Front 242’s entire history was clearly defined from the start when, in 1981, Daniel B. laid out his ideas on the first single : Body to Body. Following the recruitment of Patrick Codenys (keyboards), and Jean-Luc De Meyer (vocals) in 1982
for the first album GEOGRAPHY. In 1983, Richard 23 joins and completes the band as stage performer and vocalist.
A year later, the project / band developed and quickly reached a specialised audience in Europe. Successive tours and records are logical conclusions of the same concept of electro induced energy music. At the same time, the band already provided for it’s needs by having their own recording and graphic units. Wax Trax from Chicago is interested in
Front 242; they sign what will be their first US release : the EP “Take One” (1984)
In 1985, the band played for the first time in large European festivals and flew to the US for some dates. They were soon tagged as a very powerful live group, and this form of music continues to spread across Europe under the monitor of “Electronic Body Music” which is the term Front 242 used to described the music they have invented. It is a collage, a synthesis of music and sound, recycled from the media or TV; and Front’s own interpretation of other artistic disciplines.
1988 saw the release of “Front By Front ” (including HeadHunter and Welcome to Paradise) which placed the band onto most of the covers of the European rock press. From now on, Front 242 is a fact.
Front’s vision continued toward fuller maturity. The world drastically changed since 1991’s “Tyranny For You“ album,
and the members of the group moved with it. The two albums, “ 06:21:03:11 Up Evil “ and “05:22:09:12 OFF “ broke through the classical Front formula to bring in new vocalists, live guitars and drums. Redistributing roles and rules within the group, allowing other facets of the band’s personality to shine through. Andy Wallace (Nirvana, Sonic Youth) was called in to mix the album in Front’s studio. Exercising his talents within an electronic environment, bringing an abrasive, edgy, and seductive album to full potential. Released in 1993, the project showed the scope of radical invention and attitude, that goes hand in hand with Front 242’s music.
Taking a two year sabbatical didn’t stop Front from moving. It enabled them to realize two attractive CD’s: “Live Code”, recorded during their last world tour, brings to the forefront the power of the group’s live performance and sound. The compilation-album “Mut@ge-Mix@ge” proposes The Prodigy, The Orb, Underworld, Rico Conning, and Front 242 all on the same record.
More than a “remix” album, all the tracks, enriched by the innovative mixes of the other artists involved, and each dealing with different levels of technology, have been reedited in a specific order by Front 242 to provide a successful continuity of enveloping atmospheres and rhythms.
In 1997-98, the band has decided to undertake a World Tour to underline their last releases. Playing “live” has always been a good way for them to check out excitement and creativity. In that matter, the “live” music on their CD release “Re-Boot” includes new sounds and structures in order to present updated versions of older compositions.
After a long absence, Front 242 released the EP « Still & Raw » and the Album «Pulse» in 2003.
Based on an aesthetic from the 70’s and 80’s, when the roots of todays electronic music were influenced by German bands , Front 242 re-invents the original sound that was at the center of their art and enriched by 20 years of experience.
Analogue technologies and vintage machines pulsing into deconstructed tracks where emotion and research leads to a purely electronic attitude.
Front 242, an unpredictable band, surprises the old and new audiences - while continuing to make the link with today’s music... with no concessions to their integrity.
do you really think, the world wants another live-album with the same tracks like on maybe 20 different editions of old albums, live- and best-of-compilations? one time it is enough! it seems to be useless to wait another decade for new, fresh songs. i were the heroes of my youth, i gave you the most of my money, i hold you banner high for endless years, even with more and more frustration about your policy of releasing "new" stuff. but now it is enough. at first this joke with "new material" as a download and now this extreme fan-oriented 2 editions ... no, i dont want it anymore. i dont want more years of waiting and frustration again and again. i wish you success with the next 20 live-albums, but go on without me, a fan, a friend, a supporter. :(
THANKS FOR FORGING THE WAY! You are true innovators, keep it up! Thanks for the inspiration and the memories!
Most of all, thank you for helping to shape my sound - your work, I think, has one of it's greatest results in the way that it influences new generations of musicians -
A gasmask catches the man and chokes him from within. A zyklon release for the minds of men. Front 242 left me feeling dislocated. They left all my slaves emancipated. They conquer my ears with sounds of gears. Super-future-suture for my wounds and fears. Strapped down to the medical chair, operation commence! Taking down society- Front 242 is immense. I renounce all world leaders, and bow to the one throne that is true. The ultimate new establishment of Front 242.
