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KMFDM
Let Go
Metropolis Records
www.kmfdm.net


German Industrial act KMFDM is celebrating 40 years in 2024. Led by founder and multi-instrumentalist Sascha Konietzko, KMFDM has amassed a rather large catalog of music from studio albums, collaborations, EPs, live releases, rarities and more. To celebrate their four decades of Electro-Metal dominance, KMFDM is set to release their 23rd studio album Let Go on February 2, 2024.

I first discovered KMFDM with their appearance on the 1995's Mortal Kombat: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. "Juke-Joint Jezebel" had me hooked on the band back in the 90s when Techno music, as we called it, was at its peak. What has always set KMFDM apart from the rest in their genre, was the frequent implementation of heavy and distorted guitar riffs. Metalheads Techno if you will. Sure, there are plenty of times when they forgo them, but they sure can craft a catchy hook in their absence as well.

KMFDM's latest album kicks off with the title track "Let Go", an energetic track that encourages you to get out of your seat and just go wild. The track pulses thanks to Sascha's electronic triggers. "Push!" is an anthemic call-to-arms delivered as a duet between Konietzko and female vocalist Lucia Cifarella.

"Next Move" gets futuristic with robotic vocals working in tandem with the ominous inflections of their human master. Rapper MC Ocelot takes the track to another level with his freestyle lyrics in the final verse. A cavalcade of electronic sounds bring the track to its conclusion. Andy Selway's non-programmed drum work is refreshing to hear on the Cifarelli led track "Airhead". This track is reminiscent of something GARBAGE may have released circa 1997.

"Turn The Light On" tackles politicians and their failure to act, as well as their overreach of power. A subtle guitar lick plays in the background, which picks up in distortion throughout. The spoken vocals are delivered as if it was a campaign speech. "Touch" takes on social media vanity and the isolation that can come about from lack of real human contact.

Driving guitar riffage and throbbing electronics sounds command the German sung lyrics of "Erlkonig". "When The Bell Tolls" is a dark track about revenge and getting what's coming to you. Cifarelli is haunting and maniacal in her vocal delivery. Andee Blacksuger tears through a fiery guitar solo to close out the song. "WW 2023" takes on all forms of war going on in the world today. From military wars, to wars of ideologies, to wars on human rights.

KMFDM are similar to Heavy Metal legends AC/DC and MOTORHEAD in the fact that you know exactly what you're getting when you buy their latest albums. KMFDM have always been consistent, thought-provoking, and undoubtedly masters of their genre. Let Go is just another example of their proficiency to deliver intoxicating Electronic concepts underscored by Industrial riffs and grooves.

4.0 Out Of 5.0