REVIEWS

Laibach
Anthems

One of the most influential and enigmatic groups in industrial music, this Slovenian collective unleashes a collection of their best work, along with a few surprises.

The Slovenian art and music collective known as Laibach are certainly no strangers to controversy. Having garnered attention as much for their provocative mix of fascist and socialist propagandist imagery and militaristic appearance as for their explosive blend of industrial atmosphere and bombastic pomp, Laibach have been challenging the social and political outlook on society for well over two decades. As they have been described numerous times in the past, they are not the answer but the question. They confront the degree to which fascist and socialist aesthetics play in modern society, employing them as tools of education as well as mockery. As their song "Hell:Symmetry" from their 2003 album W.A.T. states, "I will take your thoughts and I will make them mine / I will speak your language and I will make it mine." No statement could better exemplify Laibach's approach. Their infamous cover versions of groups such as Queen, The Beatles, Europe, and Status Quo have presented their ability to transform the most seemingly trite song into a Wagnerian anthem suitable for any totalitarian political convention. Indeed, their aptly named collection, Anthems showcases several highlights in the group's recorded musical output.

Starting things off is a new mix of "Das Spiel ist Aus" from last year's W.A.T., the chosen kickoff single. Replacing the original's ominous atmosphere for a faster techno-driven arrangement and creepier vocals, it cannot be said which version is superior. Suffice to say, it may be a different take, but no less satisfying. By now, practically everybody has heard the Teutonic march of "Tanz Mit Laibach." Nothing more need be said other than it is still perhaps one of the group's finest moments. "Final Countdown" comes in next, among one of their most revered covers (the original being a product of the embarrassing '80s hair metal band Europe). The original was average hair metal schlock, while Laibach's techno-operatic version gives the song a sense of meaning that would have otherwise been lacking. The same can be said of their versions of "Alle Gegen Alle" and "In the Army Now," both of which have been turned from pop trash into grandiose martial anthems. "Wirtschaft ist Tot," "Die Liebe," "Panorama," and "Drzava" bring in the group's brutal industrial sound with its combination of heavy percussion, throbbing electronics, and ominous vocals. The German and English versions of "Life is Life" ("Leben Heißt Leben" and "Opus Dei") are presented as well, with the English version being slightly faster, but both being distinguished by the Germanic fanfare befitting a Nuremberg rally. Their German cover of Queen's "One Vision," here in the form of "Geburt Einer Nation," and their infamous covers of The Beatles' "Get Back" and The Rolling Stones' "Sympathy For the Devil," also follow in this style. A brand new track, "Mama Leone" ends things on a quiet more positive note, a welcome counterbalance to the mayhem that we've heard so far.

A second disc is included that contains several rare and unreleased remixes. Most of the remixes are typical techno fare, but with the occasional moments of industrial ingenuity. This is especially so in the Zeta Reticula mix of "Tanz Mit Laibach," the iTurk mix of "W.A.T.," and the Optical mix of "God is God." While these remixes help mark Anthems as a special event not to be confused with the average "greatest hits" collection, the mixes in and of themselves are hardly anything special beyond offering different interpretations of songs that need no further exhibition. Laibach's sound and image are not likely to appeal to every audience. Most purists may revile them for their covers of well-known songs, while others may condemn the band for their use of symbols. However, Laibach has always been about challenging people's perceptions, and Anthems is perhaps the most concise and ultimate example of their work up to now. Complete with a 40-page booklet containing essays, paintings, and photos, Anthems is one of the best-assembled "best of" collections ever put out by any group.