Assimilate: A Critical History of Industrial Music is a book that tells the story of how a type of music called industrial music was created and evolved over time.
Industrial music is a genre of music that started in the 1970s and 1980s in Europe and North America. It is known for its heavy use of electronic sounds, sampled noises, and unconventional instruments.
The book explains how early bands like Throbbing Gristle and Cabaret Voltaire experimented with making music using industrial machines and electronics. They were influenced by the DIY (do-it-yourself) punk ethos and wanted to create something new and different.
As industrial music spread around the world, it began to incorporate elements from other genres, such as hip-hop, metal, and techno. The book explores how bands like Skinny Puppy, Ministry, and Nine Inch Nails became popular in the 1990s and helped to define industrial music as a genre.
The book also examines the cultural and political significance of industrial music. It explores how the music was used by artists to express their dissatisfaction with society, challenge authority, and advocate for social change.
Overall, Assimilate: A Critical History of Industrial Music is a fascinating look at a genre that has had a significant impact on music and culture. It explains how industrial music started, how it evolved, and what it means in a larger context.