Most fans might not have noticed, but we are around the time when industrial culture celebrates its Golden Anniversary.
The exact date has been lost in files corrupted by the passage of decades. However, in 1976, Industrial Records was created. In November 1977, it gave birth to its first full-length abomination: The Second Annual Report.
Many people wonder when the First Annual Report was published, and the truth is that either the data was lost to time, or Throbbing Gristle decided to have a laugh at their fans by starting with the second one.
The industrial sound has changed considerably over the years, branching into many subgenres, from electro-dance to the most extreme forms of industrial black metal. Most modern fans, however, would hardly recognize The Second Annual Report as an industrial album.
It is even difficult to classify it as a "music recording." At times, it feels more like a direct assault on the consciousness of the unsuspecting victim who decided to explore it. It contains relaxing passages that would fit comfortably in an Dark Ambient playlist, slowly guiding the listener through bizarre soundscapes capable of making them question their own sanity.
Industrial Records gave us names that we still recognize today, such as Cabaret Voltaire and Clock DVA. Yet even if the term "industrial" now evokes sounds closer to Marilyn Manson or Rob Zombie, it is worth taking a moment to look back and remember how it all started, while appreciating the path that has been traveled.
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