Front 242 Album: “Front by Front”

"Front By Front" was my introduction to Front 242, the band whose sound is at the centre of my roots.

"Until Death": The anthemic introduction to the album, a.f.a.i.k this was never released as a single, although it was often heard in nightclubs. Think of that sense of righteousness, of belonging one used to feel when dancing to EBM, add F242's militant beats of the time and you'll get the picture.

"Circling Overland" continues the unforgiving beat of the first number, but with painful restraint. Images of military aircraft overhead, like you're in some important Cold War movie. Sheer brilliance!

"Im Rhythmus Bleiben" became a single meant for clubs, with its fast and hard beats. The synthesizers were very 80's. This was a bit like aerobics for Industrial fans wasn't it? "Stay in the rhythm!", Jean-Luc demanded. We obeyed.

"Felines" had a cult following - that distorted vocal sample sounded like, well, a cat. And Jean-Luc's voice... A slow, brooding number. As the song ends, one gets a sense that something's about to happen, but...

"First In/First Out" fast but loose beats postpone the inevitable climax of the album just a little more. And just.a.little bit more with "Blend the Strengths"...

... until finally, the familiar percussion and signature synth of that timeless, EBM anthem "Headhunter" explodes and your legs take over, the rhythm becomes overpowering and you're utterly powerless over its seduction!

"Work 01" and "Terminal State", like "Blend the Strengths" pale in comparison to the rest of the album, finally giving way to the curious "Welcome to Paradise" with its rather dated synth yet hilarious commentary on charismatic churches through clever use of samples - "Hey poor, you don't have to be poor anymore - Jesus is here!"

The rest of this album, the Sony remastered issue of 1992 is filled with remixes and B-sides, none of which really stands out except for Headhunter's 12" version - the one we used to lose ourselves to on the dancefloors under that strobe light...

Favourite tracks are the first two and of course both versions of Headhunter. To me this will always remain the benchmark album. I think of Front 242 as having had 3 eras, the first being the early 80's synth feel of Geography, the second being around the time of this album (give or take a few years) when their signature sound consisted of relentlessly executed beats with a military theme, and the third being the time when they took back from the techno world what they borrowed from F242 in the first place on the "E.V.I.L Off" album and its companion "Angels Vs Animals" EP.

This album is a pure classic in the EBM genre. It is also Front 242`s best release. This is claimed based upon both my personal opinion and what I believe is a widespread view. Includes the hits "Headhunter" and "Welcome to Paradise", but also the manipulative "Until Death" as well as two versions of the experimental and underestimated "Work 242". This album is the best start to F242 and captures the essence of the true 242-feeling. It is, however, suggested that the prospective buyer also get the album "Tyranny for You" in order to constitute a basic platform of 242-material.

Being a fan of industrial/EBM, I hadn't actually gotten to buying a Front album until this, "Front by Front", which is backed with the "Never Stop!" EP and the original "Headhunter" version, found in its single (all on the Epic reissue). I had actually heard some of their songs before, but didn't actually buy until I found it for a rather good price. That being said, it turned out to be really good.

The beginning just confirms that, "Until Death (Us Do Part)". A rather catchy track and one that you'll find yourself listening to the most, it gives the album a sort of appeal.

There are also tracks which are mostly instrumental, like the religious samples of "Welcome to Paradise" or mostly on "Work 01" (great intro sample) and on most of "Blend the Strengths".

Sometimes it is the samples that make it, and sometimes it's the song itself. I'm sure if you're looking here at all that you know the song "Headhunter". The synth line is addictive and so is its chorus. It doesn't need to be explained by EBM fans why this is considered a classic, and the bridge is brilliant. Nearly five minutes of fun, I'm glad they have two versions of it on this album. That should be a reason enough to convince someone to buy this that's just a casual fan.

Honestly, there are sometimes when I don't feel like listening to this. But, in spite that, I think it's very good. I can't decide whether I prefer this or "Tyranny", as they've both got their moments in spite the fact that I wouldn't call either one of my "favorites". Still, I might look more into the Front 242 catalog, as I enjoy listening to lots from them.

Is Front 242 the father of Industrial? Probably not, but to me the sound of Head Hunter was the begining of a new era of music for me. This is a great album for people that are looking for that early industrial sound. Much of my mispent youth was in dark clubs grinding away to bands like Front 242, Nitzer Ebb, and Ministry. This album covers all the songs I remember and more I never knew of.

i have been a fan of front 242 for a while . it is funny how i did come across them . this was within ten to fifteen years ago when cds were not around and when you would go to a music store you would have to buy the basic cassette tape . so finally cds were starting to make there way into the stores . i might see myself trying to be tradition with things but sometimes you have to change a little bit. so trying to stick to the basics of cassettes and eventually everyone turning for the cds . most of it was what you would call tecnology . most people seem to get very compeled with the term tecnology . so eventually i took part of the move into tecnology wich was the cd . even to this day it is a little bit like that the era of tecnology . so the long story about front 242 was from a tape at the record sore called tower records . the reason why i think i did buy it was really because of the name . then i think because of the album cover . when i buy music i am always trying to find something that is more on the different side and something that not everybody has heard . so sometimes the one thing that has always worked for me was buy the apperance of the album or maybe the title of the band . so better the title or better the cover most of the time the album would not be that bad . so threw the course of buying music i have come to find out about a lot of bands . so one band that i came across over a long time ago was front 242 and the one thing that i like about them was that were differnt and even to this day there sound is more hard and hard to find .