The Great Commandment Is a Haunting Industrial Anthem That Combines Grinding Rhythms With Eerie Soundscapes

Emerging from the shadowy depths of industrial music’s early pioneers, “The Great Commandment” stands as a testament to Throbbing Gristle’s groundbreaking sonic experiments. Released in 1981 on their seminal album 20 Jazz Funk Greats, the track is a masterclass in controlled chaos, weaving together discordant melodies, jarring rhythms, and unsettling sound effects into a mesmerizingly unnerving soundscape.

Throbbing Gristle, formed in 1975 by Genesis P-Orridge, Cosey Fanni Tutti, Peter Christopherson (who later formed the experimental group Coil), and Chris Carter, was more than just a band – they were a collective art project exploring the fringes of music, performance art, and social commentary. Their industrial sound, characterized by harsh noise, distorted vocals, and unsettling themes, pushed boundaries and challenged conventional notions of what constituted music.

“The Great Commandment,” with its relentless industrial pulse and P-Orridge’s chilling vocal delivery, perfectly encapsulates the band’s ethos. The track begins with a hypnotic throbbing rhythm, reminiscent of machinery grinding relentlessly in an abandoned factory. Layered over this are jarring synth melodies that twist and turn like serpents in a dark forest.

The song’s lyrics, delivered in P-Orridge’s distinctive spoken-word style, are enigmatic and unsettling, evoking themes of social control, manipulation, and the breakdown of societal norms. The title itself alludes to the authoritarian nature of power structures, suggesting blind obedience and the suppression of individual thought.

Dissecting the Sonic Landscape

To fully appreciate “The Great Commandment,” one needs to delve into its intricate sonic tapestry:

The use of tape loops and manipulation techniques adds a further layer of complexity, blurring the lines between organic and synthetic sounds. P-Orridge’s vocals are chillingly detached, reciting the lyrics with an unnerving monotone that amplifies the song’s disturbing message.

Historical Context and Legacy

“The Great Commandment” emerged from a fertile period for industrial music, alongside works by other pioneers such as Cabaret Voltaire and SPK. Throbbing Gristle’s willingness to experiment with unconventional sounds and confront taboo subjects challenged societal norms and paved the way for future generations of artists working in the genre.

Their influence can be heard in countless industrial acts that followed, from Nine Inch Nails and Ministry to Einstürzende Neubaten and Godflesh. Throbbing Gristle’s legacy extends beyond music, as their provocative performance art and multimedia installations continue to inspire artists across various disciplines.

A Gateway to Industrial Music

For those unfamiliar with industrial music, “The Great Commandment” serves as an excellent entry point into this often-misunderstood genre. It encapsulates the core elements of industrial – the abrasive sounds, the confrontational lyrics, and the unsettling atmosphere – while remaining accessible and undeniably compelling.

While not for the faint of heart, “The Great Commandment” is a powerful and thought-provoking musical experience that will leave you questioning the boundaries of sound and art. It’s a reminder that music can be more than just entertainment; it can be a tool for social commentary, a vehicle for challenging norms, and a gateway to exploring the darker corners of the human psyche.