Five on the Open-Ended Richter Scale (Fünf Auf Der Nach Oben Offenen Richterskala)

Einsturzende Neubauten

Germany's art-noise outfit Einsturzende Neubauten was one of the first bands that could legitimately be called "industrial." Their albums and performances from the early 1980s were marked by the use of scrap metal, broken glass, and various power tools in addition to standard rock instruments. The group's abrasive, highly rhythmic sound, while quite confounding and, at times, unpleasant, has had a remarkable impact not only on more accessible versions of industrial music (à la Nine Inch Nails), but also on the use of experimental concepts within a pop framework. Founding member Blixa Bargeld was also a long-time member of Nick Cave's backing band, the Bad Seeds.