The Young Gods are an experimental Swiss industrial rock band formed in 1985 in Fribourg by Franz Treichler (vocals, samplers), Cesare Pizzi (samplers) and Frank Bagnoud (drums). Their name is inspired by a song by the New York group Swans. Right from the start, they set themselves apart by using samplers instead of guitars, creating a unique sound blending rock, industrial music, electro, post-punk and avant-garde. Their debut album The Young Gods was released in 1987 by Play It Again Sam, to critical acclaim for its innovative approach. In 1989, L'Eau Rouge, sung mainly in French, confirms their singularity on the European scene. Frank Bagnoud was replaced on drums by Urs Hiestand in 1989. 1991 saw the release of T.V. Sky, which brought them international recognition, thanks in particular to the song "Skinflowers" . Only Heaven followed in 1995, recorded in New York and produced by Roli Mosimann, reinforcing their electronic and atmospheric sound. In 1996, Cesare Pizzi left the group and was replaced by Bernard Trontin on drums, while Alain Monod alias Al Comet remained on samplers (present since 1989). The band then explored more ambient sounds with Second Nature (2000), before breaking out of its electric zone with Knock on Wood (2008). Pizzi returns to the band in 2012 after Al Comet's departure, and the line-up becomes a trio comprising Franz Treichler, Cesare Pizzi and Bernard Trontin. In 2019, Data Mirage Tangram is the first original studio album in nine years, followed by a tribute to Terry Riley with a reproduction of the album In C, industrial electronics style. In 2025, Appear Disappear is released.