Martial Industrial

Martial Industrial is a musical genre that merges the atmospheres of industrial music with martial and neoclassical elements.

Table of Contents

Origins and Development

Martial Industrial’s foundations can be traced to the early 1980s, emerging alongside neofolk. Initially, it was an underground movement, defined by its early proponents like Laibach and Boyd Rice (NON). The genre’s growth was fueled by its unique approach to incorporating warlike themes, sampled speeches, and grand orchestral elements.

Defining Features

1. Militaristic Soundscapes: Martial Industrial often employs military drum beats, marches, and anthems, giving it a distinct warlike ambiance.
2. Neoclassical Elements: Apart from its martial sound, the genre also borrows heavily from classical music, utilizing instruments like violins, pianos, and brass.
3. Dark Ambiance: A hallmark of the genre is its ominous and somber undertones, often conveyed through choirs, drones, and distorted sounds.
4. Sampling: Many tracks within this genre incorporate samples, ranging from wartime speeches to snippets from propaganda films.

Sources of Inspiration

Martial Industrial draws heavily from:

• Historical and Political Themes: The music often reflects on past wars, conflicts, and the interplay of power in human history.
• Industrial Sounds: The genre retains the noisy, gritty essence of industrial music, combining it with more structured and melodic elements.
• Neoclassical and Neofolk: These influences bring a touch of elegance to the otherwise heavy genre.

Martial Industrial Artists

• Laibach: Among the earliest contributors, they are renowned for their grand orchestral compositions and provocative themes.
• Triarii: This band has refined the genre by blending neoclassical elements with martial overtones.
• Der Blutharsch: Their music evolves from psychedelic to martial and neofolk.
• In Slaughter Natives: Recognized for their dark ambient sound infused with martial rhythms and haunting vocals.

Modern-Day Relevance

Over time, Martial Industrial has evolved, incorporating more diverse sounds and branching into sub-genres. While its core remains rooted in warlike themes and industrial noises, it has seen fusion with ambient, electronica, and even darkwave.