The Want - Haunting Industrial Soundscapes Intertwined With Metallic Rhythmic Clangs
“The Want,” by Godflesh, a seminal track from their 1989 debut album Streetcleaner, stands as a monolithic testament to the early industrial metal scene. Its bleak sonic landscape and crushing heaviness solidified the band’s place as pioneers of a genre characterized by its relentless, mechanical aggression and dystopian atmosphere. Godflesh, formed in Birmingham, England in 1982, was the brainchild of Justin Broadrick (guitar/vocals) and G. C. Green (bass). The duo’s sound emerged from the fertile ground of early industrial pioneers like Throbbing Gristle and SPK, but they took those influences in a heavier, more metallic direction, paving the way for a new breed of industrial music that would soon be labeled “industrial metal.”
The genesis of “The Want” can be traced back to Godflesh’s experimental beginnings, where Broadrick, deeply influenced by the likes of Black Sabbath and Killing Joke, sought to fuse heavy metal’s power with the unsettling textures and sonic experimentation of industrial. Green’s contributions were equally vital, providing a foundation of deep, throbbing basslines that further underscored the track’s monolithic weight.
Musically, “The Want” is a masterclass in minimalist industrial metal composition. The song opens with a stark, droning synthesizer chord held for an eternity, creating a sense of impending dread. This is followed by a relentless barrage of distorted guitar riffs – slow, crushing, and punctuated by metallic clangs that evoke images of rusted machinery grinding against each other. Broadrick’s vocals are delivered in a guttural growl, echoing the song’s themes of longing and desperation.
The structure of “The Want” is deliberately simplistic yet undeniably effective:
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Introduction | A haunting synthesizer chord held for an extended period, establishing an oppressive atmosphere. |
| Verse 1 & 2 | Distorted guitar riffs cycle repeatedly, interspersed with metallic clanks and Broadrick’s growled vocals. |
| Bridge | A brief respite from the onslaught of sound, featuring a subdued synth melody. |
| Climax | The song builds to a final crescendo of heavy guitars and distorted vocals before abruptly ending. |
This sparse arrangement emphasizes the visceral impact of each element, creating a hypnotic and unsettling listening experience.
Lyrically, “The Want” explores themes of existential angst, societal alienation, and the futility of material desire. Broadrick’s lyrics are often fragmented and abstract, but they paint a vivid picture of a dystopian world consumed by greed and emptiness. Lines like “I want it all, everything I see/But nothing satisfies me,” capture the song’s central themes of insatiable longing and unfulfilled desires.
“The Want” had a profound impact on the nascent industrial metal scene, inspiring countless bands to explore similar sonic territories. Its influence can be heard in the music of acts like Nine Inch Nails, Ministry, Fear Factory, and many others. Godflesh themselves continued to refine their sound throughout the 1990s, releasing a series of critically acclaimed albums that pushed the boundaries of industrial metal even further.
Listening to “The Want” today is still an immersive experience. The song’s raw power and haunting atmosphere have lost none of their impact over time. It serves as a reminder of Godflesh’s enduring legacy and their pivotal role in shaping the sound of industrial metal, a genre that continues to resonate with listeners seeking music that pushes boundaries and challenges conventions.
Beyond “The Want”: Exploring Godflesh’s Discography
Godflesh’s discography is a treasure trove of experimental and often abrasive industrial metal. Beyond “The Want,” here are some other notable tracks worth exploring:
- “Streetcleaner”: The title track from their debut album, this song is a sonic behemoth characterized by its crushing riffs and haunting synth melodies.
- “Head Dirt”: A sludgy, claustrophobic anthem with relentless drumming and distorted vocals that evoke a sense of existential dread.
- “Cold World”: A slower-paced track featuring eerie synth textures and spoken word vocals, highlighting Godflesh’s more experimental side.
- “Nihil”: A menacing instrumental piece with pounding drums and ominous synthesizer drones, showcasing the band’s ability to create unsettling atmospheres.
Godflesh disbanded in 1999 but reunited in 2009, releasing several albums since their return. Their music continues to evolve while retaining its core elements of heaviness, experimentation, and bleak industrial aesthetics.