Severed Heads

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Severed Heads Biography

The Severed Heads were an Australian experimental music and video art group formed in Sydney in 1979 by Tom Ellard. The group's early sound was characterized by a mix of electronic and acoustic instruments, along with found sounds and samples from popular culture.

The Severed Heads gained a following in Australia with their early releases, including the self-released "Ear Bitten" EP (1979) and the full-length album "Since the Accident" (1983), which featured the hit single "Dead Eyes Opened." The track became an international dance club hit and helped to bring the group to the attention of audiences overseas.

Throughout the 1980s, the Severed Heads continued to experiment with new sounds and technologies, incorporating elements of industrial, synth-pop, and ambient music into their work. They also began to experiment with video art, creating visually stunning and innovative music videos to accompany their music.



In the 1990s, the group continued to evolve, moving away from their early electronic sound and experimenting with acoustic instruments and live performance. They also embraced new digital technologies and explored the possibilities of computer-generated music and video.

Despite several personnel changes over the years, Tom Ellard remained the driving force behind the Severed Heads, and the group continued to release innovative and challenging music well into the 21st century. Their final album, "Dead Eyes Opened," was released in 2018, and the group officially disbanded in 2020.

The Severed Heads were known for their boundary-pushing approach to music and art, and their influence can be heard in the work of many contemporary artists. Their legacy as pioneers of electronic music and video art continues to inspire and challenge audiences to this day.