FRONT 242

FRONT 242

Front 242’s history starts in 1981 when Daniel B. lays out his ideas on a first single : Body to Body. Patrick
Codenys (keyboards) and Jean-Luc De Meyer (vocals) join the band for the first album « Geography » in
(1982), followed by Richard 23 (vocalist/stage performer) in 1983.
While developing their own independent recording and graphic units, along with a unique presentation on
stage, the band progressively reaches a larger audience in Europe, touring and releasing records of its brand
new genre they soon label « Electronic Body Music (aka EBM) ». EBM being a collage and synthesis of music
and sounds, recycled from the media or TV, often reflecting or enriched by other artistical disciplines. In 1984
Front 242 sign on the label Wax Trax from Chicago. The EP « Take One » (1984) is their first US release, their
success there will be massive.
Gaining experience in large European festivals and US shows from 1985, the band establishes itself as a very
powerful live group, and EBM spreads across Europe. The albums « No Comment » (1985), « Official
Version » (1987) and « Front By Front » (1988, including HeadHunter and Welcome to Paradise) seal Front
242’s international breakthrough and its status of an innovative and pioneering band.
Front’s vision continues to evolve toward fuller maturity after the acclaimed album « Tyranny For You »
(1991). The two next albums, « 06:21:03:11 Up Evil » and « 05:22:09:12 Off » (1993) break through the
classical Front formula to bring in new vocalists, live guitars and drums, along with a new producer, Andy
Wallace (Nirvana, Sonic Youth). This begins redistributing roles and rules within the group, while retaining
the scope of invention and the radical attitude that goes along with Front 242’s music.
During a 4 year hiatus (1993-1997), the band releases the albums « Live Code », recorded during their last
world tour, and « Mut@ge – Mix@ge », a compilation album where The Prodigy, The Orb, Underworld, Rico
Conning and others propose innovative mixes of Front 242 tracks.
The 4 original members of the band reunite in 1997 and, with German drummer Tim Kroker, start performing
live again. Several live albums follow, capturing the energy and reflecting the numerous changes brought in
by the versions being performed on stage.
After a long studio absence, the EP « Still & Raw » and the Album « Pulse » come out in 2003. These records,
based on aesthetics of the 70’s and 80’s. Here, Front242 re-creates the original sound that was at the center
of its art, enriched by 20 years of experience : analogue technologies and vintage machines pulsing into
deconstructed tracks where emotion and research are still conveyed by a purely electronic attitude.
Having re-released their backcatalogue in newer, enriched versions, and breaking from the idea that every
live campaign must necessarily be preceeded by a new album, Front 242 currently continue playing
throughout the world with the same level of intensity, with the same success as ever, followed and cheered
by crowds of loyal fans celebrating the band’s uniqueness and renowned integrity.