Top 11 Influential Minds of Industrial Metal

Filed under: music industry, rants & opinions

Over at Consequence of Sound, they have posted their Top 11 Influential Minds of Industrial Metal.

Every genre of music warrants fusion, and with that fusion comes act after act with a new direction or interpretation. In the late sixties a movement began known as industrial that would change the face of the musical landscape forever by pooling elements of installation art, punk rock, and electronics. This new genre encompassed philosophical extremes inspired by great minds like William S. Burroughs or The Marquee De Sade, and the train did not stop as more artists were drawn to a rising demand for abrasive anti-establishment dynamics found in thrash metal and house music.

Thus, industrial metal was created, and here on the year of Ministry’s disbanding and Nine Inch Nails’ possible retirement from touring, we explore this rather complex culture of static, taboo, distortion and drums. The unfortunate truth becomes “Where does one begin, exactly?”, as digging deep enough into any musical genre will no doubt reveal unexpected influences or endless avenues of related acts. Being that industrial music takes a very DIY approach, the list of acts becomes almost infinite and constantly overlaps. It is for this reason we decided to focus on specific persons responsible for this phenomenal movement.

Welcome to the Top 11 Influential Minds of Industrial Metal… and please, don’t focus on the order.

If you are in a rush, here is the list; otherwise, head over to read their reasoning.

11. Danny Lohner (Renholder)
10. Brian Warner (Marilyn Manson
9. Kevin Ogilvie (Skinny Puppy
8. Justin Broadrick (Godflesh
7. Al Jourgensen (Ministry
6. Sascha Konietzko (KMFDM)
5. Atkins/Rieflin (Pigface)
4. Till Lindemann (Rammstein)
3. Klayton (Celldweller)
2. Genesis Breyer P-Orridge (Throbbing Gristle)
1. Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails)