Industrial Music vs Hardcore Techno: Which is Better?
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If you’re wondering whether industrial music or hardcore techno is the better genre, this blog post is for you. We’ll go over the key differences between the two genres and help you decide which one is right for you.
Industrial Music
Industrial music is a genre of music that draws on transgressive and provocative themes. The genre was developed in the late 1970s by industrial bands such as Throbbing Gristle and Cabaret Voltaire. Industrial music has since evolved into a variety of styles, including industrial metal, industrial rock and industrial hip hop.
Origins
Industrial music was born in the mid-1970s, foregrounding experimental music practices and ideas that had been brewing in underground scenes for years. Throbbing Gristle, a group founded by four art students in England, are often credited as being industrial music’s first major act. They developed a unique sound that merged synthesizers, tape loops, and found sounds with traditional instrumentation and vocals, creating catchy yet unnerving melodies. This combination of hooks and sonic creepiness would become a hallmark of industrial music.
Industrial music grew out of the English post-punk scene of the late 1970s and was closely related to the development of punk rock. Like punk, industrial rejected mainstream pop culture and established art forms, choosing instead to create its own DIY aesthetic. But where punk celebrated simplicity and aggression, industrial focused on complexity and deconstruction. The first wave of industrial music was typified by artists like Throbbing Gristle, Cabaret Voltaire, NON, SPK, AND Population Growth, who experimented with sounds and structures to create a new kind of music that was both challenging and poppy.
In the 1980s, industrial music evolved from its avant-garde roots into a more commercial form that would come to be known as “industrial dance” or “industrial metal.” This new style blended the experimentalism of early industrial with the danceability of synth-pop and the heaviness of metal to create a sound that was both foreboding and club-ready. Groups like Nine Inch Nails, Ministry, Skinny Puppy, Front 242, KMFDM, Revolting Cocks, Laibach, and Front Line Assembly became leaders of this second wave of industrial music
Characteristics
There are a few essential characteristics that define the industrial music genre. The first is the use of found sounds, or samples, which are then manipulated electronically to create rhythms and textures. This could include anything from the sound of a machine to field recordings of people or nature. These samples are often distorted or treated with effects to make them less recognizable.
Industrial artists also often incorporate various elements of noise into their music. This could be anything from white noise to feedback loops or even just loud, jarring sounds. The goal is to create an unsettling or even disturbing atmosphere.
Finally, industrial music is often based around themes of alienation, angst, and existentialism. The lyrics might deal with topics like social critique, anti-establishment sentiment, or post-apocalyptic visions. Musically, this might be reflected in dark, repetitive melodies or in lyrics that are shouted or chanted rather than sung.
Hardcore Techno
Hardcore Techno is a subgenre of techno that was created in the early 1990s. The music is characterized by its fast tempo, dark atmosphere, and large bass drops. Hardcore Techno is often considered to be more aggressive and intense than other genres of techno.
Origins
Hardcore Techno is a very specific style of techno music that developed in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It is characterized by its fast tempo, repetitive nature, and often aggressive or dark themes.
The origins of hardcore techno are closelylinked to the development of rave culture in the UK. Rave culture was a response to the increasing popularity of dance music in clubs, as well as the use of illegal drugs like ecstasy. Raves were often held in warehouses or other non-traditional venues, and they quickly became known for their intense atmosphere and all-night dancing.
In the early 1990s, a number of British DJs began playing harder, faster versions of techno at raves. This new style of music became known as hardcore techno, and it soon caught on with ravers in other countries. Hardcore techno quickly developed its own subcultural identity, with its own fashion, language, and way of life.
Today, hardcore techno is still an underground music genre with a global following. It is particularly popular in Europe, but there are also hardcore techno scenes in North America, Asia, and Australia.
Characteristics
Hardcore techno is a subgenre of techno that emerged in the late 1980s from the influence of Acid house and EBM. It is characterized by thick, often distorted basslines, sharp square or sawtooth wave Kraftwerk-style synth melodies, sparse arrangements, and militant or dystopian lyrics (often about what it means to be a machine). The style was pioneered by artists such as Nitzer Ebb and Front 242.
Comparison
Music is a very important part of our lives. It can help us relax, it can pump us up, and it can even help us get through tough times. Music is also a very personal thing, and what works for one person might not work for another. That’s why it’s important to find the right type of music for you. In this article, we’re going to compare two types of music: industrial music and hardcore techno.
Sound
The two genres have quite different sounds. Hardcore techno is mostly characterised by a fast tempo, with drums typically played at around 160-180 beats per minute. Industrial music, on the other hand, is usually slower and has a more varied sound, with some tracks featuring distorted vocals or heavy guitar riffs.
Lyrics
Hardcore techno is an offshoot of industrial music that developed in the early 1990s. The genre is characterized by its heavy use of drums and distorted bass, as well as its aggressive, often dark lyrics. Hardcore techno artists typically write their own lyrics, which are often about topics such as rebellion, social upheaval, and the underground music scene.
Industrial music, on the other hand, is a genre that developed in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It is characterized by its use of electronic devices and industrial sounds, as well as its often dark and experimental lyrics. Industrial music artists often explore themes such as technology, society, and relationships in their lyrics.
Popularity
There is no denying that industrial music and hardcore techno are two of the most popular genres in the electronic music scene. But which one is more popular?
Industrial music has been around for longer, and it has a more established fan base. Hardcore techno, on the other hand, is a relatively new genre that is rapidly gaining popularity.
In terms of popularity, industrial music is more popular than hardcore techno. However, hardcore techno is growing at a faster rate and it is possible that it will eventually overtake industrial music in terms of popularity.
Conclusion
It’s tough to say which genre is better, as it ultimately comes down to personal preference. That being said, many people tend to enjoy industrial music for its dark, intense sound, while others prefer hardcore techno for its fast pace and relentless energy. Whichever you prefer, there’s no denying that both genres are truly unique and exciting to listen to.
