The title 'Machina' likely derives from the Latin phrase, "Deus Ex Machina" (God from the machine). This refers to the early Greek tragedies, where seemingly unconquerable obstacles were overcome with cheap plot devices, such as the unexplained interference of the Gods; whom would descend from a makeshift crane upon the stage and resolve a final, highly improbable, solution. Speculating then, the album title could have been chosen for three possible reasons: to demonstrate the symbiotic relationship of man and machine, to illuminate the failing spiritual resolve of humanity, and to serve as a just description for the central character (Glass), who adopts the role of a prophet after hearing what he perceived to be the voice of God through the radio. As such, Glass is quite literally an instrument, or mechanical vessel to channel the spirit of God.
The artwork for Machina is a rich tapestry of the alchemical, the occult, and the sublime. Nearly all of the artworks created during the Machina era can be credited to a skillful artist with an eye for detail by the name of Vasily Kafanov. In the following articles, I take an in depth look at their symbolism, and relevance to the Machina mystery.
MACHINA ALBUM ARTWORK PLATES I - V | Examine the genesis lovers bound in alchemical union with the "The Machines of God"; the homunculus encased in a flask of mercurial water with "The Soul as Living Proof"; a desolate landscape in which hope flourishes in "The Chemist Brings Spark"; the blinding brilliance of "Let the Truth Sing Divine"; and a tender moment shared by destined lovers in "Desire Holds the Moment Still".
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MACHINA ALBUM ARTWORK PLATES VI - X | Peer into a gathering of Nuremburg-esque proportions in "As the Machines Resume"; the mirrored reflection of Siva in ocean hue with "Peering Deep into a Mirror Untrue"; a diptych scene of love's labors lost in "So Empowered, the Lovers Negate the Blinding Brilliance of Love"; and the apex of personal decay in "The Heavens Cry Her Mortal Thirst" .
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MACHINA ALBUM ARTWORK PLATES XI - XVI & APPENDICES | Venture to the center of the Ouroboros in "The I of the Radio"; a hermetic maxim and the symbolism of palmistry in "In All Things the Symbols Reign Supreme"; the symbiotic relationship of man and machine in "Torn Inside, Machines of Light"; an extensive journey to the secret of all ages in "Turning Tears Into Oceans, Words into Sand"; the philosophical tree among alchemists and celestial colour theory in "Bracing Against the Inevitable Doubt"; and the perseverance of an outcast in "This Echo Rings Forever On". As a bonus, investigate two untitled drawings of Hermes atop the philosophical egg, and the biblical execution of a ladder to heaven.
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STAND INSIDE YOUR LOVE - SINGLE ARTWORK | The Stand Inside Your Love single by Kafanov is primarily a depiction of the alchemical androgyne; one of the most significant symbols within alchemy. Look further, and witness how the single borrows imagery from erudite 15th century illustrations. On this journey, we’ll also examine a biblical story of Moses and the crucified serpent, which makes up the back cover of the single.
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TRY, TRY, TRY - SINGLE ARTWORK | Peer into the artwork of the Try, Try, Try single; two lush illustrations by Vasily Kafanov, incorporating two separate 18th century alchemical illustrations. The Nachtkabarett will examine their relation to the prophet Elijah, the sigil foreshadowing Armageddon, and the marriage of duality: the joint union of king and queen; pelican and phoenix & sun and moon.
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1991-1998 LTD. RETROSPECTIVE PROMO ALBUM | Created as a retrospective on the years signed to Caroline and Virgin Records, The Smashing Pumpkins 1991-1998 was limited to a run of roughly 1000 copies. Once again, Vasily Kafanov stepped in to create exquisite artwork for this release. See how he breathed new life into an alchemical depiction, and resurrected an earlier concept from one of Germany's most talented Romantic artists.
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PROMOTIONAL ARTWORK & LITHOGRAPHS | As means of promotion, four limited edition lithographic prints were created, just as beautiful as the official Machina artwork. Other promotional drawings announced the arrival of the upcoming album, stirring in the fans an eager and unquenchable curiosity. Learn about the alchemical reduction and union of two into one; the symbolism of the rose cross; the voracious and acidic appetite of the green lion and much more.
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UNUSED MACHINA ERA ARTWORK | Revealed in a photograph of Vasily Kafanov -the artist behind the innate beauty of the plate etchings- there were several artworks created during the era of Machina / The Machines of God which never found their way to the album booklet. Most of these faded away into relative obscurity, and, although not a part of the official release, The NACHTKABARETT will examine what could have been, in hopes of unearthing more details about the general mythos of Machina. Explore the role of alchemy's most important deity, and a great deal more.
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THE SACRED AND PROFANE TOUR - BACKSTAGE PASS | The detailed intricacies of Machina were not just limited to the album artwork, secret websites, flash animations, promotional lithographs and GATMOG web episodes. Even minute details, such as the backstage/working/V.I.P./after show passes were layered in rich symbolism. Explore the relation between Helena Blavatsky, founder of the Theosophical Society, and the passes which granted access for fans and staff alike.
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