Severed Heads

Severed Heads is a pioneering electronic music group formed in Sydney, Australia, in 1979 by Tom Ellard, evolving from early experimental industrial sounds to influential contributions in synthpop and industrial dance music. Initially known for their abrasive tape collages, manipulated loops, and DIY ethos, Severed Heads became one of the first Australian acts to incorporate video art and multimedia into live performances. The group's lineup revolved around Ellard, with collaborators such as Garry Bradbury and Stephen Jones shaping its early years.

Albums like "Since the Accident" (1983) and "City Slab Horror" (1985) gained international attention, particularly with the single "Dead Eyes Opened," which became an enduring cult hit. Severed Heads’ work fuses unsettling soundscapes with surreal humor and warped pop, earning them recognition as innovators in electronic and industrial music. Over four decades, the project’s evolving lineup and restless creativity have left a lasting imprint, inspiring artists in and beyond Australia, and cementing Severed Heads’ legacy as electronic music visionaries.