REVIEWS

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KMFDM
Hau Ruck

Metropolis Records / KMFDM Records

Posted: Thursday, March 30, 2006
By: Ilker Yucel
Editor

Cliché though it may be to say so, no description could be more appropriate: "KMFDM, doin' it again." After two decades of conceptual continuity, the fathers of industrial rock are back with a new album. Hau Ruck is the second KMFDM album (third if you include the download-only Spider-Man 2 videogame soundtrack) to feature a steady lineup since the Sturm & Drang tour of 2002, all headed by The Käpt'n, KMFDM's founder Sascha Konietzko. Originally titled FUBAR, Hau Ruck continues along the path indicated by their previous album WWIII, but this time with a greater emphasis on synthesizers and groovy rhythms, a trait that may remind some of the early-to-mid '90s incarnation of KMFDM. However, make no mistake; this album is no repeat of past successes. This album possesses some of the most energetic music KMFDM has yet created.

"Lades and gentlemen. Hau Ruck." Thus begins their latest opus, the first time listeners have received a personal greeting from the band since Naïve. We are then treated immediately to the thrashing "Free Your Hate," featuring some trademark guitar riffs, revolutionary lyrics, and most notably Lucia sounding more menacing than ever before. In his recognizable shout, Sascha proclaims, "The beatings will continue until morale improves;" they do not fail to deliver this promise, as each following track ups the ante. The title track is a pounding militaristic romp, sung entirely in a creepy electronic German voice. Also interesting is the presence of background ambience on tracks like "Hau Ruck," and "You're No Good," reminiscent of certain tracks from the "Symbols" album. "New American Century" has some punchy analogue synthesizer bass lines, as well as some awesome lyrics that should give Americans a wakeup call as just how bad things are in this great nation today. "Real Thing" is a groovy track that would not have been out of place on Lucia's solo album, while "Every Day's a Good Day" is especially striking for its use of changing time signatures (KMFDM going progressive?).

Never ones to shy away from performing covers, KMFDM have delivered some humorous renditions of well known songs in the past, mocking the likes of Madonna, Frank Zappa, Deep Purple, and U2. Now, they cover French artist Jacques Dutronc with "Mini Mini Mini." For once, KMFDM take a cover very seriously; this track marches its way through the speakers. "Professional Killer" is almost a disco track with its bouncy electro bass line, before the guitars kick in full force, sounding like a modern update of their sound from 1990. "Feed Our Fame" comes in with the crowd chanting "KMFDM sucks," a straightforward rock n' roll beat, and some rocking guitars, while "Ready to Blow" is one of the most original tracks KMFDM has ever performed. With some slinky guitar and synth effects and a bouncy beat, this track will be a surefire pleaser for the dance floor. Closing things out is the appropriately titled "Auf Wiederseh'n." Again, with the marching beats... this track proves that KMFDM knows how to leave the listener with a killer finale while still leaving listeners begging for more.

Simply put, Hau Ruck is one of the best albums KMFDM has yet produced. Some would probably think that the lack of the revolving door of guest musicians might make for an uninspired set of songs. However, the lineup of Lucia, Jules, Sascha, Andy, and Steve do not disappoint in creating a varied and aggressive album, with each track pummeling out an onslaught of brutal industrial power. While not a dramatic departure from the sound of WWIII, Hau Ruck should please KMFDM fans of old with the increased presence of groovy beats and electronics the likes of which have not been heard from the band since 1997. It is saddening to see that Raymond "Pig" Watts was not present this time around, but given his personal problems since the last album, and the sheer power of Hau Ruck, his absence is hardly a detriment. Returning to analogue synthesizers and incorporating more danceable rhythms, but still paving the way forward with their ever developing sense of musicality and staying ahead of the current trends, KMFDM are without a doubt at the top of their game with Hau Ruck.