Even though KMFDM broke up in 1999, that doesn't mean that their name isn't still on the lips of those that enjoy an industrial sound. The short-lived MDFMK project [comprised of Konietzko, Cifareli and Skold] yielded a similar sound but with a little more of an edge. The MDFMK release [self titled] gave fans of the original line up something to chew on before the group got back together. Subsequent releases carry a more intense beat, layered genres of music and a much louder presence. Even with the minor changes to the music KMFDM remains one of the true gems in the world of industrial beats.
For those who haven’t heard anything from this group – think Depeche Mode with an attitude. The beats aren’t as evolved and complex as Depeche Mode’s sound, but they fell from the same family tree. Some people will forever toss this group in with the likes of Marilyn Manson and Nine Inch Nails – and while there are some small similarities – Manson’s sound is too harsh and Nine Inch Nails deserves it’s own category. It’s best to consider KMFDM one of those groups that sit alone, by itself, in the corner, entertaining itself.
The Tracks
Godlike 6:33
Friede 4:44
Crazy Horses 3:04
Godlike is heralded as one of the most well known songs in the KFMDM catalog. Originally distributed on cassettes to underground dance clubs, it was popular long before it ever appeared on any mainstream release. Don’t let the introductory guitar riffs fool you into thinking that this is rock or metal because once the song evolves you are treated to a very impressive series of slick industrial sounds. With the childish able in the background [anyone know what that’s about?] and the distorted vocals in the introduction, this is a very powerful track that represents and defines the overall sound of the group. If you only had one song to pick from the KMFDM library to use as an introduction piece, I’d have to say Godlike would be the best pick.
Escape your old life
Of bondage and sin
Raise your head from the ashes
From the fire
Friede has a little faster beat and to me seems “lighter” and a little more open than the normal sound of the group. Again, the distorted vocals really seem to add another level of illusion to the track without making it seem hokey. This is definitely a ‘musical’ track over a ‘verbal’ track – it music is what shapes the song and it some cases it overpowers the vocals. The song is entirely in German but thanks to a pen pal I got a rough transcription of the song. There were rumors of a KMFDM release of songs that would be comprised of all the song sung in German, only translated to English. Sadly, this would have ruined some of the songs and so far, the creation of such a CD is still just a rumor.
Enormous love embraces the cosmos
and
I want you whole or not at all
… these are two of the coolest lines I’ve every heard in a song. It’s a shame that there aren’t any English translations provided with this CD but after checking it out top to bottom I consider myself lucky to have even gotten a sleeve insert.
Crazy Horses is simply awesome. If anyone were to make a comparison between KMFDM and Marilyn Manson, this would be the perfect track to back up the statement. The overall impact of the music combined with the background effects gives you an interesting blend. A little stronger than most of the stuff in the KMFDM line-up, this is one of my absolute all time favorite tracks from the band. This track was also made available on a 12” vinyl and a CD single of its own featuring five remixes of the song.
Overall, the songs on this release are a great representation of what the group is capable of. When it was released it was considered to be cutting edge however looking back on it I have to honestly say that it was in a league of its own. This arrived on the scene just before grunge made its way into the mainstream and was soon pushed aside for the Seattle sound. It’s a shame that “kids today” don’t have music like this, instead they have greasy techno compilations that lack any style and are a dime a dozen.
A Minor Inconvenience
Straight out of the wrapper, this CD had a few noticeable flaws with playback. I cleaned the CD player several times and made sure it wasn’t my equipment or some type of noise purposely planted on the CD. The ending of Godlike skips eight times within the last 15 – 20 seconds of the track. There are no visible scratches to the disc and this happened the very first time I played it – straight from the jewel case into the CD tray. Friede has a few ripples about halfway through the track, while it doesn’t take much away from the track, it is annoying to know it is there.
Recommendations
If you like Die Krupps, older Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails or X-Static then you might want to check out KMFDM. The sound is clean, crisp and solid – unlike some ‘techno’ that seems cluttered and disorganized. Perfect background noise for parties, gatherings or bloodlettings [ok, I just wanted to see how many of you made it this far into the review]. The music itself is appealing; it may seen sterile to some people upon the first listen but if you give it an honest chance, you’ll see it really does grow on you.
If you check out these tracks and find they strike a chord with your, be sure to check out Angst [1993], Don’t Blow Your Top [1988] and Opium [1984]. While these releases may have their own distinct presentation and flavor, they all have the basic KMFDM sound to them. Look back through any artists discography and you are sure to see some changes and evolutions of the music – this is true for KMFDM but they’ve always remained faithful to the sound that brought them to fame.
The Bottom Line
I tried to do some research on Wax Trax! Records and came up with old information. It seems that the company is out of business after the owner passed away. If anyone has any information on the fate of Wax Trax! please leave a message in the comment section.
I really wish I had scooped up a few more of these ‘back in the day’. I guess that’s why I started pack ratting different CD singles, maxi singles and imports because eventually they’ll be extinct. If you find a copy of this – new or used – I highly suggest that you pick it up. Be sure to check the used CD face for obvious scratches and keep your receipt incase there is something wrong with the disc.
Stats
Run Time: 14:24
Number of Tracks: 3
UPC 0 1783791322 9
Producer: Barker / Pope
Original Released Date: 1990
Re-release Dates: 1993, 1996
released Under Wax Trax! Records
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![Godlike [Single] by KMFDM](http://di1.shopping.com/images1/pi/7e/a9/55/2002013285-177x150-0-0.jpg)
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