Industrial music emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s as a subgenre of post-punk and electronic music, characterized by its abrasive, experimental sound and provocative, politically charged lyrics. Bands like Ministry and Skinny Puppy became major players in the genre in the 1980s and 1990s, crafting a distinctive sound that blended harsh electronic beats, distorted guitars and aggressive vocals to create a powerful, intense sonic experience. Drawing inspiration from the dystopian themes of science fiction and horror films, industrial music often tackled issues such as societal decay, government corruption and the dangers of technology, offering a dark and often unsettling commentary on the state of the world. Despite its controversial and confrontational nature, industrial music gained a devoted following, paving the way for future generations of experimental and alternative musicians.
New to industrial music, opens a new window? These bands make a fine introduction.
Ministry, opens a new window
Ministry is an American industrial metal band that was formed in 1981 by Al Jourgensen, the band's founder and frontman. Known for their heavy, aggressive sound and provocative lyrics, Ministry has been a major influence on the industrial music genre and is widely regarded as one of the most influential bands of the 1980s and 1990s.
Skinny Puppy, opens a new window
Skinny Puppy is a Canadian industrial music group that was formed in 1982 and is known for their innovative sound, experimental approach and politically charged lyrics. With a discography that spans over three decades, Skinny Puppy has become one of the most influential and enduring bands in the industrial music scene.
KMFDM, opens a new window
KMFDM is a German industrial rock band that was formed in 1984 and has been a major influence on the industrial music scene. Known for their hard-hitting sound, politically charged lyrics, and use of sampled dialogue, KMFDM has released over 20 albums and has built a devoted following over the course of their career.
The KLF
The KLF was a British electronic music duo consisting of Bill Drummond and Jimmy Cauty. They were active in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and are known for their innovative and subversive approach to music and performance art.
Acid Horse
Acid Horse was a collaborative project formed by two pioneering industrial music groups, Ministry and Cabaret Voltaire, in the late 1980s. The group released only one album, "No Name, No Slogan," in 1989, which featured remixes of each other's tracks and original compositions. Acid Horse's sound was characterized by a fusion of aggressive electronic beats, distorted guitars, and dark, menacing vocals, which contributed to the emerging sound of industrial music. Although the group was short-lived, their influence on the industrial music genre can still be felt today.
Lead Into Gold
Lead into Gold was a side-project of industrial musician Paul Barker, best known for his work with the influential group Ministry. The project was active from 1987 to 1991 and released several singles and one full-length album, "Age of Reason," in 1990. Barker's music in Lead into Gold blended elements of industrial, post-punk, and new wave, with heavy use of electronic beats and distorted guitars. The project was notable for its use of unconventional sampling techniques and Barker's distinctive vocals, which were often manipulated with effects processors. Although Lead into Gold was short-lived, its impact on the industrial music scene of the 1980s and 1990s has been significant, and the project continues to be admired by fans of the genre.
Killing Joke
Killing Joke is a post-punk/industrial rock band that was formed in London in 1978. The band's sound is a distinctive mix of heavy, driving basslines, pounding drums, atmospheric keyboards, and frontman Jaz Coleman's intense vocals. Killing Joke's early music was characterized by a raw, abrasive sound that blended elements of punk, metal, and dub, while later albums incorporated elements of electronic and industrial music. The band's lyrics often explored themes of social and political unrest, environmentalism, and esoteric spirituality. Over the course of their career, Killing Joke has released 16 studio albums, numerous live recordings, and has influenced a wide range of artists in the industrial, metal, and alternative rock genres. Despite multiple lineup changes over the years, the band remains active and continues to tour and record new music.
Nitzer Ebb
Nitzer Ebb is a British EBM (Electronic Body Music) band formed in Essex, England in 1982. The band, consisting of Bon Harris and Douglas McCarthy, gained recognition for their high-energy live shows and abrasive, electronic sound that blended elements of punk and industrial music. Their first album, "That Total Age," was released in 1987 and spawned hits like "Join in the Chant" and "Let Your Body Learn." Nitzer Ebb's music often features politically charged lyrics that touch on themes of power, control, and societal oppression. Despite multiple lineup changes and hiatuses over the years, the band continues to have a strong cult following and has been cited as an influence by many artists in the industrial and electronic music scenes.
Add a comment to: Industrial Music: A Terrible Thing to Taste