Reason for Warning: This article discusses a music genre and subculture that is controversial for its use of military and totalitarian imagery, some of which has been criticized for its perceived association with or resemblance to Nazi and other fascist aesthetics.
Martial Industrial is a music genre that emerged from the post-industrial scene in the 1980s. It is characterized by a syncretic sound that incorporates elements of traditional military marches, dark ambient atmospheres, neofolk melodies, and neoclassical orchestrations.[1] Compositions frequently feature samples of historical speeches, combat sounds, and other audio related to war and political history. Unlike many other experimental music genres, Martial Industrial is often defined less by a specific sound and more by its thematic focus on a particular worldview and aesthetic.[2]
History[]
The genre has its cultural origins in 1980s Europe, with pioneering acts integrating militaristic sounds and aesthetics into their work. The Slovenian group Laibach was one of the first bands to incorporate military marches into their industrial music while displaying politically provocative imagery (see also Neue Slowenische Kunst for a more detailed explanation of their art movement).
Other early innovators include noise pioneer Boyd Rice and neofolk artist Douglas P. of Death in June. The French project Les Joyaux de la Princesse further developed the genre by blending dark ambient soundscapes with historical samples and speeches from the interwar period. Austrian projects like Der Blutharsch added medieval and darkwave melodies to the tradition, while Swedish bands such as Puissance expanded the sound in a more orchestral and neoclassical direction.[1]
Visual Aesthetic[]
The genre's visual style frequently utilizes imagery related to war, European nationalism, totalitarian regimes, military displays, and political mass gatherings. The aesthetic often draws from historical propaganda art and military uniforms, creating a style that emphasizes order, power, and history.[1]
Philosophy and Themes[]
Martial Industrial is distinguished from other industrial subgenres by its engagement with philosophical, historical, and political themes, which often have an anti-cosmopolitan and anti-egalitarian bias.[2] The genre frequently explores concepts from illiberal thinkers. These include Friedrich Nietzsche's idea of the Übermensch, Oswald Spengler's theories on Western decline, the renewing power of war as described by Ernst Jünger, and the esoteric and traditionalist mysticism of Julius Evola and René Guénon.[1]
This thematic focus has made the genre highly controversial. Some artists, like Von Thronstahl, have openly expressed an interest in fascist ideology, while others use ambiguous or provocative imagery without disclosing their personal convictions. The political affiliations within the scene are not monolithic; they range from monarchism and nationalism to eco-anarchism. Some followers maintain that the genre's embrace of militaristic sounds and aesthetics is not an endorsement of specific political stances but is rather an artistic exploration of power, history, and discipline.[1][2]
Music[]
The sound of Martial Industrial is diverse, ranging from the harsh power electronics of bands like Genocide Organ to the acoustic neofolk of Scivias. The unifying sonic elements are an ominous and dramatic atmosphere and the use of military-inspired percussion, whether from live drums, drum machines, or samples of historical marches.[2]
Artists[]
- Allerseelen
- Arditi
- Blood Axis
- Der Blutharsch
- Die Weisse Rose
- Genocide Organ
- H.E.R.R.
- In Slaughter Natives
- Laibach
- Les Joyaux de la Princesse
- Puissance
- Triarii
- Von Thronstahl
Songs[]
- "Standards of Triumph" by Arditi
- "Birds of Prey" by Der Blutharsch
- "Opus Dei" by Laibach
- "Tanz mit Laibach" by Laibach
- "Totalitarian Hearts" by Puissance
- "Germanium Metallicum" by Von Thronstahl
Resources[]
- A Guide to Martial Industrial (Rate Your Music)
Gallery[]
References[]
[]
| Industrial Subculture | ||
| Primary Aesthetics | ||
|
Industrial ⚒ Electronic Body Music ⚒ Martial Industrial ⚒ Neue Slowenische Kunst ⚒ Rivethead | ||
| Fusion Aesthetics | ||
| Music Genres | ||
|
Rock & Metal Electronic & Dance Pop, Hip-Hop & Folk Folk & Traditional Other | ||