Deathpile "G.R."
This is the album that really influenced me and inspired me to play PE. The intensity and dark atmosphere of this album is unparalleled. The track "Known Victims" that lists and describes each victim, going on for 12 minutes feeling like the list would never end and the number of murders staggering. The textures and sounds are so heavy and murky, the vocals and lyrics so vicious. The concept was executed flawlessly. I really appreciate that the lyrics are written in first person. "Was it a ritual? Or was it just taking out the trash?"
Grunt "World Draped in Camouflage"
This is perhaps my favorite Grunt release. Every song is masterfully done with impressive detail and complex compositions. This album has it all. Heavy pulsating synths, junk abuse, loops, and great vocal delivery. This is, in my opinion, a flawless PE album. Not a single track is weak and "Fucked by Steel" is a Grunt classic.
Brighter Death Now "Innerwar"
Another immense influence for me. Brighter Death Now still remains unmatched in terms of intense, morbid, dark, psychotic industrial music. This album is hard to beat in terms of just sheer darkness and negativity. Tracks like "No Tomorrow", "Little Baby", "American Tale", and the title track make this album a harrowing listen. Roger's work has affected me deeply I would say even changed my personality.
Atrax Morgue "In Search of Death"
The first Atrax Morgue album I heard and still remains my favorite. Extremely minimal but effective, bleak synth work.
Genocide Organ "Mind Control"
My personal favorite GO album. Nothing more needs to said.
CON-DOM "How Welcome is Death To I Who Have Nothing More To Do But Die"
I know this album just came out this year, and comparatively doesn't best exemplify Mike Dando's work, however this is a truly one of a kind album and will surely be a classic in the genre. Not many artists have released such a sincere, deeply personal, or as genuine of an album as this. Reading along with the lyrics and looking a the imagery while spinning the records is an experience in and of itself. It has the potential to really affect the listeners state of mind and evoke emotions not a lot of albums are capable of.
Taint "Indecent Liberties"
It's Taint at his best. No more words needed.
Bizarre Uproar "Rape Africa"
Not my personal favorite BU album but this is probably his most iconic, along with Lily The Flesh. The bass on this sounds like explosions from outside a bunker. Dense walls of feedback and Pasi's signature ultra-violent hateful vocals. Essential BU album.
Haus Arafna "Children of God"
Haus Arafna's best material from their harsher more PE driven era. I especially like Haus Arafna's vocal delivery. Something so creepy about it. Especially on the track "Electronic Terrorism". Also the instantly recognizable MS-20 synth tones. Very obviously German, fits right in with their countrymen.
MZ.412 "Nordik Battle Signs"
One of the best releases in the Cold Meat catalog and a standout in the MZ.412 discography. I love the martial atmosphere of the album. Especially the percussion. The track "Algiz – Konvergence Of Life And Death" is a total masterpiece of PE/Industrial. Awesome lyrics and sounds!
This neglects plenty of excellent contemporary bands such as IFOTS, Kevlar, Concrete Mascara, Nyodene D, Puce Mary, Zyklon SS, etc. All of which I would consider essential for anyone interested in the genre. I feel like when people think of "essentials" it naturally excludes newer projects in favor of originators and classics.
