The Becoming- A Sonic Exploration Through Throbbing Industrial Landscapes and Eerie Ambient Textures

Few musical experiences can truly transport you to another realm quite like “The Becoming,” a hauntingly beautiful track from industrial pioneers Skinny Puppy. Released in 1986 as part of their seminal album “Too Dark Park,” this piece stands as a testament to the band’s innovative approach to sonic manipulation and exploration of the darker facets of human experience.
Skinny Puppy, hailing from Vancouver, Canada, emerged in the early 1980s, becoming instrumental in shaping the industrial music landscape. The core trio – cEvin Key, Dwayne Goettel, and Nivek Ogre – forged a sound that blended abrasive electronic textures with unsettling vocals, creating a dystopian sonic tapestry that reflected their anxieties about technology, societal control, and the human condition.
“The Becoming,” in particular, exemplifies Skinny Puppy’s mastery of atmosphere and tension. The track opens with a low, throbbing bassline that pulsates like a heartbeat, gradually layering in distorted synths and metallic clangs. Ogre’s vocals, processed through vocoders and effects, deliver unsettling lyrics about transformation and disintegration: “Flesh is falling / Bones are breaking / I am the becoming / The void is aching.”
The piece builds in intensity, punctuated by bursts of industrial noise and jarring rhythms. A sense of unease permeates throughout, as if we’re witnessing a terrifying metamorphosis unfold before our ears. Yet, amidst the chaos, there’s also a surprising beauty to “The Becoming.”
Eerie ambient textures weave through the sonic landscape, creating moments of unsettling tranquility. The track’s haunting melody, played on synthesized strings, adds a layer of melancholic depth. It’s as if Skinny Puppy are grappling with the existential implications of change and decay, while simultaneously acknowledging the inherent beauty in the cycle of life and death.
Deconstructing “The Becoming”: A Closer Look at its Musical Elements:
Element | Description |
---|---|
Bassline | Deep, throbbing, pulsating, creating a sense of unease |
Synths | Distorted, metallic, layered, building tension and atmosphere |
Drums/Percussion | Industrial, clanking, sporadic, adding to the chaotic feel |
Vocals (Nivek Ogre) | Processed, unsettling, whispering lyrics about transformation |
Ambient Textures | Eerie, melancholic, providing moments of respite |
Melody | Haunting, played on synthesized strings, adding depth and beauty |
Beyond its musical ingenuity, “The Becoming” holds cultural significance within the industrial music genre. It helped solidify Skinny Puppy’s reputation as innovators, pushing boundaries and inspiring countless other artists to explore darker, more experimental sonic territories.
Skinny Puppy’s Legacy:
Skinny Puppy disbanded in 1995 but reunited sporadically over the years. Their influence on music continues to resonate today, with bands like Nine Inch Nails, Ministry, and Marilyn Manson citing them as inspirations.
“The Becoming” remains a potent example of industrial music at its finest: a sonic journey through unsettling landscapes, probing the depths of human fear and fascination with the unknown.
Listening Recommendations:
For those wanting to delve deeper into Skinny Puppy’s discography, “Too Dark Park” is an essential starting point. Other notable albums include:
- “VIVIsectVI” (1988)
- “Rabies” (1989)
- “Last Rights” (1992)
These albums showcase the band’s evolving sound, from their early, abrasive industrial explorations to their later, more experimental and melodic compositions.
Ultimately, “The Becoming” serves as a reminder that music can be more than just entertainment; it can be a powerful tool for exploring complex emotions and confronting the darkness within ourselves. It’s a track that will stay with you long after the last note fades away.