industrial

Industrial: From Noise to Noisemakers

Industrial music, a genre as diverse as its name suggests, burst onto the scene in the late 70s, fueled by the raw energy of punk and a fascination with the dark, mechanical underbelly of modern society.

The pioneers, like Throbbing Gristle, weren’t afraid to push boundaries. They embraced noise, distortion, and the unsettling sounds of machinery, creating music that was both unsettling and undeniably powerful.

But industrial wasn’t just about sonic shock. It was also a reaction to the rise of technology and the alienation it brought. Bands like Einstürzende Neubaten, with their use of found objects and destruction, captured the anxiety and unease of a world grappling with automation.

Over time, industrial evolved, branching out into various subgenres. Some, like Ministry, fused the raw aggression of industrial with the rhythmic pulse of rock. Others, like Nine Inch Nails, explored the dark side of human emotion, using electronics to create haunting and atmospheric soundscapes.

And then there are the funny bits. Did you know that:

• Throbbing Gristle’s Genesis P-Orridge once declared that he was “a living work of art” and famously underwent an elaborate “bio-transmutation” process, which involved surgically altering his appearance to resemble his partner?
• The industrial band Skinny Puppy actually started out as a performance art group, known for their shocking and often gory live shows?
• The industrial metal band Rammstein is known for their explosive pyrotechnics, which have occasionally gotten a little too close for comfort for both the band and the audience?

Despite its often intense and challenging nature, industrial music has had a lasting impact on popular music, influencing everyone from Marilyn Manson to Radiohead. Its raw energy, unsettling sounds, and introspective lyrics continue to resonate with listeners who seek something beyond the mainstream.

So next time you hear a distorted guitar riff or a pulsating synth line, remember the pioneers of industrial music, the artists who dared to explore the sonic frontiers and create something truly unique and powerful.