Tonepusher’s Industrial Drum Machine Odyssey

Drum machines and industrial music are like dodgy kebabs after a night out—messy yet essential. The opening notes of Tonepusher’s video introduce us to the BOSS DR-660, a drum machine with a legacy as solid as a punk gig. Crafted in 1992, this little unit may be small in stature, but don’t let that fool you. It’s known for packing a punch hard enough to wake the neighbours. With such a reputation, it’s no wonder Tonepusher calls it one of his all-time favourites. The DR-660 is small yet mighty, embodying everything we love about gear that’s a bit rough around the edges.

The story of how the DR-660 ended up in Tonepusher’s hands is as surprising as a bootleg record in a high street shop. While lounging around, he received an unexpected Instagram message from none other than Christopher Hall of Stabbing Westward fame. Hall’s inquiry into the drum machine used on Ministry’s album led Tonepusher down a rabbit hole of music forums and interviews. His detective work concluded with the discovery of the DR-660, resulting in an immediate purchase. Despite uncertainty whether Ministry used a DR-550 or DR-660, Tonepusher found the 660’s sound to be strikingly authentic for that era’s music. A testament to its cult status, even Christopher Hall grabbed one for himself. It’s this serendipitous journey that reinforces how iconic and influential this drum machine really is.

The Boss DR series is a bit like a family of rough-and-ready synths, each member having its own flavour. The DR-550, released in ’89, was already an upgrade with its 16-bit engine and 48 sounds. By 1992, the DR-660 was born, inheriting the compact design but with several new tricks up its sleeve. This iteration added a full MIDI implementation, making it as versatile as a worn-out pair of Doc Martens. With classic 808 and 909 sounds, the DR-660 allowed musicians to tweak, layer, and build entirely new kits from the ground up. Artists like Chris Carter of Throbbing Gristle and even Max Cavalera’s side project Nailbomb found refuge in its powerful tones. The DR-660’s legacy is as solid as its beats.

As the video comes to a close, Tonepusher reminds viewers to check out his site for more sonic goodness before diving into a final full mix of the DR-660. It’s clear that this classic box of tricks, despite its age, still holds a revered place in electronic music production. The mix showcases the versatility and sheer power the DR-660 brings, wrapping up this sonic journey with a fitting industrial crescendo. For anyone looking to evoke the raw textures of 90s industrial music, this drum machine remains an unbeatable force. It’s as if the DR-660 has been cornering the market on making electronic music as thrilling and unpredictable as a sweaty mosh pit all along.