Photo by Bobby Talamine
Founded in Paris in 1984 by Sascha Konietzko, KMFDM (Kein Mehrheit Für Die Mitleid, which the band loosely translates to ‘no mercy for the masses’) began as a performance art project and has since evolved into a multinational industrial powerhouse. Their unique sound, a fusion of heavy metal guitar riffs and electronic music, features a dynamic blend of both male and female vocals. KMFDM’s musical repertoire spans a diverse range of styles, including industrial rock, electronic body music, and even elements of reggae and dub. With a fierce political edge, their lyrics boldly confront and challenge themes of violence, war, and oppression.
KMFDM’s musical journey began with their early albums, recorded in Germany, but it was their move to the USA that marked a turning point. Signing with Chicago’s seminal record label Wax Trax! catapulted them to greater heights of success. The 90s saw the band constantly reinventing itself through a revolving door of members, securing their status as a household name in the US music scene. Their impact stretched from climbing the Billboard charts to featuring in blockbuster movie soundtracks, including notable films like Bad Boys and Mortal Kombat.
Rising from the ashes with a fresh, fierce ferocity, KMFDM storms into their 40th year with ‘LET GO‘, their 23rd studio album. Sascha “Käpt’n K” Konietzko, Lucia Cifarelli, Andy Selway, and Andee Blacksugar, the core powerhouse of the group, deliver an electrifying blend of pulse-pounding rhythms, scorching electronics, and blistering guitars. Vocals laden with grit, growl, and grind cut through the mix, offering a raw commentary on the social, political, and cultural turmoil swirling in today’s world. This latest offering from KMFDM isn’t just a celebration of their longevity; it’s a battle cry echoing through the chaos of our times.
KMFDM delivers a tantalizing preview of their latest opus with the album’s title track: a high-octane fusion of driving techno, dance, and funk, bursting with energy and rhythm. True to their reputation for stylistic diversity, the band seamlessly bridges genre gaps, melding sounds into what has come to be revered as the Ultra Heavy Beat.KMFDM’s continues to evolve while maintaining the core essence that fans have come to know and love – a relentless, pulsating force. Konietzko and Cifarelli prove as vicious a team as ever, equally sharing vocal and lyrical duties, with longtime associate MC Ocelot appearing to give ‘NEXT MOVE’ an extra touch of raucous rap energy. All the while, Blacksugar’s prowess on six-strings continues to awe and astound, backed by Selway’s dynamic drumming, meshing with Konietzko’s masterful programming.
“Never let them know your next move,” says Käpt’N K, laying down the band’s primary philosophy on this record, commanding you to let go of precept and pretense, to hold on tight, leave your worries behind, and get ready to rock!
Watch the video for “Let Go” below:
Mixed and mastered by the esteemed Benjamin Lawrenz—known for his work with VNV Nation, Deep Purple, Saga, Mono Inc., and Lord of the Lost—at Hamburg’s Chameleon Recording Studios, ‘LET GO‘ is a sonic juggernaut that marks KMFDM’s 40th anniversary with a bang. The album’s unyielding energy is visually captured in Aidan “BRUTE” Hughes’ distinctive cover artwork, reflecting the relentless force within.
Four decades into their journey, KMFDM’s Ultra Heavy Beat continues to defy the norms, eschewing pity and regret. Instead, it raises a defiant middle finger to a world engulfed in chaos, standing as a beacon of rebellious spirit and innovation.
The album LET GO will be out via Metropolis Records on February 2nd on CD, digital streaming, and a limited edition vinyl double LP.
Pre-save and preorder here.
Following the album’s release, KMFDM is set to embark on a month-long U.S. tour in the following cities.
Order tickets here.
TOUR DATES:
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