DIE KRUPPS have left a massive mark on the German electronic music scene and also created a massive impact around the globe. And they are not done with continuing their work at all. Although in the 45th year of their fascinating career, DIE KRUPPS are ready to take on the world with their forthcoming new studio album.DIE KRUPPS were formed in Düsseldorf in 1980 by frontman Jürgen Engler and bass player Bernward Malaka, who had already played together in MALE - one of the first German Punk Rock bands. They were soon joined by electronic musician Ralf Dörper. At their core a German Industrial and EBM band, their name was inspired by the famous Krupp steelworks, symbolizing industrial revolution, massive firepower, and the fusion of machine and music that defined the band’s style. Blending elements of electronic rhythms, heavy metal guitar riffs, and socio-political themes, DIE KRUPPS were pioneers of several genres including Industrial, EBM, and Industrial Metal.
The early works of DIE KRUPPS, such as the debut album ‘Stahlwerksynfonie’ (1981), were heavily experimental, drawing on industrial noise and mechanical soundscapes. With their sophomore full-length ‘Volle Kraft voraus!’ (1982) and even more so with the previous single ‘Wahre Arbeit - Wahrer Lohn’ (1981), the Germans delivered a musical blueprint for the developing EBM scene and its leading acts such as FRONT 242 and NITZER EBB.
During the 1990s, DIE KRUPPS incorporated more metal-oriented guitars, leading to a crossover Industrial-Metal style heard on albums like ‘I’ (1992) and ‘II - The Final Option’ (1993). Their blending of EBM sequences and heavy guitars influenced the German NDH (Neue Deutsche Härte) scene including RAMMSTEIN. This period gained DIE KRUPPS international recognition and collaborations, while the band also included EXODUS guitarist Lee Altus in their line-up at the time.
After a hiatus in the late 1990s, DIE KRUPPS reformed in the 2000s, resuming touring and releasing new material. Later albums, such as ‘The Machinists of Joy’ (2013) and ‘Vision 2020 Vision’ (2019), reaffirmed their position as a longstanding and influential act in the Industrial and EBM scenes.
For 45 years, DIE KRUPPS have been synonymous with innovation, energy and uncompromising attitude. What Jürgen Engler as the driving creative force and composer and the visionary lyricist and sound artist Ralf Dörper have created is more than just music - it is a movement, a soundtrack for rebellion and change that has blurred the boundaries between EBM, Industrial and Metal. They are now joined by drummer extraordinaire Paul Keller and as the latest addition, guitarist Dylan Smith, who is well-known from his time with the legendary THE SISTERS OF MERCY. Smith brings a breath of fresh air and a special dynamic to the group, taking the band’s already powerful sound to a new level.
In 2025, DIE KRUPPS celebrate this extraordinary anniversary with a new chapter in their remarkable history, and in 2026, their long-awaited new album will be released!
Tracklist ‘Will nicht - MUSS! / On Collision Course’
1. Will nicht - MUSS!
2. On Collision Course
3. Schattenzeit (Shadow Remix by Mark Thwaite)
4. On Collision Course (Electro Remix by John Bechdel of Ministry)
5. Will nicht - MUSS! (Wahre Arbeit Remix by Jürgen Engler & Chris Lietz)
6. I Am the Storm (Mix by Cesar Soto of Ministry)
Line-up
Jürgen Engler – Vocals, Keyboards, Guitars, Steelophone
Ralf Dörper – Keyboards
Dylan Smith – Guitars
Paul Keller – Drums
Guest contributions
Cesar Soto – additional guitar on ‘I Am the Storm’
Mark Thwaite – additional beats & programming on ‘Schattenzeit Remix’
Ashley Bad – additional drums & synth on ‘Schattenzeit Remix’
John Bechdel – additional drums & keys on ‘On Collision Course Remix’
Source: Press Release
