CD Review: KMFDM - Krank

Written by J. “Niggels” Uhlenbruch Monday, 21 March 2011 14:08

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Artist: KMFDM
Title: Krank
Genre: Industrial / Industrial Rock
Release Date: 11th March 2011
Label: KMFDM Records / Metropolis Records / Dependent

Single Review

KMFDM have released album by album over the last few years but a single release was rare thing for the German-American Industrial Rock combo. 'Krank' is actually the first proper single release in nine years, and the reason for this release can only be one: An attack on the world's underground dance floors.

And 'Krank' is designed for this! Available in three different version, the title track is an aggressive stomper in the best KMFDM tradition. This includes nonsensical and self-referential lyrics which pales any Gangsta Rap lyrics. First and foremost because of the ironic wink in them! The 'Käpt'n K Mix', which can be seen as the original version, is dominated by a hellish groove, eerie samples, cutting guitar riffs and Sascha “Käpt'n K” Konietzko's distorted and testosterone-driven vocals. This track will surely hit the dance floors with full force! The only problem is that it feels a bit like KMFDM by numbers, just like that last few KMFDM albums which offered more stagnation than innovative moments from this once progressive and groundbreaking band. Perhaps KMFDM decided years ago that they would become the MOTÖRHEAD of Industrial Metal? If so then they succeeded - just like Lemmy's ongoing tour circus KMFDM are still cool without changing their formula too much. And KMFDM are still an exciting live band - another parallel.

The remix by KOMOR KOMMANDO emphasises the club appeal and the electronic elements of 'Krank' a bit, while SKOLD's 'Knark Mix' is noisier. You won't find a radical remix here, though. As a bonus there are two versions of the song 'Day Of Light', and especially the 'Revenge Mix' offers quite some variety from the typical KMFDM formula with its somewhat jazzy live jam feel. The '24/7' has an eye on the clubs again and is pretty different from the previous remix. Classic KMFDM again but less aggressive and more melodic than 'Krank' - this version is perhaps one of the best offerings of this single release. All in all 'Krank' will serve its purpose. It could easily become KMFDM's next club hit and it wets the appetite for the forthcoming album 'WTF?', due to release in April. And it's KMFDM as you know them!


Tracklist

01. Krank (Käptn’ K Mix) by Sascha K.
02. Krank (Komor Kommando Mix) by Sebastian Komor
03. Krank (Knark Mix) by SKOLD
04. Day Of Light (Revenge Mix) by Bill Rieflin
05. Day Of Light (24/7 Mix)


Line-up

Sascha Konietzko - vocals/programming
Lucia Cifarelli - vocals, sound manipulation
Jules Hodgson - guitar
Andy Selway - drums
Steve White - guitars)


Website

http://kmfdm.net / http://www.myspace.com/officialkmfdm


Cover Picture




Rating

Music: 7
Sound: 9
Extras: -
Total: 8 / 10