Nitzer Ebb evoked the sequenced basslines and barked commands of Virgin-era DAF in its early days, they created a new aesthetic. As they grew in confidence and ability, they began to develop the Nitzer Ebb sound—a blend of unusual analogue trickery, minimal song structure, heavy drum beats and percussion...
In the fact, Nitzer Ebb are british EBM (electronic body music) group formed in 1982 by Bon Harris (programmng, synthesizers, drums, vocals), Douglas McCarthy (vocals), and David Gooday (drums). Their inspiration were at that time bands such as DAF, Bauhaus and Killing Joke. In August 1983, they recorded their first demo called Basic Pain Procedure. This rare demo tape included eight songs. (e.g. Faded Smiles, Tradition, or The Home) The trio began with shows in small local venues.
Combining the energy of punk with the electronic pulse band released its debut single "Isn't It Funny How Your Body Works" in 1985 on its own label, Power Of Voice Communications. A double-A-sided single, Warsaw Ghetto/So Bright So Strong", followed in 1985 to similar critical and dance floor acclaim. Two further releases, "Let Your Body Learn/Get Clean" and "Murderous" were released on Power of Voice Communications before it signed with Mute Records.
In 1987, they released their debut album That Total Age, which spawned the well known tracks "Join in the Chant" and "Let Your Body Learn." The band was asked to be a pre-band for Depeche Mode's Music for the Masses tour. In 1988, they set out to record the perfect electronic album, resulting in the group’s second album, Belief. Preceded by the classic club track “Control, I'm Here,” that album was released in 1989 and was co-produced by Flood, who went on to produce their next 3 albums. The first single "Lightning Man" on the "Showtime" album, became a dance floor anthem with its jazzy clarinet figure and Doug's menacing vocals. The song is generally recognized as experimental and pushed the boundaries of industrial music at that time. Ebbhead was released in 1991 and showcased a new confidence in the band's songwriting and production (assisted by Flood and Alan Wilder). The single "I Give to You" was a sweeping orchestral introduction to the band's new grand ideas. Two other singles, “Godhead” and “Ascend” combined sampled guitar riffs, throbbing analogue synths, and anthemic choruses. During the period when Big Hit is released (1995), a schism between Harris and McCarthy began to develop. Although the group never officially split, McCarthy and Harris both went their separate ways.
In late 2005, it was announced that McCarthy and Harris (now residing in the US, and producing and engineering Marilyn Manson and Billy Corgan) had begun to talk about the possibility of a Nitzer Ebb reunion. The band toured during 2006, which enlisted the services of drummer Kourtney Klein and focused on the more electronic phase of its career.
Due to the success of the 2006 world tour, Nitzer Ebb began work on new material in Los Angeles early in 2007, with a retrospective documentary. Nitzer Ebb continued its trend of replacing drummers as Kourtney Klein left the band to be replaced by one- time cohort Jason Payne. A first track, "Once You Say," with Depeche Mode songwriter Martin L. Gore on backing vocals was played in June 2007 by Dave Clarke in his White Noise show. "Industrial Complex" is the last 6th studio album, once again produced by Flood and featuring guest vocals by Martin L. Gore on the song "Once You Say". The sound is back to the roots. The band signed to the Belgian electronic music label Alfa Matrix for Belgium, France, The Netherlands, Italy and Luxemburg (in collaboration with Major Records). This special "Belgian" edition released by Alfa Matrix features a bunch of exclusive remixes not available on any other version of "Industrial Complex". Fans were all anxiously waiting for this NITZER EBB reunion album since the band's highly successful come back on stage a couple of years ago. Douglas McCarthy and Bon Harris go back to their roots and mix NITZER EBB's own sound signature made of pounding bass rhythms, upbeat electro sequences and menacing vocals. Intense, powerful, straight and catchy. This new album presents the band's many new hits including "Promises", "Once You Say", "Payroll" or yet "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang".
Nitzer Ebb Discography
* Basic Pain Procedure (1983)
* That Total Age (1987)
* So Bright So Strong (1988)
* Belief (1989)
* Showtime (1990)
* As Is [EP](1991)
* Ebbhead (1991)
* Big Hit (1995)
* Body of Work (2006)
* Body Rework (2006)
* Industrial Complex (2009/2010)
* In Order (Digital Box Set) (2010)
* Catalogue (Box Set) (2010)
* Compilation (Box Set) (2010)
Nitzer Ebb evoked the sequenced basslines and barked commands of Virgin-era DAF in its early days, they created a new aesthetic. As they grew in confidence and ability, they began to develop the Nitzer Ebb sound—a blend of unusual analogue trickery, minimal song structure, heavy drum beats and percussion...