Blue Plate Special: Front 242

by Christian Buckley · Published May 18, 2024 · Updated May 25, 2024

undefined Front 242 is a pioneering Belgian electronic music group that rose to prominence in the 1980s. Known for their influential role in shaping the electronic and industrial music genres, they coined the term “electronic body music” (EBM) to describe their distinctive sound. Formed in 1981 in Aarschot, Belgium, by Daniel Bressanutti and Dirk Bergen, the band later included members Patrick Codenys and Jean-Luc De Meyer.

Their debut album, “Geography” (1982), and subsequent releases like “No Comment” (1984) and “Front by Front” (1988), featuring the hit “Headhunter,” cemented their place in music history. Notable for their intense live performances and militaristic aesthetics, Front 242 has continued to evolve, leaving a lasting impact on the electronic music scene. For me, it was their album “Official Version” (1987) and the single “Quite Unusual” that made me a fan and cemented my interest in industrial music.

Front 242 continues to perform and engage with their dedicated fanbase. In recent years, they have been active with tours and re-releases of their classic albums. Despite not releasing new studio material since “Pulse” in 2003, they have maintained a strong presence through live performances and special edition releases. In 2024, they announced the “Black Out” tour, stated to be their final series of live performances before retiring from touring. This tour includes updated versions of their iconic tracks, showcasing their enduring influence and commitment to their fans.

Some of my favorites from their catalog: