The Choking - Utterly Haunting Industrial Soundscapes Intertwined With Grinding Rhythms and Distorted Vocals

“The Choking,” a seminal track by the enigmatic industrial music project Godflesh, serves as a powerful entry point into the genre’s darker recesses. Released in 1988 on the seminal album Streetcleaner, it remains a testament to the band’s pioneering sound, characterized by its unrelenting heaviness, bleak atmosphere, and experimental approach to song structure.

Godflesh, formed in Birmingham, England, in the mid-1980s, was the brainchild of Justin Broadrick and G.C. Green. Broadrick, a restless musical innovator, had previously been involved with the influential noise rock band Napalm Death, contributing guitar work on their debut album Scum.

Green, a talented bassist, brought a technical proficiency that perfectly complemented Broadrick’s experimental vision. Together, they forged a sound unlike anything heard before: industrial metal stripped down to its raw essentials, fueled by crushing riffs, relentless percussion, and guttural vocals.

“The Choking,” the opening track on Streetcleaner, immediately announces Godflesh’s arrival with a chilling sonic blast. The song begins with a haunting synth melody that slowly builds in intensity, setting an eerie atmosphere. Soon, monstrously distorted guitars crash in, accompanied by thunderous drums that sound like industrial machinery grinding to life.

Broadrick’s vocals are delivered through layers of effects, creating a disembodied and menacing presence. His lyrics, often cryptic and abstract, explore themes of alienation, decay, and the oppressive nature of modern society. The song’s structure is unorthodox, eschewing traditional verse-chorus arrangements in favor of building tension and release through shifting dynamics and rhythmic variations.

One of the defining characteristics of “The Choking,” and Godflesh’s music as a whole, is the interplay between crushing heaviness and unsettling melodies. The band masterfully blends moments of brutal aggression with haunting sonic textures, creating a sense of disorientation and unease. This juxtaposition is exemplified in the song’s bridge, where a swirling synth melody emerges from the cacophony, offering a brief glimpse of melancholic beauty before being swallowed back into the maelstrom.

Delving Deeper: Musical Techniques and Influences

Godflesh’s sound draws inspiration from a diverse range of sources, including industrial pioneers Throbbing Gristle and SPK, heavy metal bands like Black Sabbath and Slayer, and avant-garde composers such as John Cage and Luigi Nono. Broadrick’s relentless experimentation with distortion, feedback, and unconventional song structures resulted in a sound that was both innovative and deeply unsettling.

The band’s use of downtuned guitars contributed to their signature heavy sound. By lowering the tuning of their instruments, they achieved a darker, more ominous tone that complemented the industrial aesthetic.

Godflesh’s music also featured prominent use of drum machines and sequencers, creating intricate rhythmic patterns that underscored the grinding riffs and distorted vocals. Green’s bass lines were equally vital, providing a solid foundation for the band’s sonic assault while adding melodic counterpoint to Broadrick’s guitar work.

Legacy and Impact:

“The Choking” and Streetcleaner cemented Godflesh’s place as pioneers of industrial metal. The album’s raw power and bleak aesthetic influenced countless bands that followed, including Ministry, Nine Inch Nails, Fear Factory, and Isis.

Godflesh’s music continues to resonate with listeners today, inspiring a new generation of artists who are drawn to its unique blend of heaviness, experimentation, and dystopian atmosphere. The enduring impact of “The Choking” speaks to the power of unconventional songwriting and the ability of music to convey complex emotions and ideas.

Analyzing “The Choking” - A Closer Look

Godflesh’s “The Choking” stands as a monument to industrial music’s dark power. It is a song that simultaneously repels and fascinates, challenging listeners to confront the unsettling beauty hidden within its harsh sonic landscape. Through its innovative use of sound and unconventional songwriting, it remains a timeless testament to the boundless possibilities of musical exploration.