EBM, or electronic body music, combines industrial elements with influences from popular dance music. The origin of the term EBM is attributed to Kraftwerk, who used it to describe their 1978 album The Man-Machine. Other electronic acts of the early 1980s, including Front 242 and DAF, soon began using the term as well. Clear electronic percussion, synths and vocals were typical of EBM of this time period.

Over the course of the 1980s a number of European EBM bands rose to near-mainstream popularity, among them were Front 242, Nitzer Ebb and Die Krupps. In North America the genre remained relatively unknown though nonetheless influenced mainstream bands such as Nine Inch Nails (particularly their debut album, Head Like A Hole), among others.

By the end of the 1980s and early 1990s many leading EBM bands had expanded their musical styles beyond the relatively limited scope of EBM with the incorporation of guitars and more electro-industrial sounds. However since the late 1990s and early 2000s EBM has once again experienced a rise in popularity accompanied by the emergence of new EBM bands.

The following bands have been tagged as EBM. Click the name of a band to view more information about them, including a list of music equipment they have used. A summary of the most popular gear used by EBM bands is also available.