Martial Industrial: The Sound of War

Martial Industrial is a sub-genre of Industrial Music that emerged in the early 1990s. It is characterized by the use of military themes, martial beats, and dramatic orchestration. The genre is also known as "War Industrial," "Military Pop," or "military-electronic."

Origins

The origins of Martial Industrial can be traced back to the early Industrial Music scene in the UK in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Bands like Throbbing Gristle, Cabaret Voltaire, and Einstürzende Neubauten were experimenting with the use of industrial sounds and found objects to create a new form of music that was raw, aggressive, and confrontational.

In the 1990s, a new wave of Industrial Music emerged in Europe that focused on the use of militaristic themes and imagery. This new sound was influenced by the rise of neo-fascist and nationalist movements in Europe, as well as the Gulf War and the conflicts in the Balkans.

Characteristics

Martial Industrial is characterized by a number of distinctive features. The music is often characterized by a simple, repetitive beat that mimics a marching rhythm. This is typically augmented by a range of orchestral instruments such as horns, strings, and percussion, which lend the music a dramatic, symphonic quality.

Lyrically, the genre often deals with themes of nationalism, war, and conquest. The music is often accompanied by imagery that is inspired by military propaganda and iconography, and often features imagery of soldiers, weapons, and battles.

Examples

Some of the most prominent examples of Martial Industrial include bands like Laibach, Dernière Volonté, and In Slaughter Natives. These bands have been at the forefront of the genre since its inception, and have helped to shape its distinctive sound and aesthetic.

More recently, a number of new bands have emerged that are exploring the boundaries of the genre and pushing it in new directions. These include bands like Rome, Triarii, and Arditi, who have drawn on a wider range of musical influences, including neoclassical and folk music, to create a more varied and nuanced sound.

Conclusion

Martial Industrial is a genre of music that is unique in its use of military themes and imagery. It is a music that is both powerful and provocative, and has been used by artists to explore a wide range of complex issues, including nationalism, war, and violence.

While it is a genre that may not appeal to everyone, it is a testament to the power of music to provoke thought and inspire emotions. Whether you love it or hate it, Martial Industrial is a genre that has left an indelible mark on the world of music, and continues to influence new generations of artists and musicians.