Coil HHV Records 39 Items

Experimental but still relatively unknown

Before he became famous, Coil (1982-2004) led a relatively unknown life. The musician, whose real name was John Balance, was born and raised in Mansfield, England. As a young man, he moved to London and began experimenting with music, forming a band called Psychic TV with Genesis P-Orridge. In the early 1980s, Balance and P-Orridge founded the record label Industrial Records , which specialized in experimental and avant-garde music. After leaving Psychic TV in 1985, Balance formed Coil with Stephen Thrower, another musician with a background in experimental music. Together they began to produce music that was heavily influenced by industrial, ambient and electronic music . However, the band had a hard time finding a consistent fan base, and their music often received mixed reviews from critics.

Occultism and spirituality as a source of inspiration

Throughout their career, Coil released a wide range of music that explored themes of spirituality, sexuality, and the occult. Their discography includes numerous albums, EPs and singles covering a variety of genres including industrial, ambient and electronic music. Among their best-known releases are Scatology (1984), Horse Rotorvator (1986) and Love’s Secret Domain (1991). One of Coil’s most ambitious projects was their ongoing collaboration with filmmaker Derek Jarman, which resulted in the soundtrack for Jarman’s films The Angelic Conversation (1985) and Blue (1993). Tragically, John Balance died in a fall in 2004, ending Coil’s 22-year career. Their legacy lives on, however, as their music continues to influence artists across a wide range of genres. In recent years, several reissues of their classic albums have been released, ensuring that Coil’s music remains accessible to new generations of listeners.

A legacy for the new generation

In addition to their music, the band was also involved in other forms of art, including painting, film and performance art. They were also known for their unique sound, which combined elements of electronic, industrial and ambient music. Over the years, Coil built a loyal fan base that was attracted to their innovative approach to music. Their music was often characterized by the use of unusual instruments and sounds, as well as an exploration of themes such as spirituality and the occult. Sadly, the band’s co-founder Peter Christopherson passed away in 2010, and Balance also struggled with addiction and mental health issues throughout his life, which eventually led to his untimely death in 2004. However, Coil’s legacy lives on through their music, which inspires a new generation of experimental musicians. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Coil’s work, and several reissues and tribute albums have been released. In addition to their music, Coil were also known for their elaborate live performances, which often included elaborate light shows and other visual effects. This helped give their fans a truly immersive experience, and established the band’s reputation as one of the most innovative and influential groups in the history of experimental music. However, his legacy as a pioneer of experimental music continues to inspire musicians and fans alike.