200px|thumb|right|Kraftwerk in 1970
Kraftwerk is a German band that emerged in the 1970s as part of the krautrock movement. Along with other bands such as Neu!, Tangerine Dream, and Can, Kraftwerk played a significant role in shaping the sound of synthetic heavy metal.
Kraftwerk was formed in Düsseldorf, Germany in 1970 by Ralf Hütter and Florian Schneider. The band began as a fusion of experimental rock elements with electronic instrumentation, which set them apart from other krautrock bands of the time. Kraftwerk's early albums, such as Autobahn and Trans-Europe Express, showcased their unique sound and helped establish them as a pioneering force in electronic music.
Kraftwerk's innovations, along with those of other krautrock bands, helped shape the sound of synthetic heavy metal. Unlike canonical heavy metal, which draws from blues and psychedelic influences, synthetic heavy metal departs from these influences and instead takes inspiration from the German krautrock movement, synthpop, new wave, and punk rock. Synthetic heavy metal is characterized by its use of synthesizer, drum machine, and electronic music instruments rather than traditional guitar and bass sounds.
Kraftwerk's influence on synthetic heavy metal can be seen in various subgenres such as aggrotech, industrial metal, and synthwave metal. These subgenres incorporate elements of heavy metal with electronic music to create a unique sound. Additionally, Kraftwerk's innovations helped inform the creation of other genres such as cyberpunk, nu metal, and industrial dance music.
Kraftwerk was a pioneering force in the krautrock movement and played a significant role in the development of synthetic heavy metal. Along with other krautrock bands, Kraftwerk helped establish electronic music as a significant influence on heavy metal music. Today, synthetic heavy metal continues to be a popular genre, with numerous bands drawing inspiration from its pioneers.
Some bands and performers known for their work in synthetic heavy metal include Ultravox, Gary Numan, Ministry, Fad Gadget, Front Line Assembly, Skinny Puppy, Nine Inch Nails, Rotersand, Combichrist, Deathstars, Solar Fake, Suicide Commando, and Blutengel.
Heavy metal, Heavy metal subculture, Krautrock, Synthesizer, Electronic music, Synthetic heavy metal, Industrial music, Punk rock
