Artist
Master/Slave Relationship
Master/Slave Relationship is an industrial artist from the US, known for their provocative spoken word and harsh soundscapes since 1985.
About
Master/Slave Relationship emerged from the shadows of 1985, a project that embraced the mechanical and dystopian. A relentless exploration of provocative spoken word and harsh soundscapes, the work of this entity delved into subversive themes with a clinical precision. The bulk of their output was preserved on cassette — 14 releases in all — a format that mirrored the raw, tactile nature of their sound. The tapes, distributed by labels like Cause and Effect and RRRecords, served as functional artifacts of industrial noise and tape collage techniques. The Soundtrack To Black Leather Bondage (1987), released on Cause and Effect, is a stark example of this aesthetic: percussive rhythms interwoven with unsettling spoken word passages, creating an atmosphere both abrasive and hypnotic. The LP This Lubricious Love (1987) on RRRecords further cemented their reputation for crafting abrasive soundscapes that were as metronomic as they were unpredictable. Master/Slave Relationship's catalog spans diverse media — from the VHS release A TO Z (1993) to the print compilation Mail Order Catalogue 1991. Each release is a piece of the puzzle, contributing to a portrait of artistic expression that was both exhaustive and experimental. Their collaborations with labels such as MSR and Sound of Pig Music reinforced a commitment to the underground industrial scene, a network that thrived on the fringes of mainstream acceptance. Though the project was short-lived, active only until 1993, Master/Slave Relationship left behind a legacy of sonic evolution that continues to resonate with a dedicated listenership of 2,144 on platforms like Last.fm. Their work remains a touchstone for those drawn to the darker, more challenging edges of industrial music.
