Front 242 is a seminal figure in the electronic body music (EBM) and industrial scene, renowned for their pioneering sound that has influenced countless artists and genres since their inception. Formed in 1981 in Aarschot, Belgium, by Daniel Bressanutti and Dirk Bergen, the group soon expanded to include lead vocalist Jean-Luc De Meyer and programmer/vocalist Patrick Codenys. Their music is characterized by heavy use of synthesizers, aggressive rhythms, and often politically charged lyrics, wrapping it all up in a theatrical and visceral live performance style.

The band made significant headway with the release of their 1984 album "Geography," but it was their subsequent albums, "No Comment" in 1984 and "Official Version" in 1987, that cemented their status as EBM torchbearers. Their 1988 album "Front By Front" included the hit "Headhunter," which became an anthem in clubs across Europe and North America. While their output and visibility ebbed somewhat in the mid-1990s, Front 242 maintained a devoted fanbase, reemerging with live performances and reissues of their classic material, as evidenced by a series of live albums such as "Ancienne Belgique 89 - Front by Front (Live)" and remastered editions of their seminal work. Into the 21st century, Front 242 has continued to deliver electrifying live shows to devoted audiences around the globe, showcasing their timeless ability to meld sound and concept into an immersive musical experience.

Genres

Belgian New Wave

Ebm

Electro-industrial

Industrial

Industrial Metal

Industrial Rock

New Beat

Proto-techno

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Bauhaus

Latest Release

Endless Riddance

Front 242

Single - Released June 7, 2024