If bands were people, Godflesh would be that friend who always opens your mind to a different perspective. Formed by Justin Broadrick and G.C. Green in the unassuming industrial heartland of Birmingham, England, Godflesh unleashed a raw, relentless sound throughout the late 80s and 90s. In 2001, the duo gifted the world 'Hymns', an album that was both an evolution of their brutal aesthetic and a sign of a new direction. It was released just before the band went on hiatus, making it a poignant culmination of their early years while hinting at a sprawling future. But what was it about this album that struck such a resonant chord?
'Hymns' is unique in many respects. Unlike a set of chants sung in a cathedral, these hymns draw from the harsh clamor of machinery, distorted guitar riffs, and profound vocal sections. The soundscape paints a stark picture reminiscent of the industrial settings Godflesh emerged from. Here lies a paradox that makes it ever so captivating: the marriage of cacophony and tranquillity.
One of the standout aspects in 'Hymns' is how it both embraces and evolves from what made Godflesh influential. The tracks reflect a broader range of tempos and textures, a stark contrast to the relentless pummeling characteristic of their earlier work. For every track that rains down like steel, there is another that allows you a moment to breathe. It’s like peeking through the clouds to catch a glimpse of the sun.
And yet, not everyone who encountered 'Hymns' would have unanimously loved it. For some hardcore fans, especially those yearning for the incessant, grinding sound synonymous with albums like 'Streetcleaner' or 'Pure', 'Hymns' might have veered too far towards mainstream palatability. It's like your favorite indie band cutting an album intended for the airwaves. To those fans, the inclusion of live drums here as opposed to the industrial beats might have seemed like trading in a symbol of the unique for something more familiar.
But here's where empathy is key. It's essential to acknowledge the value of experimentation and growth. No artist remains static, and 'Hymns' is an exploration of what more Godflesh could be. The human experience is one of evolution, every bit of it driving how we process sound, emotion, and connection. For Broadrick and Green, maybe 'Hymns' wasn’t about commercial success but rather about catharsis, exploration, and laying groundwork for future pursuits.
In tracks like "Voidhead" and "Antihuman", one confronts themes deeply rooted in the human psyche: emptiness, conflict, introspection. The words may be few, but their weight is significant. Think of being in a large crowd and still feeling alone, a sentiment more than a few can relate to in the vast expanse of the Internet-sculpted world.
Then there's "Jesu", in which echoes of hope bleed through the oppressive riffs. A title that would later become the name of Broadrick’s subsequent musical project, illustrating how 'Hymns' wasn’t an end but a bridge to his future work. You can appreciate this new leaf through the lens of a journey—every closed chapter paving way for another.
The spirit of 'Hymns' feels increasingly relevant in today’s world. The album is a reminder of the tension between harmony and chaos, silence and noise. Gen Z, a generation often described as digital natives, confronts similar contrasts. They navigate information overload yet showcase an ethos of activism. They grew up in a world where conversations about mental health, identity, and inclusivity shifted from whispers to encouraging roars. Perhaps 'Hymns', in its struggle and balance, mirrors some of these battles.
Listening to 'Hymns' now means engaging with a work that asks questions rather than provides answers—a reflection of uncertainty in an era that continues to grapple with the unknown. And while everyone might not connect with its dissonant tones and textured expressions, the spirit it embodies encourages the artistic growth and variety that defines musical evolution. It becomes a piece worth exploring again, maybe with fresh ears or a changed perspective, seeing how it resonates with our current experiences.