Unnatural History III cover

Unnatural History III

Coil · 1997

75 min · 10 tracks · experimental music

A haunting blend of dark ambient textures and industrial soundscapes, punctuated by unsettling rhythms and eerie vocal samples.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    First Dark Ride — This opening track immerses listeners in a dystopian atmosphere with its layered sounds and expansive length, setting a tone that permeates the entire album.
  • →
    Music for Commercials — In this track, Coil masterfully juxtaposes unsettling sonic elements with an ironic nod to consumer culture, showcasing their unique commentary on modern life.
  • →
    Lost Rivers of London — The track captures a sense of nostalgia and loss, utilizing field recordings and ambient textures to evoke the forgotten histories of urban landscapes.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • disorienting soundscapes for introspection
  • long-form pieces that unfold gradually
  • haunting melodies for late-night solitude
  • immersive listening in dark environments

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer upbeat, instant gratification
  • seek conventional song structures

Where this album fits

Career context
Upon the release of Unnatural History III in 1997, Coil was navigating a period of artistic exploration following their acclaimed album, Love's Secret Domain. This release marked their continued evolution into more experimental territories, showcasing their commitment to pushing the boundaries of sound and structure.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 First Dark Ride 10:53
  • 2 Baby Food 12:34
  • 3 Music for Commercials 8:45
  • 4 Panic (12″ version) 7:35
  • 5 Neither His nor Yours 2:51
  • 6 Feeder 8:41
  • 7 Wrong Eye 6:00
  • 8 Meaning What Exactly? 3:46
  • 9 Scope 6:38
  • 10 Lost Rivers of London 7:41

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata