KMFDM, the self-proclaimed godfathers of industrial rock, released the album “Symbols” in 1997 and it remains one of their top albums.  KMFDM has been around since the early 80’s and they started with music that was more a performance art.  They often used samples from famous people then actual singing in their songs and used such instruments as vacuum cleaners hooked up to bass amps.  As KMFDM evolved they became more of an industrial act, then they picked up guitars and became the KMFDM we know now.  KMFDM is also known for their political views and their large sense of humor in their music.  Almost every album they have released has had one song lampooning the band, their music, or their political views.  The title of “Symbols” is actually a series of 5 symbols, including an explosion, a skull, a bomb, a tornado, and a fist.   For easiness sake though, I’m calling it “Symbols”.

The album is mostly in English, except for the song “Leid und Elend”, and the styling is quite different from almost any KMFDM release.  Their previous release ‘XTORT” was a guitar dominated piece while “Symbols” is almost a Techno or EBM with guitar.  Every song is based around a programmed techno-beat and the guitar is used as an accent.  Quite well I might add.  The first song is the best of the album, “Megalomaniac”.  It is also the lampooning song of the album.  With the KMFDM “ultra-heavy beat”, the growling distorted vocals and a great techno and keyboard feel it is easily the best on the album, and one of KMFDM’s greatest songs.  Other standout tracks include “Stray Bullet” with its infectious chant along chorus, and “Anarchy”, with its heavy club style beats. 

  Some KMFDM fans may be disappointed with this album but they’re missing out.  “Symbols” is one of their best releases in a catalogue full of them.

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Hompage: KMFDM.net
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