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Machina II/The Friends & Enemies of Modern Music

by The Smashing Pumpkins

Released: September 05, 2000

Alternative rock

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Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Reissue.

The Album

"Machina II/The Friends & Enemies of Modern Music" is the sixth studio album by The Smashing Pumpkins, released for free on the Internet on September 5, 2000. It was also the final album to feature guitarist James Iha until his return in 2018, and the last with the original lineup, as bassist D'arcy Wretzky left during the recording of the *Machina* albums and did not rejoin the band upon their reunion. Both *Machina* albums are conceptual, exploring the story of "a rock star gone mad." Machina II marked the end of The Smashing Pumpkins' studio output until their 2006 reunion.

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Interesting Facts

It was initially intended to be released physically…

It was initially intended to be released physically alongside its predecessor, Machina/The Machines of God, but plans for a standard release were delayed due to legal issues.

As of 2018, frontman Billy Corgan announced that…

As of 2018, frontman Billy Corgan announced that these issues were resolved, with plans for a remastered deluxe reissue, although no release date has been set.

The album is a double LP accompanied by…

The album is a double LP accompanied by three EPs featuring B-sides and alternate versions.

The artwork was designed by Carlos Segura

The artwork was designed by Carlos Segura.

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Both *Machina* albums are conceptual, exploring the story of "a rock star gone mad." Machina II marked the end of The Smashing Pumpkins' studio output until their 2006 reunion.

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The Complete Album Story

"Machina II/The Friends & Enemies of Modern Music" is the sixth studio album by The Smashing Pumpkins, released for free on the Internet on September 5, 2000. It was initially intended to be released physically alongside its predecessor, Machina/The Machines of God, but plans for a standard release were delayed due to legal issues. As of 2018, frontman Billy Corgan announced that these issues were resolved, with plans for a remastered deluxe reissue, although no release date has been set.

The album is a double LP accompanied by three EPs featuring B-sides and alternate versions. The artwork was designed by Carlos Segura. Both *Machina* albums are conceptual, exploring the story of "a rock star gone mad." Machina II marked the end of The Smashing Pumpkins' studio output until their 2006 reunion. It was also the final album to feature guitarist James Iha until his return in 2018, and the last with the original lineup, as bassist D'arcy Wretzky left during the recording of the *Machina* albums and did not rejoin the band upon their reunion.