Depeche Mode is a British electronic music band formed in 1980 in Basildon, Essex. They are considered pioneers of electronic music and one of the most influential bands of the 20th century. Their music is often described as a fusion of 'synthpop' and 'alternative rock'. Starting off as a minimalistic synth instrument-based group, they progressed into major international rock stars by the mid-1980s, combining their intricate yet melodic sound with a dark, edgy post-punk image. With 14 studio albums, they remain one of the world's most influential electronic music acts, and has been credited as influencing a broad spectrum of genres, from techno, house, dark wave, electronic dance music, industrial, gothic rock, metal and pop.