Forlorn Refinery

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Forlorn Refinery was formed in the summer of 2003 in Southeast Michigan and began as a studio project. Keyboardist and programmer Bill Pope teamed up with guitarist Mike Pierce in the pursuit of composing an avant-garde form of music fusing edgy industrial guitar, percussive noise grooves and progressive song formulas. Pope took on the role of heading the group as vocalist and producer collaborating with Pierce co-writing and producing. With some good song ideas in hand, they crafted some demos. One of which found it's way into a Toledo dance club with the help of resident DJ Darkschoir.

But something else was building, the need to take the sound to the stage. Something that in the current format, could not be done. They needed a band.

In spring of 2004, they took in bassist Jim Miller. With their new member they altered their mixes, stripping down synth bass and other elements, rebuilding the low end with Miller’s technical bass playing. The sound was evolving into something more organic and it wasn't quit finished. They still needed a drummer, and the role was soon filled with the hostile and abrasive drum style of Corey Mathes.

The four conjured a sound unlike anything they've done before. Crashing drums meet synthetic rhythms supporting a wall of crushing guitars and thick synthesizers. All the while, sweeping ambient textures invite you to close your eyes and take in the tormented preachings of Pope. Two years later, what was intended as a studio project dedicated to experimental rock noise had blossomed into a machine of live audio assault.