Artery were one of the most distinctive bands to emerge from Sheffield's vibrant post-punk scene. Formed in 1978 (initially under the name "The"), the band developed a dark, atmospheric sound that blended angular guitars, driving rhythms, saxophone, and poetic lyrics. Although they never achieved major commercial success, they became highly respected within the UK independent music scene and remain regarded as one of Sheffield's finest cult post-punk acts.
After releasing their debut single "Mother Moon" in 1979, the band became associated with Sheffield's flourishing independent music movement, alongside groups such as Cabaret Voltaire, The Comsat Angels and I'm So Hollow. They also appeared on the influential Sheffield compilation album Bouquet of Steel.
A key development came when Simon Hinkler joined on guitar and keyboards. Hinkler would later become a member of both Pulp and The Mission. Around this period, Gouldthorpe moved from guitar to lead vocals, helping define Artery's best-known sound.
The band were strong favourites of legendary BBC Radio 1 DJ John Peel, recording two Peel Sessions in 1981 and 1982. Their single "Into the Garden" became their signature recording and finished in the Top 10 of Peel's 1982 Festive Fifty listeners' poll.
Their principal releases included:
Frequent line-up changes and the pressures of touring eventually led to the band's split in 1985. Interest in Artery was revived during the 2000s following the Sheffield music documentary Made in Sheffield and renewed appreciation of the city's post-punk heritage. In 2007, long-time fan Jarvis Cocker invited the band to reunite for the Meltdown Festival in London. The reunion proved successful, leading to new recordings including the EP Standing Still (2009) and the album Civilisation (2011).
Today, Artery are widely regarded as one of Sheffield's most underrated post-punk bands. Their music combined literary lyrics with experimental arrangements and avoided the electronic emphasis of many of their Sheffield contemporaries, giving them a unique place in the city's musical history. Their influence can be heard in later generations of alternative and post-punk musicians, and albums such as Oceans are now considered classics of the early 1980s UK independent scene.
If you can expand the information here, or have photos to share (with a Sheffield focus), please get in touch.
Back to the band index
