The Choke: A Descent into Grinding Industrial Majesty

“The Choke”, by the enigmatic industrial outfit known as Godflesh, isn’t just a song – it’s a sonic experience that throws you headfirst into a cauldron of grinding guitars, pulverizing drums, and Justin Broadrick’s guttural vocals. It’s a symphony of metallic heaviness interwoven with moments of unsettling quietude, leaving the listener both enthralled and unnerved.

Godflesh emerged from Birmingham, England, in the late 1980s, a crucible where industrial metal was beginning to solidify its form. The duo, comprised of guitarist/vocalist Justin Broadrick and bassist G.C. Green, spearheaded a sound that diverged from the synth-heavy tendencies of their contemporaries. Godflesh embraced crushing heaviness, drawing inspiration from extreme metal while retaining the bleak, dystopian atmosphere characteristic of industrial music.

“The Choke”, featured on their seminal 1989 album “Streetcleaner,” encapsulates Godflesh’s unique sonic identity. The track begins with a relentless barrage of distorted guitars and pounding drums – a sonic assault that immediately grabs the listener by the throat. Broadrick’s vocals are delivered in a low growl, weaving through the dense instrumentation like a specter haunting a derelict industrial complex.

The song’s structure is deliberately abrasive, eschewing traditional verse-chorus arrangements for a relentless barrage of sound. Layers of distorted guitars build upon each other, creating a wall of noise that is both oppressive and strangely mesmerizing. Amidst the sonic chaos, brief moments of eerie quietude emerge – unsettling interludes that serve to heighten the overall sense of unease.

Dissecting “The Choke”: A Sonic autopsy:

• Guitars: Heavily distorted, down-tuned guitars create a crushing, monolithic sound. The riffs are simple but devastatingly effective, driving the song forward with relentless intensity.

• Drums: Industrial and punishing. The drum patterns are repetitive yet hypnotic, propelling the music forward like a mechanical beast.

• Vocals: Justin Broadrick’s guttural growls are delivered with raw power and aggression, adding another layer of sonic brutality to the track.

• Atmosphere: Bleak, oppressive, and unsettling – “The Choke” evokes a sense of industrial dystopia, a world stripped bare of beauty and humanity.

Beyond “The Choke”: Godflesh’s Legacy in Industrial Metal:

“The Choke” is more than just a standout track; it represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of industrial metal. Godflesh’s unique blend of extreme heaviness and dystopian atmosphere influenced countless bands that followed, shaping the sound of a genre still evolving today. Their music continues to be revered by fans and musicians alike, cementing their legacy as pioneers of a sound that is both brutal and beautiful, chaotic and strangely compelling.

Here are some other influential Godflesh albums and tracks:

Godflesh’s music isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s a confrontational, abrasive experience that challenges listeners to embrace the darker aspects of human nature and explore the sonic landscapes where beauty and brutality collide. If you’re looking for music that pushes boundaries and delves into the depths of industrial metal, then “The Choke” is an essential listen.

Prepare yourself – Godflesh will not hold back.