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Archived Reviews
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As most fans of KMFDM will immediately note, Hau Ruck is a change of pace. Known for numerous appearance by guest musicians and their five-letter album titles, this round Sascha K. and company break conventions. This disc is KMFDM stripped down to only a few basic players, passionate to give their fans the pure, refined archetype of the current state of their band. KMFDM's penchant for the 'ultra heavy beat' is still clear here; where it lacks the angry speed-metal onslaught of their last disc (WWIII), they deliver the disco-inflected industrial of their older releases. "Real Thing" barely feels like KMFDM, but is more in the terrain of Garbage; led by Lucia, this satin-smooth moment features seductive vocals, the jangle of alternative rock guitars and a sultry reggae synth and drum swagger. Lucia's slick singing returns in "Professional Killer", where a bubbling disco bassline and the occasional appearance of brassy horns perfectly compliment this diva, with the stuttering metal guitars adding that KMFDM industrial-rock edge. Looking for something a bit heavier? KMFDM supply the testosterone as well. "Hau Ruck" delivers monolithic riffs, the blare of sirens, and Sacha K.'s vocoded, robotic vocals, before the chorus bursts into a Germanic war march. "Free You Hate" clamps on with teeth, as Lucia proves her scream can match Sascha's bark over cymbal hits, machine-gun metal guitars, and a trudging beat. "You're No Good" features a Caribbean light squeaky synth and sultry vocal swagger before stepping on the gas to race ahead speed metal guitars and screamed lyrics. Lastly, "New American Century" has all the markings of one of the classic singles. Scathing, anti-Bush administration lyrics, a fuzzy sliding bass thump, staccato guitars, and a chorus-battle-cry to "fight the power" conspire to conquer club speakers worldwide. Originally titled FUBAR, Hau Ruck feels ambitious and fluid, unforced and driven. Like most of their releases, this album will probably polarise their fanbase once more into people who love, and people who hate it. For me, this is classic KMFDM, and their most consistent release since their acclaimed album, Symbols. |
