What is industrial music? Origins and evolution into subgenres
What is industrial music really?
Industrial music is a genre that emerged in the mid-1970s, characterized by its experimental approach and incorporation of harsh, mechanical sounds. It often addresses provocative themes, challenging traditional musical norms and societal conventions.
In this article we dive deeper into the origins of this music genre.
Origins and evolution
Origins and Early Pioneers (Mid-1970s to Early 1980s):
Industrial music emerged in the mid-1970s as a provocative genre that challenged conventional musical norms. Artists like Throbbing Gristle and Cabaret Voltaire spearheaded this movement, utilizing unconventional instruments and techniques to craft abrasive, mechanical soundscapes. Their work laid the foundation for industrial music’s distinctive fusion of electronic experimentation and confrontational themes.
Drawing inspiration from earlier avant-garde movements, industrial musicians incorporated elements of noise and electronic manipulation. Pioneers such as Pierre Schaeffer’s 1940s musique concrète and the tape music of Halim El-Dabh influenced the genre’s development. Additionally, early 20th-century Italian futurist Luigi Russolo’s work, “The Art of Noises,” reflected the sounds of a modern industrial society, further shaping the genre’s aesthetic.
The term “industrial music” was coined by the British band Throbbing Gristle, who founded Industrial Records in 1976. Their work, along with that of contemporaries like Cabaret Voltaire, SPK, and Monte Cazazza, laid the foundation for the genre. These artists employed unconventional sound sources, including tape loops, found objects, and early synthesizers, to create abrasive and challenging soundscapes.
Notable Tracks:
- “Discipline” by Throbbing Gristle
- “Nag Nag Nag” by Cabaret Voltaire
Diversification and Subgenres (Mid-1980s to Early 1990s):
In the 1980s, industrial music diversified into various subgenres, including Electronic Body Music (EBM) and industrial rock. Bands like Front 242 and Ministry blended electronic rhythms with aggressive guitar riffs, broadening the genre’s appeal. This period also saw the rise of acts such as Skinny Puppy and Einstürzende Neubauten, who incorporated performance art and unconventional instruments into their music, pushing the boundaries of industrial sound.
As the genre evolved, it diversified into various subgenres:
- Electronic Body Music (EBM): Pioneered by bands like Front 242 and Nitzer Ebb, EBM combined industrial sounds with danceable rhythms.Notable Tracks:
- “Headhunter” by Front 242
- “Join in the Chant” by Nitzer Ebb
- Industrial Rock/Metal: Artists such as Ministry and Nine Inch Nails fused industrial elements with rock and metal, bringing the genre closer to mainstream audiences.Notable Tracks:
- “Stigmata” by Ministry
- “Head Like a Hole” by Nine Inch Nails
Mainstream Success and Further Evolution (1990s to 2000s):
By the 1990s, industrial music gained mainstream recognition, with artists like Nine Inch Nails achieving commercial success. Their fusion of industrial elements with accessible song structures brought the genre to a wider audience. Concurrently, the genre influenced and intersected with other musical styles, leading to the development of post-industrial genres that continue to evolve today.
In the 1990s, industrial music gained significant mainstream attention. Bands like Nine Inch Nails and Marilyn Manson achieved commercial success, with albums such as The Downward Spiral and Antichrist Superstar reaching wide audiences. This period also saw the rise of Rammstein, who brought a European flavor to industrial metal.
Notable Tracks:
- “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails
- “The Beautiful People” by Marilyn Manson
- “Du Hast” by Rammstein
Contemporary Scene and Legacy:
Today, industrial music continues to influence various genres, including electronic, metal, and experimental music, and even darkwave music. Artists like Health and Youth Code incorporate industrial elements into their work, ensuring the genre’s relevance in modern music.
Notable Tracks:
- “Slaves of Fear” by Health
- “Commitment to Complications” by Youth Code
Key characteristics of industrial music
Industrial music distinguishes itself through several key characteristics that set it apart from other genres. It is renowned not only for its distinctive sound but also for its compelling visual aesthetics, which play a crucial role in conveying the genre’s themes and enhancing the overall experience.
Sound Design: Artists in this genre employ harsh, abrasive sounds, often incorporating mechanical noises, electronic distortion, and unconventional audio effects to create a provocative auditory experience.
Instrumentation: Industrial musicians utilize a blend of traditional instruments and electronic devices. They often favor synthesizers, samplers, and drum machines, alongside guitars and vocals, to produce a unique fusion of organic and synthetic sounds.
Rhythmic Structure: The genre frequently features repetitive, machine-like rhythms, reflecting the mechanical themes central to its aesthetic. These rhythms can range from danceable beats to complex, syncopated patterns, providing a hypnotic foundation for the music.
Thematic Content: Industrial music often explores transgressive or provocative themes, challenging societal norms and delving into topics such as alienation, technology, and dystopia. This thematic focus contributes to its reputation as a genre that confronts and provokes.
