Industrial is Dystopian Goth Music

Laura Bock , , , ,

 

I read a lot of dystopian fiction in the early 80s

 

Growing up, books were my only friend and helped me to escape my life both at home and in school.

While other girls my age in middle school and junior high were reading Sweet Valley High and other cheesy girly romance books, I read dystopian and science fiction from renowned authors like George Orwell, Ray Bradbury, Philip K. Dick, Douglas Adams, and Aldous Huxley, among many more.

With information like that filling my brain, it’s no wonder why I immediately loved industrial music when I first heard it. The music was raw and hollow, with thought-provoking lyrics.

 

 

Industrial is dystopian goth music

 

I think those of us Generation Xers who listened to industrial music during our teens and 20’s are better prepared mentally for this pandemic. That, and most of us are used to some form of isolation, in one way or another. 

Things we never thought we’d see in our lifetime are happening worldwide right now, and if you think about it, have been for many years. These are definitely wild and unprecedented times. This pandemic is just the (latest) zenith to all these happenings.

 

Think about the lyrics to some of these songs…

 

What about the outbreak?
It keeps on spreading
See it gaining ground
Digging in the wound
We’re in the doldrums

Front 242 – Terminal State

 

Hope springs eternal but there’s no conviction
Action mistaken for ransom is paid
All this concern is the true contradiction
The world is insane

Ministry – Breathe

 

The following mixtape playlist features songs from Industrial greats like Ministry, Front 242, and KMFDM, just to name a few. Most of these bands were made great by Wax Trax! in Chicago, IL — which I find ironic now since they’ve basically instituted martial law there with their quarantine restrictions.

Anyways, I hope you enjoy this mixtape playlist and take to heart some of the lyrics – not to induce panic or fear, but to encourage you to take an interest in current events and take a look at history and what is taking place.

Here’s hoping we get out of this dystopian chapter sooner rather than later.

We’re in the doldrums.

 

 

Industrial Pandemic

(click above for YouTube playlist)

 

  1. New World Order – Ministry
  2. Terminal State – Front 242
  3. Virus (Pestilence Mix) – KMFDM
  4. Digital Tension Dementia – Front Line Assembly
  5. Do You Fear For Your Child? – Thrill Kill Kult
  6. Attack Ships on Fire – Revolting Cocks
  7. Isolation (Joy Division cover) – Dessau
  8. Terror – KMFDM
  9. Assimilate – Skinny Puppy
  10. Tapeworm – Pigface
  11. Mindstream – Meat Beat Manifesto
  12. Epidemic – Front Line Assembly
  13. Breathe – Ministry
  14. Carpe Diem (Umo Detic Mix) – Bigod 20
  15. I Am The Virus – Killing Joke