Scanners

Scanners formed in the late 1970s, with Paul Lemos on vocals and guitar, Kevin McMahon on guitar and keyboards, Bruce Mee on bass, and Bill Rieflin on drums. Their first album, 'Bass Ackwards,' came out in 1980, followed by 'Miniature' the next year. The song 'Lowlife' from that second record became something of an underground anthem, with its grinding guitars and bleak lyrics finding an audience among listeners who felt disconnected from mainstream culture.

Their live shows were known for being confrontational, sometimes incorporating blood and animal carcasses into the performance. This, along with lyrics that dealt with alienation and violence, earned them a reputation as provocateurs. They kept releasing albums through the 1980s, including 'In the Belly of the Brazen Bull' in 1985 and 'The Redeemer' in 1986.

Other songs like 'Salvation' and 'Baby Blue' showed their range within a harsh, electronic-tinged rock framework. Their name was taken from David Cronenberg's 1981 film, and their stylized 'S' logo was designed by the artist H.R. Giger. While they never achieved widespread commercial success, their abrasive sound and theatrical approach left a clear imprint on the industrial rock that followed.