KMFDM – Let Go – Skylight Webzine

Celebrating an impressive 40 years in the industry, KMFDM returns with their 23rd studio album, “LET GO,” featuring the core lineup of Sascha “Käpt’n K” Konietzko, Lucia Cifarelli, Andy Selway, and Andee Blacksugar. This album showcases the band’s enduring legacy while embracing new sonic territories. Here’s a track-by-track breakdown of this iconic release:

Let Go: With laser-like effects and 1990s techno grooves, “Let Go” sets the tone for the album, blending heavy guitar and goth vocals reminiscent of KMFDM’s classic industrial metal sound.
Push!: “Push!” kicks off with dramatic synth elements before evolving into an industrial metal powerhouse. The fusion of female vocals, funky bass lines, and hard-rock guitars pays homage to the band’s signature style.
Next Move: Slow, danceable percussion and vocoder vocals define “Next Move,” creating a captivating electro-infused atmosphere reminiscent of 1990s dance music.
Airhead: Drawing influences from 1990s alternative rock, “Airhead” channels the melodic guitars and catchy vocals akin to bands like Garbage, with a radio-friendly appeal.
Turn The Light On: Delayed bass effects and melodic guitars characterize the opening of “Turn The Light On,” leading into a heavy industrial onslaught with Rob Zombie-esque vocals and cyberpunk vibes.
Touch: “Touch” introduces electronic effects and danceable percussion, offering a departure from the album’s heavier tracks with ethereal vocals and hints of 1980s pop.
Erlkönig: Industrial dance beats and raw goth vocals define “Erlkönig,” blurring the lines between dance music and heavy rock throughout its duration.
When The Bell Tolls: Groovy and danceable, “When The Bell Tolls” combines trip-hop percussion with intense vocal delivery, showcasing KMFDM’s ability to seamlessly blend genres.
Totem E. Eggs: Complex percussion and heavy guitars create a horror-infused atmosphere in “Totem E. Eggs,” with elements reminiscent of Ministry’s industrial metal sound.
WW 2023: Cinematic samples and dramatic synths set the stage for “WW 2023,” a heavy track with raw vocals and psychedelic dance rhythms, offering a unique sonic experience.
Fillet Manchego Claret & Blow: Serving as the album’s instrumental outro, “Fillet Manchego Claret & Blow” delivers a whirlwind of drum n bass and industrial rock reminiscent of John 5’s style.

Overall, KMFDM’s “LET GO” is a dynamic journey, showcasing their ability to evolve while staying true to their signature industrial sound. Every track, from the throbbing rhythms of “Let Go” to the ethereal depths of “WW 2023,” offers a distinctive auditory experience that both honors the band’s past and pushes the genre’s limits. The album smartly blends elements of techno, metal, and dance, creating a diverse collection of songs. “LET GO” is a tribute to KMFDM’s ongoing discovery as industrial music pioneers, featuring strong vocals, catchy hooks, and incredibly interesting production.

Photo Credit: photos by Bobby Talamine