The Order of the Serpent: Dark Ethereal Vocals Intertwined With Driving Industrial Rhythms

“The Order of the Serpent” stands as a testament to the raw power and captivating atmosphere inherent in industrial music. Released in 1997 by the British industrial metal band Godflesh, this track exemplifies their signature blend of crushing heaviness, haunting melodies, and deeply unsettling lyrical themes. For those unfamiliar with Godflesh’s sonic landscape, imagine a desolate industrial wasteland where rusted machinery groans under an oppressive sky, and ghostly whispers echo through abandoned factories.

Godflesh emerged from the UK underground scene in the late 1980s, spearheaded by the enigmatic Justin Broadrick (guitar, vocals) and G.C. Green (bass). Heavily influenced by pioneers like Throbbing Gristle and Einstürzende Neubaten, Godflesh forged a distinctive sound characterized by distorted guitars, rumbling basslines, mechanical drum patterns, and Broadrick’s signature guttural vocals.

“The Order of the Serpent,” featured on their critically acclaimed album “Songs of Love and Hate,” showcases these elements with masterful precision. The track opens with a chilling synth drone that slowly builds in intensity, foreshadowing the sonic onslaught to come. Then, Green’s monolithic bassline enters the fray, anchoring the song’s rhythm while simultaneously creating an atmosphere of impending doom.

Broadrick’s guitar work on this track is particularly noteworthy. His riffs are both brutal and melodic, weaving intricate patterns that recall both the industrial aggression of bands like Ministry and the haunting beauty of post-punk acts like Joy Division. His vocals, a tortured howl punctuated by moments of eerie calm, perfectly capture the song’s sense of despair and alienation.

The lyrical content of “The Order of the Serpent” is steeped in themes of existential dread, societal decay, and the search for meaning in a world seemingly devoid of hope. Broadrick’s words are cryptic yet evocative, painting a bleak picture of humanity grappling with its own destructive nature:

”Cold hands crawl on my back/Serpent whispers, the end we lack"

These lines evoke a sense of impending doom, hinting at unseen forces manipulating the course of events. The serpent imagery adds a layer of mystical unease, suggesting an ancient power lurking beneath the surface of reality.

Beyond its musical merit, “The Order of the Serpent” holds cultural significance within the industrial music scene. It exemplifies Godflesh’s pioneering role in fusing heavy metal aesthetics with experimental electronic elements, paving the way for countless other bands exploring similar sonic territories. The track’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and the profound emotional impact it continues to have on listeners.

For those seeking an entry point into the world of industrial music, “The Order of the Serpent” offers a compelling and unforgettable experience. It’s a song that burrows under your skin, leaving you with a sense of unease and wonder long after the final notes fade away. Embrace the darkness, and allow yourself to be drawn into the mesmerizing world of Godflesh.