Godflesh

Godflesh is an English industrial metal band from Birmingham. It was formed in 1988 by Justin Broadrick and B. C. Green. Before forming Godflesh, they made music together in a band called Fall of Because. This early work helped shape their later style.

The band mixes heavy metal with electronic beats and industrial sounds. This created a new style that became very important for industrial metal and other kinds of experimental music.

Godflesh released their first album, Streetcleaner, in 1989. Many people think this is one of the greatest metal albums ever. After a break, the band reunited in 2009 and released several more albums. Their latest album is Purge, released in 2023. In 2026, they announced they would not perform live any more but would still make new music.

Godflesh is known for its heavy, intense sound and dark themes. Their music often has loud, mechanical beats and deep, growling vocals. During their shows, they used pre-recorded music and images of dark, apocalyptic scenes and Christian iconography. Many modern metal and electronic bands today are influenced by Godflesh.

History

Formation and early years (1982–1988)

The band that would become Godflesh began in 1982 when B. C. Green and Paul Neville, two young musicians from east Birmingham, started making music with a drum machine. In 1983, the band changed its name to Fall of Because. Justin Broadrick joined as a drummer in 1984. In 1988, Broadrick and Green decided to change the band’s name to Godflesh. They chose this name because they felt music could express something huge, and “flesh” showed the strong, loud sound they wanted.

Self-titled EP, Streetcleaner and Pure (1988–1993)

Godflesh mixed metal and industrial music, inspired by their home city of Birmingham and extreme music Broadrick liked. In 1988, they released their first EP, which helped start the industrial metal genre. Their first full album, Streetcleaner, came out in 1989 and became very popular. The band kept trying new sounds, including dance and electronic music, in their next album, Pure, released in 1992.

Selfless, Songs of Love and Hate and Us and Them (1994–2000)

After a break in 1993, Godflesh released Selfless in 1994, focusing more on traditional heavy metal. In 1996, they released Songs of Love and Hate, which included live drumming for the first time in years. Their next album, Us and Them, came out in 1999 and explored more electronic and experimental sounds.

Hymns and dissolution (2001–2002)

In 2001, Godflesh released Hymns, returning to a harder rock sound. But the band faced problems, and in 2002, they decided to stop performing together.

Broadrick performing live with an eight-string guitar on 17 September 2015

Reformation (2009–2013)

In 2009, Broadrick and Green decided to bring Godflesh back together. They played at festivals and worked on new music, releasing a cover version in 2013.

A World Lit Only by Fire and Post Self (2014–2021)

In 2014, Godflesh released A World Lit Only by Fire, praised for its heavy, industrial sound. In 2017, they released Post Self, which was more experimental and moody. In 2021, they released a compilation album with music from their reunion period.

Purge, Decay and final studio album (2022–present)

In 2023, Godflesh released Purge. In 2026, Broadrick announced that because of health issues, Godflesh would no longer perform live shows. They plan to keep making music, focusing on dub mixes and recorded performances, before finishing their final studio album.

Style and influence

Godflesh took ideas from many different music styles and artists. They were inspired by early industrial and noise groups like Throbbing Gristle and Whitehouse, as well as ambient musician Brian Eno, noise rock band Swans, and post-punk bands like Killing Joke, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and Public Image Ltd.. They were also inspired by Birmingham heavy metal band Black Sabbath and various hip hop artists such as Public Enemy, Eric B. & Rakim, and Run-DMC.

Godflesh helped start the industrial metal and post-metal styles and are important experimental metal and extreme metal bands.

Godflesh's music uses programmed drum machine beats, deep bass sounds, and distorted heavy metal guitar. Their early music used machine drums because the beats were hard to play live. They focused on bass sounds with simple rhythms and electronic sounds. Their guitar tuning is low and heavy, giving their music a strong sound. Many famous musicians and bands like Godflesh's style for its power and uniqueness.

Live performances

Godflesh performing at the Wherehouse in Derby on 25 March 1992

Godflesh usually has just two members during live shows. One plays the bass and the other plays the guitar and sings. The beat comes from speakers, often very loud. Sometimes, other musicians join for special tours. But the main idea is to keep things simple.

Their live shows are not fancy. They don’t use much lighting or special effects. The music is loud and intense, and between songs, they let the sound echo without talking much. One member said they just want to play music without saying a lot, which some people like and some don’t. He feels that live shows show the true energy of the band's music.

Members

Current lineup

Justin Broadrick – guitars, vocals, programming (1988–2002, 2009–present), drums (1984–1987)
B. C. Green – bass, programming (1982–1987, 1988–2001, 2009–present), vocals (1982–1984)