The Becoming - a haunting industrial symphony merging abrasive textures and mechanical rhythms

Few musical experiences are as intensely visceral as immersing oneself in the sonic landscapes of Industrial Music. Born from the ashes of punk and experimentalism, this genre thrives on dissonance, distortion, and a bleak, often dystopian outlook. Today, we delve into the depths of one such masterpiece: “The Becoming” by the enigmatic duo Throbbing Gristle.

Formed in the crucible of late-1970s industrial Britain, Throbbing Gristle became synonymous with this nascent genre. Genesis P-Orridge, Cosey Fanni Tutti, Peter Christopherson, and Chris Carter were the architects of sound, crafting abrasive soundscapes that challenged conventional notions of music.

Their debut album, “The Second Annual Report,” released in 1977, was a sonic assault unlike anything heard before. Tapes looping backwards, jarring electronic pulses, and unsettling spoken word samples collided to create an unnerving atmosphere.

“The Becoming,” however, stands apart even within Throbbing Gristle’s radical discography. Released on the band’s own Industrial Records label in 1981, it marked a significant shift in their sonic palette. The track retains the characteristic industrial grit – think grinding metal textures and distorted vocals – but introduces a new layer of sophistication.

Deconstructing “The Becoming”: A Journey Through Sonic Terrain

Let’s dissect this sonic behemoth:

• Intro: The piece commences with an eerie, echoing drone that slowly builds in intensity, setting the stage for the unsettling journey ahead. This ambient prelude, characterized by extended synthesizer tones and subtle sound manipulation, evokes a sense of anticipation and unease.

• Mechanical Rhythms Emerge: As the drone intensifies, sharp, mechanical rhythms pierce through the sonic fog, driving the piece forward with relentless momentum. These percussive elements are often unconventional – think metallic clangs, pulsating machinery sounds, and distorted drum loops – creating a sense of industrial disquiet.

• Vocal Textures: Genesis P-Orridge’s distinctive vocal delivery further amplifies the track’s haunting quality. Their voice is often heavily processed, distorted, or layered with unsettling effects, transforming spoken words into eerie pronouncements that seem to emanate from another dimension.

• Shifting Dynamics: “The Becoming” avoids monotony by constantly shifting its dynamics. Moments of intense sonic aggression are punctuated by periods of unsettling quietude, creating a sense of unease and anticipation.

Element	Description
Drones	Sustained, atmospheric synthesizer tones that create a sense of tension and unease.
Mechanical Rhythms	Sharp, percussive elements, often unconventional and industrial in nature.
Vocal Textures	Heavily processed and distorted vocals, adding to the track’s haunting quality.
Dynamics	Constantly shifting between moments of intense aggression and unsettling quietude.

The Legacy of “The Becoming”

“The Becoming” remains a seminal work in the history of industrial music. Its influence can be heard in countless subsequent artists, from the harsh industrial soundscapes of Einstürzende Neubaten to the more experimental electronic works of Nine Inch Nails.

While Throbbing Gristle disbanded in 1981, their legacy continues to inspire and provoke. “The Becoming” stands as a testament to their pioneering spirit and their willingness to push the boundaries of what constitutes music.

So, if you’re seeking a sonic experience that is both challenging and rewarding, delve into the depths of “The Becoming.” Allow yourself to be consumed by its unsettling beauty, its abrasive textures, and its haunting melodies. This is industrial music at its finest – a raw, unfiltered exploration of the darkest corners of human expression.