Godflesh

Godflesh are an English industrial metal band from Birmingham, formed in 1988 by Justin Broadrick and B. C. Green. They started making music together in an earlier band called Fall of Because, which helped shape their later work. By mixing heavy metal with electronic beats and industrial sounds, they created a style that became very important for industrial metal and other kinds of experimental music.

The band released their first album, Streetcleaner, in 1989, which many people think is one of the greatest metal albums ever. They continued making music, trying new sounds over the years. After a break, they came back together in 2009 and released several more albums, with their latest being Purge in 2023. In 2026, the band announced they would not perform live any more but would still make new music.

Godflesh is known for their heavy, intense sound and dark themes. Their music often features loud, mechanical beats and deep, growling vocals. They performed with just the two members, using pre-recorded music and images of dark, apocalyptic scenes and Christian iconography during their shows. Their influence can still be heard in many modern metal and electronic bands today.

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 living in east Birmingham, started experimenting with music using 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 reform Fall of Because as a duo, using a drum machine again, and renamed the band Godflesh. Broadrick explained the new name by saying that music is the voice of something immense, and "flesh" represents the physical impact of their loud and powerful sound.

The Mermaid, site of Fall of Because's first concert with Broadrick

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

Godflesh started with a mix of metal and industrial music, influenced by the urban landscape of Birmingham and the extreme music Broadrick introduced. In 1988, they released their first EP, which helped start the industrial metal genre. Their first full album, Streetcleaner, released in 1989, became very popular and is considered a landmark in heavy metal music. The band continued to experiment with different sounds, including dance and electronic elements, 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, which focused 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, released in 1999, explored more electronic and experimental sounds.

Hymns and dissolution (2001–2002)

In 2001, Godflesh released Hymns, which returned to a harder rock sound. However, the band faced difficulties, and in 2002, they decided to disband.

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

Reformation (2009–2013)

In 2009, Broadrick and Green decided to reunite Godflesh. They performed 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, which was 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 featuring their music from the reunion period.

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

In 2023, Godflesh released Purge. In 2026, Broadrick announced that due to health issues, Godflesh would no longer perform live. They plan to release more music, focusing on dub mixes and recorded performances, before completing their final studio album.

Style and influence

Godflesh drew inspiration from many different music styles and artists. They were influenced 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 became pioneers of both industrial metal and post-metal and are seen as important experimental metal and extreme metal bands.

Godflesh's music combines programmed drum machine beats, deep bass sounds, and distorted heavy metal guitar. Their early sound used machine-made drums because the beats they wanted were too hard to play live. They focused a lot on bass sounds and used simple rhythms and electronic sounds. Their guitar tuning is very low and heavy, which gives their music a powerful sound. Many famous musicians and bands admire Godflesh's style, finding it very powerful and unique.

Live performances

Godflesh performing at the Wherehouse in Derby on 25 March 1992

Godflesh usually perform as just two members, with one playing the bass and the other handling both guitar and vocals. The beat comes from speakers, often very loud. Sometimes, they have had other musicians join them 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. Even though he thinks live shows can be tricky, he feels they 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)