Beginning in 1984, Kmfdm have lead the way in the dance/techno crossover scene and the industrial scene. With the ongoing experimentation over the last 22 years of it’s career and pioneered by none other than Sascha Konietzko (KMFDM frontman), the industrial metal scene has changed since the spawning of this obscure band and so many bands that are now popular in the industrial scene are heavily influenced by this band.
Attak/reload
The cd starts off with what sounds like an aeroplane taking off and a neat little drum intro. Then the Kmfdm sound kicks in with synth exploding all over the scene equipped with heavy industrious guitars reminiscent of early Rammstein. Sascha and Lucia both sing together in the beginning giving off a foreboding feeling especially with Sascha’s deep throaty growling. But Lucia basically takes over vocal duties for the rest of the song, which goes over the normal format verse/chorus/verse/chorus etc. It’s a good intro to the album and is a lot heavier which wasn’t expected. 3/5
Skurk
Wow this track kicks ass. Heavy piggish guitars from Tim Skold accompanied with Sascha harsh vocals works a treat. “I feed my anger with the ***ing bull*** that you preach/ I bleed forever and not a thing you can do to comfort me”. This track is probably the most guitar driven on the whole album where the electronics play more of a background role. I’m loving the riffing. Best track on the album. If you want to listen to the heavier side of Kmfdm, look no further 5/5
Dirty
Starts off with more heavy-laden guitars courtesy of Sascha and Joolz. This track has some freaky electronic work with sirens going off, Indian sounding pre-choruses and a doomish chorus. Probably the fastest track and although it is worth listening it doesn’t have as much of an impact like Skurk. The lyrics are bit provocative too “ A little joke/We’re getting flirty/A bit of rope/And now we’re dirty”. Hmmm, it’s still a decent track even if it does have self-promotion with the chanting of “Kmfdm” throughout most of the chorus and outro. 4/5
Urban Monkey Warfare
Starts off very calm with another nice drum beat and synth. This song is obviously about war, and Sascha makes it very clear on his perspective on the issue. Lucia also fills in too during the pre-chorus with some scary vocal moments. Again, this is also a very guitar driven track but also has its soft calming moments. All in all it is a pretty song to say the least. 4/5
Save Me
Probably the most known song on the album. Starts with some simple guitar riffs and drums and then some angst ridden vocals. Most people know Tim Skold from his work with Marilyn Manson and although he may not be the best guitarist in the world, he certainly knows what sound he wants with this track. The simplicity in this song gives off a poppy sound accompanied with the soft lead vocals. It’s a change from previous tracks and a turning point in the album. From here on the music changes from heavy guitars and synth, to more electronic orientated song writing. 3/5
Yohoho
This track doesn’t say much. I dislike Raymond vocals for some reason. They just don’t seem to fit and I can barely hear what he saying; it’s just deep whispering. This is ultimately a chill out song, basically filler. But it’s not that bad, Lucia saves this track from heading nowhere. This is first track I skip when listening to this album. 2/5
Superhero
This has a very pop punky feel to it with the power chords and an up tempo rhythm. Fast techno parts again take a backseat but support this song from becoming too bland. It’s an average song but easily the most dance-able. 2.5/5
Sturm and Drang
Now to the boot punk. Similar to the previous track but has Sascha sings in it instead. His voice seems more appropriate to the track and the guitars sound like their going somewhere instead of just repeating itself like Superhero. But I still have a nagging feeling that this sounds almost to be filler. 3/5
Preach/Pervert
Raymond sings on this track so again this is not a track I particularly enjoy. I’d much prefer Sascha than Raymond as Raymond feels like a one trick pony with his increasingly annoying deep whispering. One thing I do like about this song is the synth. It works well with the live instruments. 3/5
Risen
The first time I listened to this album I thought it was beginning to go downhill after “Save Me” until I heard this track. It has an unforgettable intro – very uplifting. The most industrial song on the album and it saves the whole thing from becoming mediocre. Killer grooves, synthesizers that bands like Static-x and Crossbreed would kill for and an anthem Rob Zombie would die for. Excellent track but still falls short of Skurk. 4.5/5
Sleep
More filler. This is a soft anticlimactical piece. Not too much to say except it rounds off the album well and there is some good sampling which helps stop this track from becoming a waste of time.
Pros: Good sound, good album if you’ve only recently discovered this band. Metalheads will be more inclined to enjoy this album.
Cons: Some filler tracks, the second half of the album falters (Risen saves it from completely falling apart). Techno fans will find this a bit too “piggish” with the direct metal influence.
Recommended tracks: First half of the album, Risen.
During this recording KMFDM were:
Sascha Konietzko
Tim Skold
Lucia Cifarelli
Joolz Hodgeson
Bill Rieflin
Raymond Watts
Each member play numerous and varied instruments that are on this album
