The Garden – a hauntingly beautiful track that blends industrial noise with ethereal melodies

“The Garden”, a mesmerizing track released by Coil in 1994, stands as a testament to the experimental and often unsettling nature of industrial music. It’s not your average earworm; it burrows deep, lingering long after the final distorted echo fades away. To understand this masterpiece requires delving into the enigmatic world of its creators, Coil – a band that defied categorization and pushed the boundaries of sonic exploration.

Coil emerged from the fertile ground of the British industrial scene in the early 1980s, initially formed by John Balance and Peter Christopherson (formerly of Throbbing Gristle, pioneers of the genre). Their music was a tapestry woven from disparate threads – haunting vocals, hypnotic rhythms, found sounds, and a fascination with occultism, mythology, and esoteric themes.

“The Garden” exemplifies Coil’s signature blend of beauty and brutality. The track opens with a delicate, shimmering melody played on a stringed instrument (perhaps a harp or zither), creating an atmosphere of serene tranquility. This fragile beauty is soon juxtaposed with distorted metallic clangs, rumbling bass drones, and ethereal vocal harmonies that weave in and out of the sonic landscape.

The lyrics, delivered by Balance’s distinctive androgynous voice, are cryptic and evocative, painting a surreal picture of decay, transformation, and ultimately, rebirth. The repeated phrase “In the garden” takes on multiple meanings, suggesting both a physical space and a metaphorical realm of consciousness:

“In the garden, where roses grow black,

“And lilies bleed red, a twisted track”

“We dance in circles, ‘round the dying sun”

“Where shadows lengthen, and life’s begun.”

The track builds gradually, adding layers of sound and texture. Synth pads swell and shimmer, while industrial percussion adds a driving pulse that propels the listener forward. As the song reaches its climax, Balance’s vocals rise in intensity, becoming increasingly distorted and fragmented. The music culminates in a cathartic release of sonic energy, before fading out into silence.

What makes “The Garden” so captivating is its ability to evoke a wide range of emotions simultaneously – serenity and unease, beauty and horror, tranquility and chaos. It’s a sonic journey that challenges expectations and invites the listener to confront their own inner darkness.

Coil: Exploring the Boundaries of Sound

Coil’s legacy extends far beyond “The Garden”. They were prolific artists who released numerous albums, EPs, singles, and collaborative works over their career. Their discography is a vast and challenging landscape, filled with experimental soundscapes, ritualistic chants, and darkly poetic lyrics.

Some key highlights in Coil’s discography include:

Album Title	Year Released	Notable Tracks	Description
Scatology	1984	“Blood from the Air”, “The Anal Staircase”	Coil’s debut album, a raw and uncompromising exploration of noise and industrial sounds.
Horse Rotorvator	1986	“Tainted Love”, “Red Right Hand”	A landmark album that showcased Coil’s evolving sound, incorporating elements of ambient music and psychedelia.
Love’s Secret Domain	1991	“Windowpane”, “Fire of the Mind”	Widely considered Coil’s masterpiece, a mesmerizing blend of industrial, ambient, and techno influences.

Tragically, John Balance died in a fall from his London flat in 2004. Peter Christopherson continued to work under the Coil name for a time before disbanding the project.

Despite their dissolution, Coil’s music continues to inspire and influence artists across a wide range of genres. Their legacy as pioneers of experimental sound and sonic exploration remains secure.

Further Listening:

Throbbing Gristle: The band that Peter Christopherson co-founded in 1975, considered one of the originators of industrial music.
Current 93: An influential experimental band with strong connections to Coil, known for their blend of folk, avant-garde, and occult themes.
Nurse With Wound: Another pioneering British experimental group whose work has influenced Coil’s sonic explorations.

“The Garden” stands as a powerful testament to the enduring power of industrial music, its ability to challenge, provoke, and ultimately move us. It is a track that will stay with you long after the final note fades away.