issued through a one-off deal with independent label Scared Hitless. Independent releases and line up changes Despite being awarded 'Single Of The Week' status by Kerrang!, and the promo video receiving plays on UK TV, at the end of June 1994, Skyscraper were dropped by the Food/EMI label and the band's contract was terminated. Despite the success of these appearances (with the band's line up augmented by the temporary addition of a second guitarist, Andrew ‘Fuzz’ DuPrey of Silverfish (band)) which were well received by the UK rock press, with one magazine stating in an enthusiastic review that "Skyscraper look like they are about to inherit the world", the Man Made Hell EP was not released by Food/EMI until the end of May. Although Skyscraper's debut album for the label was technically complete, the band recorded two new tracks early in the year and although a third EP was scheduled for release in early 1994, this was pushed back to April to coincide with a series of live dates Skyscraper had secured as special guests to Killing Joke. In 1994, EMI Records gained a controlling stake in Food Records, although label boss (and Skyscraper A&R representative) Andy Ross was running the label. Skyscraper ended the year as special guests to Therapy? and Cop Shoot Cop on a short run of UK dates in early December. RAW magazine boldly proclaimed that "if Rage Against The Machine liked metal one little bit, they'd be as good as Lovesick is", and the band embarked on a three-week co-headlining tour with labelmates Mint 400 which was sponsored by BBC Radio One. The second single "Lovesick" was released in November 1993. The EP was an independent chart hit and Skyscraper toured the UK extensively in support of the release, both as headliners in their own right as well as playing opening slots for Helmet (band), The God Machine (band), Mega City Four, Medicine (band) and others, as well as also appearing at the 1993 Phoenix Festival. ![]() It's awesome", while the NME referred to it as a ". The electronic underlay applied to the production lead to UK music magazine Melody Maker to describe it as "Industrial Grunge: like Ministry performed by humans. One of the tracks from this session became the lead track of the band's first EP Choke which was released on Incoherent Records (a subsidiary of Food Records, which was co-owned by EMI Records) in July 1993. In early 1993, the band entered Monnow Valley studios, to start the first of two recording sessions with producer Roli Mosimann. After making their live debut at London venue The Falcon in October 1992, the band soon raised their profile further by signing to Food Records, appearing as support to Rage Against the Machine and recording a session for John Peel's radio show in February 1993. Although the band's music was superficially similar to the grunge style that was popular at the time, it contained a melodic inventiveness and a characteristically unusual guitar style, which brought the band swift attention. ![]() The line up was completed by drummer Oliver Grasset. ![]() Skyscraper were formed in autumn 1992 by guitarist/vocalist Vic Kemlicz, formerly of the London band Milk and ex- Swervedriver bass guitarist Adi Vines. the best debut by far of any British rock band in recent years". ![]() The band were favourites of the UK rock press, with Metal Hammer magazine calling Skyscraper's 1995 album Superstate ". They released three singles on Food Records (the first two through label subsidiary Incoherent Records) and two albums and one single on their own Dynosupreme Records, also touring the UK extensively and appearing on MTV and British national radio. Skyscraper were a British-based rock band active between 19.
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