Motive: Scripting Torture

In the mid 1990s, the Long Island scene was thriving and new bands were emerging at an alarming rate. Often times these bands would open a show or two and quickly fall off the map. However one band managed to stand out amongst the pack and grow into what I believe is one of Long Island's most influential bands. Although Motive started out as more of a straightforward hardcore band, it was not until they dismissed their first vocalist that they really got going. Recruiting a vocalist from within, their bass player Atif had to be convinced to fill the void but it was his scream that began to shape a sound that was until then rather incomplete. Shortly after their line up shuffle, Motive released "A Doctrine of Scripted Torture" on Exit/Wreck Age, a record that captured not only their intensity but put the name Motive on every Long Island hardcore show from 1996-1997.

If there was one thing that Motive was not it was metal. Although the metal influence was there, the "metalcore" term had not fully been defined and again it was simply called noisecore. They were fast, discordant, melodic, and down right brutal at times. They ran the gamut of sound and somehow it all managed to work. Similar to early Botch material, Deadguy or 108, Motive were faster and more intense than any band they were compared to. Live they were a wall of noise, constantly flailing from one side of the venue to the other, and wearing their hearts on their sleeves all the while. What made this band truly special was that they really believed in what they were saying. They had convictions, be it political or environmental, they were not afraid to let people know what they were feeling. It never felt like a speech or a sales pitch, what they were was a band who was unafraid to stand out from the pack and be different and I am afraid it was that which eventually led to their break up.

After their 7" the band returned to the studio to record "I Vs. The Beckoning Darkness" The band were beginning to show a more metal influence and seemed to be getting more experimental in their songwriting. While their 7" was raw and intense, "I Vs..." appeared to be more controlled and methodical. Though they both shared similar characteristics, "I Vs..." was pulling the band into a different genre altogether and people knew it. While much of the song writing during the 7" and "I Vs..." album were done as a straight edge band, Motive's new found interests in such intoxicants as Wild Turkey seemed to push them on the verge of what I remember thinking was paranoia. The direction that was documented during the "I Vs..." sessions would eventually progress even further into an almost southern rock/neurosis feel (much like the direction that Cable started to take with their later releases). Their quick paced slowed to a more fluent riff and hints of Buzzov-en or Eyehategod were beginning to peer through.

They would go on to record a demo entitled "Fetus Shall Become Ash", which was meant to serve as a precursor to another full length. However Motive would eventually disband due to what they felt was people not caring any longer. I don’t believe there was an official break up like bands do now and Motive simply faded away. Their guitarist Ryan would re-emerge to form Unearthly Trance, who recently signed to Relapse, a sound that honestly was not that far removed from the later Motive material. You can hear the band's musical progression below and please feel free to make a comment.

From the "A Doctrine Of Scripted Torture" 7": Farewell To The Actor
From the "I Vs. The Beckoning Darkness" CD: The Dormancy Pill
From the "I Vs. The Beckoning Darkness" CD: Icicles
From the "Fetus Shall Become Ash" demo: Implosion Of Existence