Hell Yeah by KMFDM (earMUSIC)

Hell Yeah by KMFDM (earMUSIC)

I wasn’t surprised at seeing KMFDM‘s Hell Yeah!, their 20th full-length since 1984.  I was surprised to hear how vital they still sound.  It seems that as long as there’s idiots running the world, we’ll need music to dance to as the latest horseman of the apocalypse makes his appearance.

Hell Yeah begins the proceedings with the title track.  Founder Sascha Konietzko cool croon takes on a gritty feel as the music gets you pumping.  KMFDM has always blended heavy metal guitars, drums and bass with electronic dance synths and beats and in 2017 that synthesis, while no longer novel, has hardened into a distinct and joyous style all its own.  Lucia Cifanelli takes the mic for Freak Flag, a techno framework is adorned with bouncy effects and chopped guitars as she sings an anthem for embracing individuality.  Total State Machine continues the lyrical theme of Freak Flag as Konietzko sings “diversity is human strength” and the yelled chorus “the government hates you!” set to a headbanging beat and searing guitars.  Rip the System is a manifesto for self-rule, Konietzko sing-speaking “We are the people, we are strong, let’s make up our minds and prove them wrong” as the rollicking beats and synths subtly morph from funk to reggae and early-80’s cheesy keyboard rock.

Shock and Rx 4 The Damned showcase Cifarelli’s range as well as two sides of her personality.  On Shock she sings seductively as the voice of a lover “Can’t stop the fever burning in me” set to a slow-grinding synth rock tempo while on Rx 4 The Damned her growling, often rapped approach is feisty and inspiring.  The music is equally rousing with slap bass, invigorating keys jabbing you from all directions and a bass thump that’ll throw you across the room.

Hell Yeah finishes up with Glam Glitz Guts & Gore, featuring Ministry guitarist Sin Quirin.  Dance or mosh to the industrial clanking beat and distorted guitars as Konietzko growls about all the things that keep us “complacent and fat”.

On Hell Yeah KMFDM prove they’re still needed to incite to action and to dance as the world collapse around us.

(by Bret Miller)

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