The Devil's Handshake: A Relentless Descent into Rhythmic Darkness and Eerie Soundscapes

Music has always been a powerful tool for evoking emotions, painting sonic landscapes, and transporting us to different realms. From soothing melodies to thunderous crescendos, it has the ability to touch our souls in profound ways. Within the diverse world of music genres lies industrial music, a genre that pushes boundaries, challenges conventions, and explores the darker recesses of human experience.
One piece that exemplifies the raw power and haunting beauty of industrial music is “The Devil’s Handshake” by Coil, a British experimental band renowned for their avant-garde approach and enigmatic sound. Released in 1986 as part of their album Horse Rotorvator, “The Devil’s Handshake” is a testament to the band’s ability to blend unsettling textures, pulsating rhythms, and haunting vocals into a mesmerizing sonic tapestry.
Coil was formed in 1982 by John Balance and Peter Christopherson, two pioneers who delved deep into the experimental music scene. Their early work was heavily influenced by industrial pioneers Throbbing Gristle, with whom Christopherson had been involved prior to forming Coil. However, Coil soon developed a distinct sound that incorporated elements of goth, ambient, psychedelic rock, and even techno, creating a uniquely unsettling and captivating experience.
“The Devil’s Handshake” begins with a dissonant drone that slowly morphs into a driving rhythm punctuated by metallic clangs and distorted synths. Balance’s vocals, delivered in a cryptic and ethereal manner, weave through the dense sonic landscape, adding to the track’s unsettling atmosphere. The lyrics, often open to interpretation, explore themes of ritual, transgression, and the exploration of forbidden knowledge.
The song’s structure is unconventional, eschewing traditional verse-chorus arrangements for a more fluid and improvisational approach. It ebbs and flows with intensity, building tension through layers of distorted sounds and then releasing it in moments of sparse, eerie calm. This unpredictable nature keeps the listener on edge, unsure of what to expect next.
Here’s a breakdown of some key musical elements in “The Devil’s Handshake”:
Element | Description |
---|---|
Rhythm | Driving, relentless pulse with syncopated accents |
Melody | Largely absent; instead, focus is on textural interplay and rhythmic patterns |
Harmony | Dissonant, atonal chords create a sense of unease and tension |
Texture | Dense, layered soundscape incorporating distorted synths, industrial noises, and ethereal vocals |
Beyond its musical innovations, “The Devil’s Handshake” holds cultural significance within the industrial music scene. It cemented Coil’s reputation as a groundbreaking force in the genre, inspiring countless other artists to push the boundaries of sonic exploration.
For those new to industrial music, “The Devil’s Handshake” can be a challenging but ultimately rewarding listening experience. It demands attention and requires an open mind. But for those willing to embrace its unsettling beauty and explore its dark depths, it offers a glimpse into a world where sound becomes more than just entertainment; it becomes a visceral and thought-provoking art form.
While Coil disbanded in 2004 following the tragic death of John Balance, their legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians today. “The Devil’s Handshake” remains a testament to their groundbreaking vision and their ability to create music that is both deeply unsettling and profoundly beautiful. It serves as a reminder that industrial music, at its best, can be a powerful force for artistic expression and cultural exploration.