Industrial Techno Music of the 1990s

A look at the Industrial Techno music scene of the 1990s and some of the key artists and tracks that defined the genre.

The Early Years

The origins of industrial techno music can be traced back to the early 1990s. At that time, the genre was just beginning to take shape and was characterized by its dark, menacing soundscapes. This music was often used in movies and video games to create a sense of unease or foreboding. Some of the earliest industrial techno tracks were released by the German group Kraftwerk.

The First Wave of Artists

In the early years of industrial techno, a number of artists began to experiment with the new sound. Many of these artists came from the hardcore techno and rave scenes in the UK and Europe, and they brought with them a love of experimentation and sonic exploration.

Some of the most influential early industrial techno artists include:

-The Oil Painter: One of the earliest and most prolific industrial techno artists, The Oil Painter was responsible for some of the most iconic tracks of the early 90s. His signature sound – a blend of distorted beats, dark melodies, and spoken word samples – set the stage for many subsequent industrial techno releases.

-The Hangman: Another early pioneer of industrial techno, The Hangman was known for his dark, atmospheric productions. His music often featured processed vocals and sampled speech, giving it a distinctively eerie quality.

-Element118: One of the few US-based artists working in industrial techno at this time, Element118 was known for his dense, complex productions. His tracks often featured numerous layers of sound, creating aural landscapes that could be both overwhelming and beautiful.

The Rise of the Rave Scene

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the rave scene began to evolve in England. House music was the dominant form of dance music at the time, but a new style known as acid house was quickly gaining popularity. This new style was heavier and more psychedelic than house music, and it often featured repetitive, distorted basslines known as “acid.” The name “acid house” comes from the use of the drug LSD at these events.

The first major rave in England was held in 1988, and it featured acid house artists such as 808 State and Human Resource. These events became increasingly popular throughout the country, and by the early 1990s, raves were being held regularly in most major cities. The popularity of rave culture also spread to other countries in Europe, Asia, and North America.

Rave culture reached its peak in the early 1990s, but it began to decline shortly thereafter. This was due to several factors, including increased police crackdowns on illegal parties, the commercialization of the rave scene, and the rise of other genres of electronic music such as jungle and drum & bass. Despite its decline, rave culture has had a lasting impact on electronic music and popular culture as a whole.

The Mainstream Years

1990s techno music saw a rise in popularity and commercial success, with a new generation of clubbers and ravers enjoying the new sound of techno. This was the era of the big commercial club anthems, with artists such as The Prodigy and Fatboy Slim finding mainstream success. Let’s take a look at this exciting period in techno music.

The Second Wave of Artists

In the early 1990s, a second wave of industrial techno artists emerged, including § took disused factories and warehouses in Detroit and other American cities and turned them into nightclubs where they could play their music. These clubs, which were often called “rave houses”, became the center of a new underground dance culture. The music that was played at these clubs was a blend of industrial, techno, and house. This new style of music came to be known as “industrial techno.”

Some of the most popular industrial techno artists of the time include Jeff Mills, Richie Hawtin, and Carl Cox. These artists helped to popularize the genre and bring it to a wider audience. They also started to experiment with new sounds and production techniques, which would have a lasting impact on the genre.

The Breakthrough of Techno

In the early 1990s, techno achieved mainstream success with a new generation of hits that crossed over into the pop charts. These songs were often characterized by their catchy melodies, simple structures and use of synthesizers and drum machines.

Some of the most successful techno hits of the time included Moby’s “Go,” The Prodigy’s “Smack My Bitch Up,” and The Chemical Brothers’ “Block Rockin’ Beats.” These and other tracks helped to popularize techno music with a wider audience and solidified its place in popular culture.

The Late Years

By the early 1990s, techno had spread to countries like the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands. It continued to evolve, and new subgenres began to emerge. One of the most influential techno scenes of the 1990s was in Belgium, which gave birth to the Belgian rave scene.

The Third Wave of Artists

In the early 1990s, a new wave of artists emerged who took industrial music in new and exciting directions. These artists, sometimes referred to as the “third wave” of industrial music, combined the hard-edged textures of industrial with a more experimental approach to songwriting and sound design. This new generation of industrial musicians expanded the boundaries of the genre and helped to keep it fresh and relevant in the years to come.

Third wave artists like Nine Inch Nails, Front 242, and Metallica’s Lars Ulrich were influenced by the early pioneers of industrial music but were not afraid to experiment with new sounds and styles. These artists tookindustrial music in new and exciting directions, helping to keep it fresh and relevant in the years to come.

The Decline of the Rave Scene

In the early 1990s, the rave scene was booming. Raves were huge parties, often held in warehouses or other large venues, with DJ’s playing nonstop electronic dance music. They often lasted all night and were attended by people of all ages.

However, by the mid-1990s, the rave scene began to decline. This was due to several factors, including increased police crackdowns on illegal raves, the spread of Ecstasy use among ravers, and the rise of electronic music festivals which offered a more diverse range of music than traditional raves.