FRONT 242 Album Cover Gallery & 12" Vinyl LP Discography Information #vinylrecords

FRONT 242 Band Description:

Front 242 is a Belgian electronic music group that emerged in the late 1980s as a pioneering force in the industrial and EBM (Electronic Body Music) genres. Their innovative blend of hard-edged, industrial rhythms, driving electronic beats, and politically charged lyrics helped to define the sound of the electronic underground scene of the 1980s and 1990s.

The band was formed in 1981 in Brussels, Belgium, by Daniel Bressanutti and Dirk Bergen. They were later joined by Patrick Codenys and Jean-Luc De Meyer, who became the band's lead vocalist. Front 242's early sound was characterized by a combination of raw electronic beats, aggressive bass lines, and metallic synths. They incorporated elements of punk, industrial, and dance music, which helped them to create a unique and highly influential sound.

One of the key factors in Front 242's success was their use of technology. The band used cutting-edge synthesizers, samplers, and drum machines to create their distinctive sound. They were one of the first bands to use sequencers and drum machines live on stage, which added to their intense live performances.

Front 242's lyrics dealt with social and political issues, such as war, fascism, and the erosion of civil liberties. They were highly critical of the political establishment and corporate power. Their music was often seen as a form of protest against the political status quo.

The band's breakthrough album was 1988's "Front by Front," which was a critical and commercial success. The album contained the hit single "Headhunter," which became a club anthem and helped to popularize the EBM sound. The song's driving beats and provocative lyrics, combined with its catchy chorus, helped it to become one of the defining tracks of the EBM genre.

Today, Front 242 is widely recognized as one of the most influential electronic music groups of all time. Their innovative use of technology and their politically charged lyrics helped to pave the way for a generation of electronic musicians. They remain a highly respected and admired band, whose influence can still be heard in the work of many contemporary electronic artists.

FRONT 242 Band History:

The first single, "Principles", was released in 1981. The front part of the name comes from the idea of an organized popular uprising. Patrick Codenys and Jean-Luc De Meyer had separately formed a group called "Under Viewer" at about the same time, and the two duos joined together in 1982. Bressanutti, Codenys and De Meyer took turns on vocals at first, until they settled on De Meyer as the lead vocalist (early recordings with Bressanutti on vocals have recently been released). De Meyer came to write most of the lyrics and Valerie Jane Steele also wrote several tracks including "Don't Crash". They decided not to use the regular waveform settings on their synthesizers, arguing that creating the waveform for each note was part of the creative process.

"Front 242" became a popular musical group in Belgium. Their next album, No Comment, released in 1984, was the first to introduce the term "Electronic Body Music" in association with their sound. "Front 242" signed with the Wax Trax! label in 1984, and started their first tour in the United States with Ministry. This tour led to the creation of Revolting Cocks by Richard 23, Luc Van Acker, Alain Jourgensen of Ministry and others.

In 1987, Front 242 signed with Wax Trax! Records in the U.S. and Red Rhino in Europe, and released Backcatalogue and Official Version,.

In 1988, Front by Front was released, and in December of that same year, "Headhunter" (with a video by Anton Corbijn), became the band's first club hit, reaching #13 on the Billboard Dance/Club Play Songs chart.