Production Techniques: The genre embraces experimental production methods, including tape manipulation, sampling, and the use of found sounds. These techniques allow artists to craft complex, layered compositions that defy traditional musical structures.
Album Artwork: Many industrial bands collaborate with visual artists to create striking album covers that reflect their music’s intensity and thematic content. For instance, KMFDM has a long-standing partnership with artist Aidan Hughes, whose artwork, inspired by Golden Age comic artists and Russian Constructivists, adorns their releases. His bold, graphic style complements the band’s industrial sound and has become synonymous with their identity.
Music Videos and Performances: Industrial artists often produce visually arresting music videos and stage performances that incorporate provocative imagery, performance art, and multimedia elements. For example, Nine Inch Nails’ collaboration with director Mark Romanek resulted in the iconic video for “Closer,” which features surreal and disturbing visuals that align with the song’s themes. Similarly, bands like Ministry and Marilyn Manson have utilized controversial and avant-garde imagery in their videos and live shows to challenge audiences and enhance the impact of their music.
Fashion and Subculture: The industrial music scene has given rise to distinct fashion styles and subcultures. The “rivethead” subculture, for instance, draws inspiration from military aesthetics, modern primitive body modifications, and elements borrowed from goth and punk fashion. This style often includes combat boots, military uniforms, tattoos, piercings, and other forms of body art, reflecting the genre’s themes of rebellion and nonconformity.
Integration with Visual Arts: Industrial music frequently intersects with other art forms, including visual arts and performance art. Artists like Throbbing Gristle not only produced music but also engaged in performance art that challenged societal norms and provoked thought. This multidisciplinary approach has been explored in works like “Shock Factory: The Visual Culture of Industrial Music,” which examines how industrial culture operates at the intersection of various media, including collage, installation, film, and video.
10 Must have industrial music albums
- “20 Jazz Funk Greats” by Throbbing Gristle (1979)
A pioneering work that blends experimental sounds with provocative themes, challenging musical conventions. - “The Land of Rape and Honey” by Ministry (1988)
Marks Ministry’s transition into a heavier, more aggressive industrial metal sound, influencing countless artists. - “The Downward Spiral” by Nine Inch Nails (1994)
A concept album delving into themes of self-destruction, showcasing Trent Reznor’s innovative production techniques. - “Front by Front” by Front 242 (1988)
A cornerstone of Electronic Body Music (EBM), featuring the dancefloor hit “Headhunter.” - “Too Dark Park” by Skinny Puppy (1990)
An intense, chaotic album that pushes the boundaries of industrial soundscapes. - “Streetcleaner” by Godflesh (1989)
A heavy, brooding album that laid the groundwork for industrial metal. - “Nihil” by KMFDM (1995)
Features a blend of industrial rock and electronic beats, with the standout track “Juke Joint Jezebel.” - “Halber Mensch” by Einstürzende Neubauten (1985)
Showcases the band’s use of unconventional instruments and noise to create a unique industrial sound. - “Tactical Neural Implant” by Front Line Assembly (1992)
A polished electro-industrial album with complex programming and atmospheric layers. - “Sehnsucht” by Rammstein (1997)
Introduces a German take on industrial metal, combining heavy riffs with theatrical vocals.
Industrial music magazines
Industrial music has been chronicled and promoted through various magazines over the years, each contributing to the genre’s documentation and dissemination. Many have disappeared over the years, some have remained their strong presence, and new ones have emerged. Here are the most notable publications that are still alive and kicking:
- Side-Line Magazine
Established in 1989, this Belgian magazine covers industrial, electro, EBM, and post-punk music, offering news, reviews, and interviews. - Regen Magazine
An online publication focusing on industrial, synthpop, electronic, and alternative music, providing interviews, reviews, and news updates. - Brutal Resonance
Founded in 2009 in Sweden, this magazine covers industrial, synthpop, EBM, darkwave, and related genres, emphasizing honest critiques and reviews. - Industrial Complexx
An independent media outlet dedicated to experimental electronics, industrial music, and refined techno, offering interviews, label mixes, premieres, and reviews. - Statik Zine
A print and digital magazine focusing on industrial music, art, and culture, featuring artist interviews, label profiles, and multimedia reviews. - Orkus
A German monthly magazine established in 1995, covering gothic, romantic, industrial, and electro music, along with related cultural topics. - Blow Up
An Italian music magazine founded in 1995, focusing on alternative and obscure music, including industrial, electronica, and experimental genres.
Industrial music won’t die soon
Industrial music has over the years clearly shown that it has an inherent adaptability and willingness to embrace technological advancements. Artists are increasingly experimenting with AI-generated compositions and immersive virtual reality performances, which is a clear signal that we have entered an transformative era for industrial music.
Moreover, the genre’s thematic focus on dystopia and societal critique is quite relevant in today’s world where society grapples with technological advancements, political unrest, and environmental crises.
In essence, industrial music has always been characterized by a dynamic interplay between technological innovation, thematic relevance, and cross-genre collaboration. The ingredients for a bright future.
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