The Calling Embraces Industrial Drone Textures and Rhythmic Mechanical Pulsations

“The Calling” stands as a testament to the raw power and evocative soundscapes that define industrial music. Released in 1986 by the British band Skinny Puppy, this track exemplifies the genre’s ability to seamlessly blend unsettling drone textures with rhythmically complex mechanical pulsations, creating an auditory experience that is both captivating and unnerving.

Skinny Puppy emerged from Vancouver, Canada, in the early 1980s, a time when industrial music was beginning to carve its niche within the broader alternative music scene. Founded by cEvin Key (who also played with the electronic project Download) and Dwayne Goettel, the band quickly gained notoriety for their uncompromising sonic explorations and darkly theatrical performances. Their sound was characterized by a distinct blend of abrasive noise, distorted electronics, haunting samples, and growled vocals.

The band’s lineup solidified in 1984 with the addition of Nivek Ogre (whose real name is Kevin Ogilvie), whose distinctive vocal style—a combination of screams, whispers, and guttural growls—became a defining element of Skinny Puppy’s sound.

“The Calling,” featured on their seminal album Mind: The Perpetual Interplay, further cemented the band’s reputation for pushing sonic boundaries. The track begins with a dense, throbbing bass line that lays the foundation for a swirling vortex of distorted synths and metallic clangs. Nivek Ogre’s vocals weave in and out of the mix, alternating between menacing whispers and piercing screams.

The structure of “The Calling” is intentionally unconventional, eschewing traditional verse-chorus patterns in favor of a continuous, evolving soundscape. The track builds slowly but steadily in intensity, punctuated by bursts of percussive noise and unsettling vocalizations. Key elements contributing to the industrial texture include:

One notable aspect of “The Calling” is its use of samples. Industrial music often incorporates found sounds and audio fragments from unexpected sources, adding layers of texture and meaning to the overall composition. While specific source material for this track remains elusive, it likely draws from a variety of industrial and technological sounds, further reinforcing the genre’s thematic exploration of human interaction with machinery.

The lyrical content of “The Calling” delves into themes of societal control, alienation, and the fragility of the human psyche. Lines such as “They’ve built a cage around your mind” and “The voice inside you screams in pain” suggest a critique of oppressive systems and the psychological toll they take on individuals.

Skinny Puppy’s impact on the industrial music scene is undeniable. They inspired countless other artists with their uncompromising vision, experimental approach to sound, and thought-provoking lyrical content. While “The Calling” represents just one facet of their vast discography, it serves as a powerful introduction to the raw energy and unsettling beauty that define industrial music at its best.

Beyond its immediate musical impact, “The Calling” also serves as a cultural artifact reflecting the anxieties and technological advancements of the 1980s. The rise of personal computing, mass media, and concerns about government surveillance found expression in the track’s dystopian themes.

Skinny Puppy disbanded in 1995 but reunited in 2000 for a series of tours and festival appearances. While they haven’t released a full-length album since The Greater Wrong of the Right (2007), their legacy continues to inspire and influence generations of musicians. “The Calling” remains a powerful reminder of the enduring power of industrial music—a genre that pushes sonic boundaries, confronts societal issues, and offers a unique perspective on the human experience in an increasingly industrialized world.