Test Dept.

• Genre: Industrial
• Hometown: London

About

Test Dept. have produced harsh rhythmic noise and radical political commentary since the early '80s. As the Industrial Revolution fell away to the Information Age, the bands Einstrzende Neubauten and Test Dept. took up the tools of industry as their primary instruments. While E.N. focused on the apocalyptic terror of urban decay, Test Dept. created music and performance for late capitalist tyranny. Heavy, brutalist rhythms generated by scrap metal and power tools are mixed with more traditional Industrial music (synths and drum-machines) with occasional appearances of folk music and political rants. Test Dept. remain uncompromising in their commitment to anti-authoritarian politics and musical confrontation.

- Marc Kate