A Split-Second
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1985 |
| Founder | Marc Heyndrickx |
| Headquarters | Belgium |
| Products | New beat, electronic body music |
A Split-Second is a Belgian band specializing in new beat and electronic body music (EBM), established in 1985. Widely acknowledged as trailblazers within the EBM scene, their distinctive sound played a crucial role in shaping the new beat movement.
History
The band originated in 1985, founded by Marc Heyndrickx (also known as Marc Ickx). Their initial release was the self-produced demo "Stained Impressions," which saw partial production involvement from Peter Bonne (later known as Chrismar Chayell). Bonne was active with Twilight Ritual alongside vocalist Geert Coppens. Heyndrickx dedicated his remaining budget to acquire equipment necessary for recording this demo, leading to additional sessions at Chayell’s four-track studio.
Upon hearing the demo, Antler Records promptly signed the group. Their first mini-album, A Split-Second, came out in 1986 and included important tracks such as "Flesh" and "On Command," the latter featured on the compilation This Is Electronic Body Music. The next album, Ballistic Statues, was released in 1987.
By late 1988, A Split-Second had secured a deal with the American label Wax Trax! Records, which issued US versions of A Split-Second and From The Inside, including the standout song "Colosseum Crash". In 1989, their single "Mambo Witch" climbed to number 29 on the Billboard US dance club charts, coinciding with their inaugural US tour encompassing 24 dates.
The 1990 album Kiss of Fury showcased a transition toward a guitar-heavy style, influenced by tracks originally composed for Heyndrickx’s solo efforts. Released via Antler-Subway in Europe and Caroline Records in the United States after parting ways with Wax Trax!, it featured "The Parallax View," which reached number 19 on the Billboard dance charts in 1991. That year also included a second US tour and a lineup adjustment with Nico Mansy replacing Peter Bonne on keyboards. Additionally, "Flesh" attained number 68 on the UK Singles Chart in December 1991.
In March 1995, they unveiled the album Megabite.
In 2012, A Split-Second took center stage at Belgium’s Bodybeats festival and reissued their original demo on vinyl format.
Influence and legacy
The debut single "Flesh" by A Split-Second is often credited with initiating the new beat genre. DJs pioneered this style by decelerating EBM tracks to craft a unique auditory experience. For instance, Marc Grouls and other DJs altered "Flesh" by lowering its pitch, transforming it from Euro-Industrial roots into a dramatic anthem favored in warehouse venues.
In 2002, Perfecto Records issued a progressive trance remix of "Flesh," produced by renowned DJ Paul Oakenfold.
Touring members
- Peter Meyvaert (guitar, 1987–89)
- Swan (guitar, 1987–89)
- Fedzjean Venvelt (guitar, 1989–90 / 1994–96)
- Nicolas Mansy (keyboards, 1990–91)
- Kevin Strauwen (guitar, 2024)
Albums
- Stained Impressions (1985)
- Ballistic Statues (1987)
- ... from the Inside (1988)
- Kiss of Fury (1990)
- Flesh and Fire – 1991 Remixes (1991)
- Introversion (Lay Back and Join) (1991)
- Vengeance C.O.D. (1993)
- Megabite (1995)
- Transmix (2001)
Singles
- "Flesh" (1986)
- "Rigor Mortis" (1987)
- "Smell of Buddha" (1987)
- "Mambo Witch" (1988)
- "Scandinavian Bellydance" (1988)
- "The Colosseum Crash" (1989)
- "Another Violent Breed" – The Live Versions (1989)
- "Firewalker" (1990)
- "Backlash" (1990)
- "The Parallax View" (1991)